MISSION:
(PRIMARY) – Improve use of AIC as part of squadron Air-to-Air engagements
(SECONDARY) – Deploy AIM-54 in optimal conditions for engagement

EXECUTION:
Depart CVN-71, check in button 5
VIC-1 proceed to WP1
VIC-2 proceed to WP2

A/A ROE weapons RED/TIGHT

• • • Weapons employment per CLOSEOUT tasking
    • Known Air Threat – Mig-21, Mig-23, F-4, F-14
    • Known Sam Threat – SA-6, SA-2, SHORAD

RECOVER CVN-71 – Case I expected

COMS LADDER: 1, 3, 5, X (FAD A/FAD B), 3, 1

WHEN FEET WET MINALT 26,000

SUPPORT/TANKERS:

• • • Texaco 1 – 322.100 118Y
    • Texaco 2- 322.200 119Y

BULLSEYE

• • • Callsign: Frisco
    • Marked as DP

FLIGHTS:

• • • Victory 1
      • 1-1 – Mando
      • 1-2 Vesper/Seppo
      • 1-3 Gringo
    • Victory 2
      • 2-1 Gompass
      • 2-2 Tiger

AREA OF OPERATIONS:

Summary:

Victory flights departed CVN-71 and were granted direct route to CAP stations. Both flights stood CAP until directed into engagement by CLOSEOUT.

VIC 2 flight first engagement were three single groups. A MiG-21 and 2 MiG 29s. At 80 miles from engagement, VIC 2-1 took lead position with VIC-2-2 setting up a grinder with a 10+ mile trail. At approximately 55 miles from the MiG-21 VIC 2-1 engaged with a FOX 3 shot. VIC 2-2 also engaged with a FOX 3 shot when they were within range. The MiG-21 was able to defeat the missile and VIC 2-1 re-engaged this time with a FOX 1 shot at a distance of 13 nm. The MiG 21 was defeated. With 2-1 engaged with the MiG-21, VIC 2-2 engaged both MiG-29s with a FOX 3 shots. West group was defeated. The East group was not but suffered some sort of damage in the escaping the shot that they were seen parachuting from their jet. We did not get confirmation that the missile hit the target.

VIC 1 flight established their CAP at  VEGAS via CV Rendezvous. VIC 1 was called in on 3 single groups in VIC grouping. Lead and -2 led the engagement with -3 setting up a grinder of 10+ miles. Lead started the engaged the first contact at optimal WEZ with a FOX 3 shot and cranked left. -2 skated right at direction of lead. Lead’s AIM-54 forced the hostile MiG-25 to go defensive and crash into a hillside. -3 followed up the engagement with a FOX 3 shot at the western trail group – a MiG-29A. Unfortunately the hostile defeated the missile. – 3 then also skated out with Lead once more engaging this time with 3 FOX 3 shots that trashed the remaining targets in this engagement.

VIC 2 was enroute to re-establish its CAP when CLOSEOUT recommended a commit on two Iranian F-14s.  Without the necessary time to set up a proper grinder, -2 set up a combat spread but slightly trailing behind (~3-5nm). Both lead and -2 went with a FOX 3 shot with -2 TWS their target and lead on STT. Both Iranian F-14s got off their own FOX 3 shots. -2 was hit but not before his own shot struck and splashed his opponent. Lead’s target managed to evade the AIM-54 but was splashed with a FOX-1 shot from 10 miles when Lead went bonzai on the target. The second Iranian F-14 FOX 3s never hit their intended target.

VIC 1 re-established their CAP and were called in on their own pair of Iranian Tomcats. Each of the Hostiles Got off 2 FOX 3 shots before VIC 2 flight had managed to engage. Lead and -2 took lead and -3 took up a position in trail. -2 got 2 FOX 3 shots off. Unfortunately both shots were trashed. Lead went bonzai on the western most hostile and was able to get off a FOX 1 shot that defeated his target but was also hit by a follow up FOX 1 from the hostile. -3 came in and managed to get off 2 FOX 3 shots of his own but was hit by a follow up FOX 3 from the eastern hostile.

All remaining units returned to CVN-71 and conducted a CASE I landing.

LESSONS LEARNED:

• • Continual improvement of coordination with VF-103 and AIC still necessary.
  • Ensuring validity of target prior to taking shot – make sure you are firing with the opportunity for maximum success
  • Improve administrative work outside of engagement areas including interflight communications