SALTEX 2023 (IC, Invite Only)

[Stallenbourg]

SALTEX 2023
(South Atlantic Exercise)

The Republic of Varitziya has been subsumed by a military dictatorship that has taken total control of the governing body of the nation. For the past twenty years it has indoctrinated, conscripted, and procured one of the largest armed forces at the expense of the people's well-being. Over 30% of the nations budget has been allocated to the armed forces, which has expanded rapidly and aggressively.

Recently it has launched attacks against several merchant or military/paramilitary vessels belonging to nearby nations that enter its Exclusive Economic Zone and even beyond the zone into its claimed waters that its people use for commercial fishing. This has destabilized the general area and has demanded a response from the international community in order to eliminate the military capacity of the Republic of Varitziya and the overturning of the illegal military dictatorship.

It is unclear just how large its military has gotten, as it has been difficult to get accurate numbers thanks to the Varitziyans habit of using deep storage bunkers, enclosed bases, and large hangers, as well as the common practice of repainting numbers on their ships which make it difficult to assess just how many they have in total.

THE MISSION:
There are currently 2 Phases planned; The Naval Phase, and the Amphibious Assault Phase. Airstrikes will be constant during both phases depending on how the exercise goes.
The Coalition has to identify and engage/destroy all enemy military assets that appear during the operation.
Accurate identification is critical, there will be civilian traffic in the area, these will cost your nation points should these targets be hit without checking for identification.
Once all or most of the enemy assets at sea have been neutralized, the Coalition will move onto the total destruction of the Military Targets on the islands and the Amphibious Assault.

Below are the relevant maps for both context and viewing purposes.
Flag of the Republic of Varitziya

Map of the Republic of Varitziya

Target Map

Commencement of Operations

Admiral George M. Tully stepped onto the platform and walked up to the podium. Behind him were several dozen flags of the participating nations. It was a clear sky and the wind was mostly absent, making this the perfect time to host a speech. He adjusted the microphone, dusted his uniform off and shuffled his papers, the usual motions of someone preparing to speak to a grand audience. And it most certainly was one. Liaison Officers, Captains, Admirals, peoples from all across the world all gathered in this location to participate in the vaunted SALTEX exercises.

“It is a great honor to once again host the South Atlantic Exercises for our International partners and allies. Some faces I see in the crowd are familiar to me, others are new faces who I wish to know more of. Some of you I can most certainly say I have shared one too many beers with but that's for later and not now.” The crowd laughed jovially at the comment.

Tully grasped the podium again as his hands came down. He donned his reading glasses that were hanging from his coat pocket. He was getting a little old for this stuff but he enjoyed every second of it.
“It was a chance thing that the commencement of this exercise was to take place on June 6th. For those who may not be aware on June 6th, seventy-nine years ago today was the day that Operation Overlord commenced. An international coalition of nations took part in a great amphibious invasion of the European continent to free it from the tyranny of the Third Reich and Adolf Hitlers despotic regime.”

Tully nodded to several officers and officials on the left hand side of the seating area. They were the Americans and Brits who decided to show up to observe the event. Nods of approval came from their clique, as well as smiles.

“It is no secret that D-Day as it is more commonly referred to has been one of the most important military operations in history, that every captain or marine commander has at some point studied in their lifetime. It is sometimes humbling to read back on some of the diaries of the men who stormed the beaches, to the paratroopers who jumped in pitch darkness into enemy territory to perform the impossible, to the captains and sailors who gave their all to ensure that the boys on shore got every last shell of support they could fire, and to the airmen who day and night performed airstrikes to cripple the enemy war machine and paralyze it long enough for a foothold to be established on the continent.”

He gave a short pause as he flipped through his papers.

“But today my brothers and sisters, today is our own special day. Today is the day Operation Raging Tides will begin. This great coalition of nations that we have assembled here today will perform the impossible and secure victory against our own enemy in the SALTEX exercises.”

Tully shuffled with a holster he had, and unveiled a bright red flare gun. He aimed it at the sky as he said;

“Let the operation begin!” He fired and the green ball of light shot out of the small gun, it soared into the sky with smoke trailing behind it before slowing down its ascent to fall slowly. There was grand applause from the crowd as helicopters started up in the distance and vehicles engines turned over. After pleasantries and some exchanges were made between the officers, the crowd departed to their vehicles and set off for the airstrip where the helicopters and airplanes were awaiting to take them to the respective ships.

Far the distance the watch officer aboard the SNS Leopard spotted the green flare.
“Sir, they have fired the green flare Sir!” The watch officer turned and yelled to the Captain who was standing on the bridge.
“Understood, relay a message to the fleet over the UHF; Green Flare, prepare for combat operations.”
“Yes Sir, ‘UHF; Green Flare, prepare for Combat Operations’.” The Signals officer repeated as she input the message into her console and sent it out to the fleet.

The Ultra High Frequency Message was received and transmitted several times down the chain of command from the Carriers down to the outlying ships in the formations.


The XO onboard the SNS Sarlona turned to the CO and asked;
“When do we expect OPFOR to start doing something Ma’am?”
“We’ll have to see Jarvis, it's not the first time we have used OPFOR for an exercise, but not one of this scale. Its unprecedented really. So far it has performed well in previous exercises we have held but to use it for SALTEX? Kind of crazy to think the eggheads got it to handle that many ships and threats.”
Jarvis paused.
“Do you think the AI was originally for something else?”
“The DOD certainly has had rumors about drones or something, ones for combat that used AI exclusively, and I'm not talking about one of those drones that have a propeller and orbit slowly around an area.”
“What like a fighter jet or a warship?”
“Have you considered a mothership nexus?”
Jarvis blinked several times.
“That would be impressive to say the least if the rumors are true.”
“But that's all they are, rumors. It doesn’t explain anything about how they developed and AI that smart to perform like we have seen but it scares me. Even for an exercise.”
“Mary, I can't disagree with you on that one.”
They both looked out the command bridge over the deck as the E-2 Hawkeye launched from the catapult and soared into the sky. Orders were clear, it was EMCON across the entire multinational fleet. Assets were being pre-positioned in advance but everything was either communicated via signal flags or signal lamps. Only urgent messages were transmitted via UHF or ULF communications.

The stage was set for the orchestra to begin.

[Barnopea and Nordmark]

Lake Turwent Before Barnopean task force departure
Since the invitation to saltEx, The Barnopean Armed Forces have been preparing the two task forces which have have been massing at in the giant inland lake Turwnet, bar the attack submarines of 4th Attack submarine squadron. All Bar One Vice-Admiral Talbot-StJohn Muses the from bridge of his Flagship HBMS Gorgon, before he can request an update on where the Battleship Temaraire is the whooping of siren and hooting of fog horns from the other ships of the task groups, heralds the arrival of HBMS Temeraire 3rd ship of the Iron Duke class and currently Navy Flagship and loaded with Naval Officer cadets, as the Battleship Moves through the formation to take up its anchor point the Ships of the formation Render honours as she passes them as she passes The Gorgon He steps out onto the Bridge wing and Snaps off a salute to His navies Flagship, he turns to his is Flag lieutenant “signal Captain Tarrant aboard Excellent he may take to sea at his earliest convenience, Inform the fleet we are departing at First light and request Cradock to have some of his young gentlemen prepare the formation for transiting the Turwhen estary to open sea”

Commencement ceremony
Captain Cradock smiles inwardly at the mention of D-day and tries to ignore the glances from officers of other navies, his ship was there on that day providing shore bombardment she has the splinter damage on the top of A Turret from German shore battery fire near misses to prove it, and he fully intends in this operation that she will do what is expected of her Both as a major fleet unit and a floating naval Academy teach the next generation of Naval officers of his majesty’s navy he hope his mass of midshipmen will learn something even if it not what to do.

Signals Before Exercise Commencement to all participants From CO HBMS Temeraire
Warning
For the safety and security of Crew and ships when operating with B03 please be aware of the following Danger Zones.
Red: Main Battery
Yellow: Bow Ram Secondary Battery and AAA
Also Caution for rotary Aircraft operating near main funnel.

To All Officers of Flag Rank and tactical commanders From Commander JohnsDiotr's officer Commanding Midshipmen embarked aboard B03
Dear Sirs
To assist with our teaching would it be possible for tactical decisions and maneuverers to be proved to my Midshipmen with if possible and feasible some notes on what why when so they hopefully better understand fleet tactics
KR
CDr JohnsDiotr

[Stallenbourg]

June 6th, 12:00 Noon
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Mercosia
Limited Overcast
13 Knots Wind Speed West

Admiral Tully stared down at the signals report received from the HBMS Temeraire. It was an understandable request. They had brought an aged Battleship, a veteran of many wars no doubt and it was filled with many up and coming officers and cadets. Arguably the ship should have stayed home and in port as a museum tied up alongside a memorial pier, but it was Tully’s job as the Admiral appointed to oversee fleet training exercises for the Stallenbourgian Navy and her allies and partners. Besides, the last Battlecruiser Stallenbourg operated only left service thirty years ago.
“Quartermaster?”
“Yes sir!” The man turned from the binoculars he was using on the bridge wing of the SNS Mercosia.
“Get a response out to the Temeraire, we will be sending over a helicopter with several members of my staff to give guidance and up to date tactical information via the portable data-link system that they will be bringing with them. Can you translate that into signals?”
“Sir, there's nothing I can’t translate, sir.”
“Carry on.” Tully picked up his tea and sipped it as the Chief Quartermaster opened the box and started making signals to the next ship nearby. It was like a game of telephone but with flags really. Under these conditions orders would take at least twenty minutes or more depending on the signals and flag-staff’s capabilities.

He peered out over the horizon as he heard the close yet distant thrumming of a helicopter's rotor blades cutting through the air. Where would the enemy be? When will they strike? Have we already been detected? How long until some bad news comes up? These were the questions of an admiral at war. Yet there was no war to be found, only an exercise. But there was always the danger of something going wrong.

Casualties were going to occur at some point. Tully knew the entire enemy force composition but as part of the exercise he couldn’t even tell them the truth of just how many there were and where they would be. This was nothing like SALTEX 2021, but he had hope that the coalition fleet would prevail even in this tough fight that was ahead of it. He regretted that the Slaveškans and Boers, as well as the Rhamosians, couldn't make it. Their forces would have been great to have in this scenario, where the real fear was not the enemy's strength but its sheer depth. At sea reloads would need to take place and that was dangerous enough, combine that with an intelligent enemy and you have a set piece for disaster if not handled correctly.

He sighed. The reports would be coming in soon. No need to fret over the details now.

-

SNS Seawyvern
Captain Connigan
12:30

The bulbous nose of the submarine seemed to glide through the water, almost like a whale. In fact a whale was detected twenty minutes ago, 14,000 yards NNW of the Seawyvern. Its call was both beautiful and somewhat loud. The sonar operators could however ignore it and focus on listening for more important sounds. The towed array detected the two friendly submarines to its east and west, as well as the tonal's from well over a dozen ships that were in its baffles. But these were friendly ships.

The picket line of submarines was like an early warning system, prepared to send reports of enemy or neutral activity back up the chain. They had just finished making a deep sprint before coming above the thermal layer and through a pack of fish.
“Conn, Sonar, sonar contact bearing 330. Designating Sierra 1. Sounds like a single screw propeller.”
Captain Connigan pondered for a moment.
“Sonar, Conn, Update me when you get a better identification.”
It took another ten minutes before more came down the pipe.
“Conn, Sonar, Sierra 1 is moving at 10 knots, course 75, distance 55,000 yards. We have classified it as a civilian container ship.”
“Sonar, Conn, understood. Continue your sweep.” He spoke down the tube to the usual no reply. There was no room for error in a submarine, pointless talk is how you got killed, even in one of the most advanced submarines available to Stallenbourg, technology alone couldn’t guarantee victory. He was sweating.
Every submariner sweat’s but this was the tension that built up in you until it violently exploded. He took several deep breaths to calm himself down.
“XO, take us to PD. We’re going to do an ESM sweep to try and catch any signal traffic from our friends.”
“Yes sir, Helm, Conn, take us to Periscope Depth.”
“Conn, Helm, Periscope Depth aye.” The Helmsman returned as they gripped the wheel of the boat, feeling the change in direction as the submarine angled upwards. Other officers who were standing in the Helm were leaning forwards to account for the shift in angle of the boat.

Periscope Depth was forty-five feet from the surface of the ocean. The antennae slowly arose from the submarine's sail and stuck its bulb out into the air. Slowly the periscope came after, before dancing around in a circle as the Captain was no doubt performing the all-clear sweep to ensure there were no enemy ships or aviation that they failed to spot. They would stay like this for several minutes. With the boat moving only five knots, there was no wake following the periscope and ESM antennae.

“Conn, Signals, were detecting a faint series of transmissions between the islands and an area near us.”
“Signals, Conn, how close is the end point of the transmissions?”
“Conn, Signals, we estimate its over 100,000 yards North-Northeast of our current position, we have no specific data on the exact location of where these signals are going.”
“Signals, Conn, understood, carry on.”
Connigan turned to his XO.
“We’ll dive back down in fifteen minutes, I want to see what else they catch on the ESM. Before we dive we need to shoot off a VLF to the fleet about what is ahead.”
“Understood Sir, I’ll be sure to alert you if we detect any further signals.”

Radio traffic was abnormally quiet around the islands after the end of the transmissions. Two more ships were detected on ESM but it was unknown as to their classification. Visual identification or sonar based identification was required in order to figure those two out.

-

13:20
SNS Mercosia
Admiral Tully

He held the little yellow paper in his hands and read it. Three ships detected, two unidentifiable, and a collection of signal traffic around 91 and a half kilometers north of the submarine's location.
“Alright then. Signals?”
“Yes sir!” The operator swiveled in her chair at the console.
“Flash traffic for the coalition, we have detected three ships, one civilian and two unknown, and a series of signals 250 kilometers North-Northeast from Carrier Strike Group 2. We have no exact position on the signal's location as of current.”
“Yes sir!” She swiveled again and began copying down the correct codes before inputting the message into the UHF transmitter and firing it off to the coalition command.
“Captain?”
“Yes Admiral?”
“You have the authority to launch sorties from now on.”
“Understood sir.” He moved over to the ship intercom and picked up the device.
“This is the Captain, I want a four plane scout air patrol in the skies ASAP.” He then put down the receiver and looked out over the deck. There was commotion now as the F-35C’s got into their positions, and launched off the ship. The last one to launch came off the port side catapult and angled its nose upwards into the sky. They formed up and headed off, moving to identify the ships and their locations.

“Admiral, this reminds me almost of Coral Sea, and all those books we used to read.”
“Well, at Coral Sea they had land based scouts and seaplanes out there also doing recon.”
“True, we have our own but they won’t be on station until 16:00.”

Map of Events during this post.

[Unionis Augustinus]

SALTEX Commencement of Operations

As Admiral Tully was conducting his speech retelling the tale of the Normandy Landings, Antinavarchus Albus Caran was recalling his own experience from the Barsus Crisis almost 11 years ago. Prior to his assignment as the commander of 38 Eidiki Omadii, he was a carrier captain providing support to Confederation forces during their assault of the Southern Barsus provinces. Once the speech ended and the crowd began dispersing, Albus would introduce himself to his coalition counterparts and proceed to the CCS Sovereign.

Somewhere in the South Atlantic Ocean
-1230 June 6-

As the 38 Eidiki Omadii was sailing in its position among the coalition fleet at 8kts, a message was received from the Stallenbourgian admiral.

"Contacts have been detected. One civilian, two unknown. Grid Kilo-Oscar-2-4-28."

"Can confirm on our radar, sir. Your orders?"

"Flash the 38 Omadi to move to General Quarters. Deploy a UAV scout unit and Combat Air Patrol and have Snaggletooth scout ahead," ordered Antinavarchus Carian.

Sovereign's deck was abuzz with activity as aircraft were being positioned to their catapults. A pair of KA-32 fighters of the 86 Turmae and an IA-35 AEWC aircraft were given the go-ahead for launch. Soon after an IEA-37 UAV was launched and directed towards the location of the unknown contacts.

Meanwhile, Snaggletooth would proceed at 18kts to act as the 38 Eidiki Omadi's vanguard.

[Barnopea and Nordmark]

South Atlantic Ocean HBMS Gorgon

Vice-Adm Talbot-StJohn looks over the messages received from the Stallenbourgian admiral the first pleases him, the training of Naval Cadets and Jr officers is the Temeraire and her two sister’s Primary role when in active service, He knows her deployment has annoyed the Naval Academy, so the fact their partners are willing to help gives him some pleasure in knowing the detractors in Nedensburg will be quietened down. The second one Gives him some concern as it looks like contact has been found, his mind momentarily goes back to his first command a Wolverine Class FAC and the day the Namji tried to force the Kings straight during the Anarchy.
“Signals?”
“Signals Aye!” the operator calls from his seat
“Flash to Trtions Contact with unknowns made Investigate Clear to engage if Fire on transmit coordinates as needed”.
“Aye Sir”

He turns to Captain Stratham of the Gorgon
“Captain, I think it’s time for Blue Seven and get some Air units up there,”
“I think Rear Adm Erickson and Commodore Harden agree sir The Trident and the City of Leeds Have both launched Archangels and a Tracker and Both the Trident and Edward I have signalled requesting permission to assume Blue Seven”.
“In that case signal all units Blue Seven”.

He is somewhat Glad that the BRN still uses signal flags. In officer's and crews’ minds in this case each ship has a code book of standing orders that can be communicated Via a colour and Number, in this case, order Blue Seven is to assume a defensive formation.
He turns to one of his flag Lieutenant
“Alex? Signal the Fleet Commander with my Gratitude for agreeing to Cmdr. JohnsDitors request, inform him that the first 4 MPA’s From the Air Force will be on station in 15-30 minutes and have received taskings”.
“Sir” she snaps off a salute and heads top side to make the signals.

Somewhere Under the South Atlantic
HBMS Brilliant detects the unknown contact here captain orders her to investigate.

[Connori Pilgrims]

06 June 2023 - SALTEX 2023 Commencement Ceremony

Amongst the assembled delegations of stars and bushcoats, VADM Juario li Menaleos listened to ADM Tully's speech. It seemed to get the appropriate reactions from the crowd. Beside him, also listening, was RGEN Rommel R Nakarios of the Tessarapoula Konnoria, the commander for the Marine contingent assigned for SALTEX 2023. While the speech was ongoing, the two officers began to converse in their native Diimortalian:

(ADM Tully speaking in the background)

VADM: "What do you think, bok?"

RGEN: "Oh, its a good speech. Bit pompy, but it comes with the territory."

VADM: "Indeed. Credit to ADM George over there for assembling this bunch, so he's free to have his spice and flourish."

(reaches to the part of Tully's speech on D-Day)

VADM: "Imagine that bok, seventy-nine years separate us from D-Day".

RGEN: "There were other bigger amphib ops after that war though... Leyte, Iwo Jima..."

VADM: "heh, let it be bok. D-Day, and the war against Hitler, always had that mystique, at least in the Euro part of the world. Tojo never had the same memetic stock as old Adolf..."

(ADM Tully fires the green flare, )

RGEN: "Heh, looks like the show's about to begin."

VADM: "Showtime then. See you on the bounce, bok, I'll just chat with some of our foreign colleagues first..."

RGEN Nakarios boarded the waiting Osprey tiltrotor, which proceeded to the amphibious assault ship Hocloban. After his chats, VADM Menelaos would board his transport, a Ceryle ASW/sea-control aircraft fitted for VIP transport, to travel to the supercarrier Lalisanalia

South Atlantic Ocean
061200H June 2023

Battlegroups Lalisanalia and Hocloban received the Stal messages signaling the initiation of the proceedings on the standard UHF frequencies. At the time of the receipt, they had already been arrayed in column formation as pre-agreed during the planning phase, with the destroyers Ivan Storkenos and Delacour leading the battlegroups respectively.

VADM Menelaos proceeded to the Lalisanalia's sprawling CIC, deep within the massive carrier. It was a new model CIC, dominated by a large central projection board displaying all the data being fed through the Coordinated Combat Network. Currently, it was displaying the coalition's surface forces as it advanced on the "target island" representing the OPFOR republic.

As the operation commenced, the Lalisanalia immediately launched five aircraft: one Athene AEW&C aircraft, callsign Watchtower, to provide AEW overwatch, one Ceryle, callsign Ahab to provide ASW and general maritime patrol, a Chrysaetos UCAV fitted for electronic warfare and ISR, and two F/A-24D Strike Talons from FS No.028 for the CAP. As they launched, two F/A-46 Seahawks from FS No.381, and another Athene were lined up on the bow catapults, ready to go for rapid reinforcing of the CAP. Oil Wars combat experience taught the need not only for strong continuous CAPs but for a need to rapidly reinforce it in the event of sudden enemy raids, as well as the critical importance of AEW.

The surface forces in general went into Condition Sierra: minimum EMCON (nav radars only on), 20kts cruise.


061230H June

The nuclear submarine Wendelyn sailed gently along at a modest 8kts while at roughly 45ft depth. Like the Seawyvrern, she was on advance picket mode for the forces, with ESM, panoramic photonic mast and the towed sonar array extended.

They too began to detect transmissions north-northeast, but given the distances, accurate fixes were not immediately forthcoming. Picking up that the Seawyvrern had sent a ULF to the coalition fleet, the Wendelyn's CO decided to advance closer to try and get better data. After taking the time to retract masts and towed arrays, the submarine sped up to 16kts, double her listening speed but still well within silent running. She aimed to take up station corresponding to grid H22.

061330H June

Watchtower tracked the Augustinian and Stallenbourger aircraft as they got up to inspect the new contacts. The CAP and UCAV mix was on standby to reinforce should something funny happen, while Ahab diverted to help investigate the unknown contacts.

[Stallenbourg]

June 6th, 15:00
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Mercosia
Limited Overcast
14 Knot Wind Speed West-Northwest

“Sir we’re getting UHF transmissions and signals flag messages from across the fleet, more contacts are being detected either by sonar via submarines, or through signals traffic. We have gotten clarification on seven new detection's, civilian shipping or fishing vessels, we have data on movement while others appear to be trawling for fish or not moving.” The Captain handed the papers to Admiral Tully.

“And I see we have several dozen new contacts that need to be identified. This one looks suspicious.”
He pointed to a group of ships that was detected, but it lacked data on anything regarding what they were.
The Captain looked over.
“Sir, I think we can both agree that it's either an enemy battle group or a pack of fishermen.”
“More transmissions here I'm guessing?” Another finger pointed out towards a collection of icons.
“Correct sir, we were guessing by the similar traffic signals that they might be enemies, however we still aren’t confident.”
“Captain Sullivan let me say this, with confidence, some of these markers have to be our enemy. The math simply doesn’t add up. If we were to illuminate with our surface search radars right now I guarantee we would see the entire map start to glow like a fucking Christmas tree, but I can guarantee that it would only take mere seconds for the enemies to lock on to us and launch an immediate response, and we would be on the defensive. We are going to dictate this battle not them. Not that damn OPFOR robot.”
His face grew stern, seemingly agitated by the Captain though it was not directed towards him.

Tully was there to oversee the predecessors of OPFOR in action. He was admittedly impressed but he had this deep sense of fear in his gut about the system. The UCAV’s Halley and Jena were the one he watched over, and their performance in the live fire air combat exercises was deeply concerning. If the AI used to control those aircraft was only a miniaturized version of OPFOR, then he could only think of just what OPFOR would do even if it was programmed to act based on naval commanders and intelligence rather than ace fighter jockeys.

“Should we do something about the new contacts sir?” The Captain pressed.
“Hm? Oh sorry I was thinking, No I think our coalition friends will handle them. They need the training as much as our forces do.”
“Understood sir.”
“Quartermaster?”
“Yes sir?”
“Signal a message to the coalition fleets to begin discrimination of the new contacts that they have detected.”
“Understood sir.”

-

June 6th, 15:05
South Atlantic Ocean
F-35C - 25,000 Feet Above Sea Level

Captain Edwards R. Ingleson “Pine” flew in a diagonal adjacent right formation, with him being the lead aircraft. His three wingmen flew alongside and scanned the surface of the ocean. The AN/AAQ-40 was like having super eyes, it could survey almost the entire ocean before them. At 25,000 feet they could see roughly 283 kilometers, however there still were limits even in the almost magical system.
He flicked to the LWIR mode and scanned for anything glowing from the sun hitting a ship's deck.

He focused on the area designated Mike-33, it was resolved to be a Oil Tanker, though he could not discriminate the nationality using LWIR. He flicked it off and saw that the ship was red and had a white bridge with a yellow funnel. Definitely civilian.
He flicked LWIR back on and shifted over to the other zones where there was some recent transmission data.
It was at the tail edge of his viewing distance but he could barely see it. Three ships, in a triangular formation with the largest at the front. It looked like a Destroyer and two frigates, though the destroyer was certainly older by miles. The camera snapped several pictures as it recorded the entire scene.

“Team we are going to orbit this area for the next two minutes while I transmit this back down to the fleet.”
He got acknowledgements in return as he pushed several buttons on the monitor in front of him and had the data sent back. His flight was not armed to take down this small flotilla, but it was undeniable that they were the enemy. He pondered for a moment if there was a submarine present as well, but this looked more like a reserve flotilla doing a patrol on the outer edge of the battle space.

Within minutes he got orders to return at once to the carrier to rearm and refuel.

-

June 6th, 15:15
South Atlantic Ocean
OPFOR

NO ENEMY DETECTED.
OPTICALLY SPOTTED ODD SHAPES PERFORMING IN AIR AT EXTREME DISTANCE BEFORE DASHING OFF SOUTH OF 19-EB.
CONCLUSION: ALIENS.
WILL CONTINUE LOOKING FOR HOSTILES.

-

June 6th, 15:15
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Mercosia

Tully looked at the monitor and saw the Icon flash from yellow to red. He panned his eyes over to the opposing monitor that replayed the footage from Captain Ingleson’s aircraft. The intelligence officer on board the ship was reviewing the footage in the chair.
“Sir I would wager that this is the 19th Escort Brigade.” He passed Tully a data sheet that had the vessels and general characteristics on them. The first one resembled a Kashin class destroyer, but the other two were more similar to the somewhat newer Chinese Frigates built in the 90’s.

“Admiral I have already given the orders to prepare new wings to engage. ‘Pine’ and his flight will land and re-arm with the JSM’s, in total I am sending up 16 aircraft with full combat loads to engage this brigade, Sir.”
“Excellent, I can’t wait to see the results.”

He got up and walked over to the window, the deck park was beginning to grow with wagons loaded with missiles running up to aircraft fully loaded and then running back empty. He noticed some stealth bulbs on the lower wings of a couple aircraft. Presumably they were the electronic warfare suite to jam the enemy systems. He hoped this would go to plan without losses. The sheet he looked at described the ships as between a generation or two behind in technology. This formation must be a reserve formation just scouting the periphery.

A Barnopean MPA was coming in from behind the formation, Triton-4. Most likely it would be hunting for submarines, or even surface ships. Tully was hoping that neither the Barnopeans nor his unit's MPA's would get ‘shot down’ during the course of the exercise.

-

June 6th, 15:20
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Seawyvern
Captain Connigan

The boat dashed through the water at thirty five knots. It was at a depth of a thousand feet, so they were generating some noise but without cavitating, it would be harder to discriminate just what they were.
In an hour they would do another sweep of the area and try to detect any underwater and above water friends. Seawyvern should be clear until then.

The other submarines in the formation would be performing their sweeps around the same time if not at different intervals. Connigan relaxed a little in his bed as he tried to get some rest. Sleep was not only fleeting for the captain of a submarine but it was very inconsistent too. The Captain was the nerve center of the boat, him and the XO were easily the two most important, but in the context of submarine combat there was only the chance to get hit once and that was it. So really it was all on the Captain.

The Submarine sped on unopposed deep under the waves as it continued its course.

Map of Events during this post.

[Eltany]

1220, 6-6-23
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Hawkfish

Alef’s platoon commander, O4 Ahuwalia of Eltany’s Naval Special Operations Group, waited patiently to be briefed by his commander, O5 Hosseini, and the Stallenbourgian captain of the Hawkfish SWS. Ahuwalia’s superiors both knew the plan for the exercise; the information relayed to him was minimal. Ahuwalia knew his platoon would be screening a beachhead for a larger amphibious force, they were equipped as such. Half of Bet platoon was also on the Hawkfish, they were outfitted for a completely different mission. Bet’s commander was on the Spearfish, and their XO had even less information than Ahuwalia. But, he thought: information scarcity comes with the territory. Naval SOG’s historical occupation has been with piracy, which is inherently unpredictable. This would be different though. He was working with unfamiliar equipment in a new environment. SOG has cooperated with the Stallenbourg Naval Forces before, but never in such close quarters, never from one of their submarines. Training was too brief. They had never conducted an operation like this before. In the decade since Ahuwalia had commissioned, the SOG came a long way from set-piece operations against technologically inferior opponents, but rehearsal of such a novel operation would have been comforting. The SOG was evolving to meet a threat environment shifting towards near-peer contingencies. Routine peacekeeping and security operations were becoming increasingly adversarial as China looked to involve itself in African affairs. The Eltany Navy was driven closer to its NEMOS allies as a result; this is the navy’s first time participating in SALTEX. The contributions of Ahuwalia’s Alef platoon and the rest of SOG-1, as minor as they may be, mark a new development in strategy for SOG use in a near-peer war. Participation in an exercise as large as SALTEX marks Eltany’s renewed commitment to NEMOS, and an acknowledgement of the Eltany Republic’s newfound place in the emerging world order.

[Unionis Augustinus]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic
-1500 June 6-

Antinavarchus Carian was in in Sovereign's CIC Room looking over the current situation as new information is being received from allied forces. Sovereign's captain enters the room to give a situation report on the task force's activities.

"So far so good, sir. The Corvus (IEA-37) just passed Juliet-2-1. Contact in that location was civilian vessel with a Northeasterly-Course," reported the captain as he begun to look into the CIC's war table. "New contacts, sir?"

"Yes. Some from our own passive sensors and the rest are reports from our allies," replied Carian.

"Orders, sir?"

"I want to know what's ahead of us, so have the Corvus proceed to investigate November-2-1. Also, I believe its time we cycled our CAP and, if needed, ready a force to support our allies."

"Aye sir."

Sovereign's deck was busy as ever as another pair of KA-32 fighters from the 86 Turmae were launched to relieve the earlier pair and YA-35C aerial refueling aircraft from the 421 Turmae was also launched. Readied on the 4 catapults were a pair KA-46A fighters from 51 Turmae and a pair of EA-32 electronic attack aircraft to support the CAP and allied forces if needed.

-1503 June 6-

Snaggletooth was sailing as 38 Eidiki Omadi's vanguard when its sensors detected several unknown contacts ahead. She then continued at 18kts to get to the L19 coordinates and have a better idea of what was ahead.

[The Akasha Colony]

June 6, 2023
South Atlantic, 1520 hours local
CRS New Heinessenpolis

The flag bridge aboard New Heinessenpolis bustled with activity as Admiral Malchus' staff processed the information that had been reported by the coalition. The electronic map table dominated the center of the room, with additional screens along the rear wall and over a dozen workstations dotted around the room for the flag staff. The window shutters on the port side had been drawn to cut down on the glare from the afternoon sun.

The admiral's desk was positioned against the starboard side of the room, giving him a direct view of the sea and easy access to his flying bridge. The only sign of other ships was the thin white wake from the Artemis-class USV escorting his flagship a few kilometers to the northeast. He'd doffed the service dress uniform worn for the opening ceremony and was back in his well-worn set of blue coveralls as he sifted through the information provided by his intelligence staff.

The most recent coalition transmissions had flagged an anomalous concentration of contacts almost directly north of his task group near point Oscar-11, beyond a handful of contacts that had already been identified as civilian vessels. A handful of other unidentified contacts had also been reported to the northwest, just beyond the range of his screens.

Given his group's position on the western flank of the coalition fleet, it seemed likely that these fell into his task force's area of operations.

Stepping over to the map table, he was quickly joined by Captain Ojukwu, his strike commander, who he had summoned from his own planning room to discuss the planned operation. Ojukwu, who'd already served in his position for over a year, immediately picked up on the most

"Here, sir. I assume this cluster of contacts to the north are our highest priority?"

"Indeed. We need to know what they are, or at least find out what they aren't. These other contacts to the west are also of concern, as they are much closer to the task group."

"We can have a reconnaissance package up within 20 minutes to probe the area around Oscar-10 and rearrange our existing CAP to the northwest to monitor those new contacts. Marrakesh is still on for another three hours."

"Excellent. Keep me informed if anything comes up."

Satisfied with the progress of the air mission, Malchus returned to reviewing the status of the rest of the task force. His two submarines had been issued standing orders to discreetly continue approaching the island using their captains' best judgement, keeping clear of allied operational sectors to avoid potential mis-identification and to maintain radio silence until given other orders. His surface screen had been focused on protection along his western hemisphere given the rest of the task force's position to the east, but had not encountered any hostile assets as of yet.

June 6, 2023
South Atlantic, 1535 hours local
CRS Marrakesh

Unlike New Heinessenpolis' quiet flight deck, the flight deck of Marrakesh was a constant hive of activity as aircraft of various types launched and landed at regular intervals. Marrakesh was currently the active carrier in the task group, and was responsible for maintaining both the standard CAP and responding to any tasking requests, like the recent order to probe the contacts to the north.

A RMP-285 Cormorant MPA had been brought up and readied on the waist catapult, while a pair of RFM-206 Nkwazi fighters had been readied on the bow catapults. A pair of refueling drones had been spotted to follow the fighters, in order to extend the mission of the current AEW&C force to cover the contacts to the northwest.

In addition to the regular cycling of the CAP, a half-dozen fighters along with four strike drones had been readied with a multi-role package of arms. In a few hours, this responsibility would be handed over to the air wing aboard New Heinessenpolis, who had the "honor" of handling the night shift operations so far.

Position update:

• REC-285 AEW&C at Hotel-8
• RMP-285 MPA + 2x RFM-206 at Kilo-10
• RFM-206 CAP at Foxtrot-5 and Juliet-11
• SN4304 at Hotel 12
• SN4230 at Hotel-7

[Connori Pilgrims]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic
061530H June 2023

The Wendelyn arrived at GS-H22 on schedule, whereupon her skipper, CAPT Annalise vi Studebelos, ordered speed back down to 8kts, ESM masts raised and towed arrays unspooled. CAPT Studebelos was informed by her sonar cheiristí that a civil craft was on their port bow, approx 19-19.44nmi/35-36km. As the arrays, both towed and fixed picked up more info, she was also informed that submarine contacts were being tracked to the west, southwest and to the east. In all likelihood, friendly submarines forming part of the coalition undersea pickets, some of whom apparently were also sprinting ahead. They were to be tracked nonetheless; experience from the Wars had taught of the challenges of organizing and co-operating numbers of stealthy submarines within relatively close vicinity without "snitching" on each other.

Two groups of unknown were also detected and were of particular interest: 94nmi/175km dead ahead, and a northwest, a sonar contact approximately 155nmi/288km and a large number of electronic signatures 191nmi/355km northwest. CAPT Sudebelos ordered to maintain steady course, ensuring they avoided the nearby civil craft. As they continued to listen in and pick up signals, the Wendelyn's intelligent combat engine (ICE) continued to update the CIC with tracks, as well as conducting algorithmic matching from known databases to try and identify these new unknowns...

061535H June 2023

Battlegroups Lalisanalia and Hocloban were made aware by Watchtower that a hostile escort flotilla was detected by Barnopean MPAs and Stall CAP patrols, with the Stallenbourg fleet preparing a strike package. While VADM Menaleos somewhat envied that Tulley would get first catch of the operation, he knew there were more opportunities for engagement coming; Watchtower also detected the contact dead ahead that the Wendelyn was tracking, while fleetwide ESMs were monitoring the transmissions north and north-northwest.

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

SALTEX Commencement of Operations

While Admiral Tully delivered his commencement address, Vice Admiral Konrad Huber fumed angrily. He hoped his visible frustration had gone unnoticed amidst the ceremony's pomp. Thankfully, that uncomfortable moment was in the past, and back on his flagship, the Mariroux City, Huber could finally release the pent-up anger he had harbored.

Compared to previous years, Huber had a daunting task ahead of him. The September Island Crisis had shattered the esteemed reputation of his beloved navy. This incident had tarnished the Navy's standing and cast ripples in politics. In the aftermath, the government crumbled, leading to the president's resignation and the defense minister's dismissal due to incompetence. Admiral Giuseppe, the commander of the ill-fated task force, had faced a court-martial for his ineptitude.

June 6th, 15:30
South Atlantic Ocean
AS Mariroux City
Vice Admiral Konrad Huber

“Orders, sir?”
Huber had contemplated the overall situation for some time, but now was the time for action. Looking at the tactical map, he issued several orders.
"We can't let the Stallenbourgians have all the fun, now, can we?" He addressed the entire room. He issued his first orders of the exercise without waiting for a response. "Have our submarines to advance at 10 knots along their current headings." He didn't want to be startled and needed more information, which he hoped his sub-screen would provide as they progressed.

He had two unidentified contacts in the vicinity of his formation. In N39, he had a group of ships that stood out to Huber. Huber was fairly certain he was looking at a grouping of warships because civilian shipping did not usually travel in groups. There was also a single contact in P37, who was probably a merchant.

Turning to one of his operations officers, “Have CSG 1 launch a CAP flight with accompanying AWACS”. He paused momentarily, carefully considering his course of action, “CSG 2 should launch a strike package to recon the N39 grouping and destroy them if confirmed hostile.”
“Yes, sir, I will make the transmissions now.”

Now began the waiting as the CIC came to life around him, putting into motion his orders.

[Stallenbourg]

June 6th, 15:35
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Mercosia
Limited Overcast
17 Knot Wind Speed West-Northwest

Tully twiddled his thumbs together as he occasionally read reports from other ships in the fleet. They would soon be getting their own contacts no doubt, so time will tell.
"Anything new communications?"
"Sir, the strike package is about to arrive at its launch point."
"Make sure their camera's are rolling, I wanna see the tin cans get blown apart."

His eyes wandered, but he heard a commotion behind him, it was the intelligence officer chuckling to himself.
"Hows it going Intelligence?"
The officer laughed a bit more before giving the news.
"Sir, the egg heads are losing their minds apparently. The AI detected a formation of weird objects and assumed them to be 'Aliens' and did nothing to react."
"That has got to be the best news I heard all day."
"Unfortunately they are apparently going to give it an update very soon to rectify that from happening."
"Lets just hope it doesn't try to shoot down a civilian airliner. That's the last thing I want to hear about today."

-

June 6th, 15:35
South Atlantic Ocean
F-35C - 30,100 Feet Above Sea Level

"Captain were in range."
"I knew we were in range already, the issue is how close the civilian traffic is to these warships. We gotta be close enough to launch so the missiles will only target the enemy ships but far enough away to not be shot at by them, super delicate situation we got here."
He got off the comm and stared at his HUD. He flicked the master arm on as the three blips were being optically tracked and transmitted between each plane. Only four F-35C's would launch their payloads, the other four would wait, while another four used their ECM pods to further jam the enemy. He had his two missiles aimed at the two more advanced ships in the group, the third older ship was being locked by two missiles of the eight total.

"Fire up the pods, we are go for launch people."
He engaged his targeting radar and instantly painted the ships, his hand instinctively was on the chaff and flare switches in the event of a counter launch.
"Bruiser Bruiser!" Across the net the same call out was made, as the grey pylon shaped objects separated from their craft, and engaged their boosters. They launched in Way point Designation Mode, and would only activate once they passed a specific threshold.
Pines flight peeled to the rear of the formation, letting the fully armed planes and the ECM jammers move ahead.

-

June 6th, 15:35
South Atlantic Ocean
OPFOR

MASS JAMMING DETECTED.
READYING WEAPONS FOR ANTI-AIRCRAFT COMBAT.
NO SIGN OF HOSTILES OR TARGETS.

The missiles dashed downwards through the clouds, reaching the sea and leveling out, skimming the surface. They closed in and activated, turning their targeting radar on and beaming towards their pre-designated targets.


INCOMING INCOMING. ALERT ALERT.
FAST MOVING TARGETS DETECTED, ENGAGING WILL ALL ARMAMENTS.

The frigates launched a missile each before reloading, while the destroyer launched its full rack of four missiles. They converged towards the incoming threats, three of the destroyers missiles missed their targets, but the last one did a proximity explosion and damaged one of the ASM's heading towards the frigates, sending it careening into the murky depths before exploding underwater. The frigates missiles missed their first volley, by the time they had their second set of missiles ready, it was too late and the targets were within the minimum distance range. Chaff and smoke exploded high above the ships to try and get them to beam away.
Noticing this, the ASM's switched to a different attack mode, and rose into the sky, passing over the ships, before turning back and aiming down. The first two missiles slammed into the destroyer, blowing its superstructure apart, and catching fire.
Three of the ASM's engaged a frigate, only one made it through the hail storm of CIWS fire and struck home, obliterating the bridge in a fireball.
The last four ASM's careened towards the final frigate, two being shot down, with the first missile slamming into the hanger bay, destroying the helicopter and blowing out the other side of the ship. The second missile impacted the bow, next to the 76mm gun turret. The explosion shot down into the hull and ignited the munitions, causing a chain reaction as the ship's bow seemed to tear itself apart. A plume of fire shot skywards as debris fell down into the sea.

-

June 6th, 15:40
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Mercosia

"Tully sir." It was the communications officer.
"How did the strike go?" He was practically on the edge of his seat.
"It was a success sir, all three ships are on fire or sinking."
"Good, keep those birds in the sky for a while longer, I have a feeling we might need them soon."

-

June 6th, 15:39
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Seawyvern
Captain Connigan

"Conn, Sonar."
The Captain listened. "What you got sonar?"
"Sir we just detected several explosions roughly 109000 yards away. It seems the shooting started without us."
"Understood sonar, continue with your sweeps, I don't want to find a damn submarine behind us anytime soon."

Map of events during this post. Includes events from previous posts.

[Unionis Augustinus]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic
-1536 June 6-

Snaggletooth managed to reach its position at Lima-1-9 as she reduced her speed to 10 knots deploying her ESM mast and towed array. The two unknowns that were around 75-80km from her position were ascertained as singular contacts on both accounts. What concerned Ploiarchos Joannes Silvestri, Snaggletooth's captain, was the unknown contact around 125km north of Snaggletooth's position.

"Report."

"Contacts in Oscar-1-7 and November-2-2 appear to be singular contacts. Singular screws. Possibly civilian shipping."

"We can get visual confirmation on November as the Corvus will be flying overhead to confirm. I'm concerned with the relatively big contact ahead of us."

"Aye sir. One moment. Seems to be... Multiple screws. Possible multiple contacts."

"Acknowledged. Inform Sovereign and get us in closer."

As the Snaggletooth continued its sweep, the Corvus UAV would begin its own sweep and pass the November-2-2 position and confirm that it was a civilian container ship with a northeasterly heading. The Corvus would then proceed towards the Quebec-1-9 position.

-1541 June 6-

Antinavarchus Carian was receiving the new situation report from Sovereign's captain.

"Sir, our friends from Stallenbourg have drawn first blood. Three targets have been knocked out. Snaggletooth's skipper reports two of the contacts ahead of us appear to be civilian and the Corvus has confirmed the November contact. Possible grouped contact at Quebec."

"Send the Corvus over to those coordinates and inform Snaggletooth, Happy Hunting. Joannes will know the rest," Carian replied.

"Aye sir."

-1551 June 6-

The Corvus UAV arrived at the Quebec-1-9 coordinates began its sweep of the area. Immediately, the radar return indicated numerous vessels, two of which were larger than the rest.

"Sir, the Corvus found something in the coordinates. Multiple vessels with a southeasterly heading. Showing the feed now, sir."

"Cross reference this with the intel that we've been provided with. We are we looking at?"

"Looks like a carrier battle group, sir. One carrier, two destroyers, four frigates and an auxiliary."

"From the intel we've been provided beforehand, this is Varitziya's 4th Carrier Battle Group. Looks like they have some advanced vessels. Your orders Anavarch?"

"Let's bring the Corvus home and inform the coalition of our findings. Judging from the strength of this force, we will need to coordinate attacks to saturate their defenses. Ready our birds for the attack and flash the rest of the task force for action stations," ordered Carian.

"Aye sir."

The four aircraft that were readied at the catapults were launched immediately and four KA-46A fighters, each equipped with 4 AS-15 supersonic anti-ship missiles, were readied on the catapults. The six KA-46As were given the callsign 'Skadi' with Skadi 1 and 2 providing anti-fighter cover while Skadi's 3 through 6 would conduct the attack on the enemy battle group. The two EA-32s, given the callsign 'Surefire' would provide ECM cover. A new IA-35, given the callsign 'Rahu', will replace the AEWC duties from the previous one.

Skadi and Surefire flights will proceed to Kilo-1-8. Rahu will fly to India-2-0 and maintain orbit there. Snaggletooth will maintain silent running at Lima-1-9 and then proceed to November-1-8. 38 Eidikii Omadii will proceed to Echo-2-0 at 18kts with the current CAP maintaining their cover over the task force and 38 Epithesi Omadii following behind at Charlie-2-0.

[Connori Pilgrims]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic
061535H June 2023

The Wendelyn's sonar arrays picked up on passive the contacts dead ahead. Her ICE immediately isolated the unknowns' acoustic signatures and matching them up with the OPFOR reference database distributed before the exercise start, all in less than an eyeblink.

"Looks like we have our first catch." CAPT Studebelos said, watching the CIC display show the new targets. One "Haeju"-class and two "Chondong"-class destroyers, of the (fictional) 2nd Destroyer Brigade.

"Aye Ma'am. The Stallens really went the extra mile to generate these targets... doubtless has something to do with the new techs theyve been tinkering with", replied her No 2, CMDR Inarius Kalebon, as he checked his tablet containing the classified Diéfthynsi Naftikón Pliroforión (DNP) briefing for this exercise.

"Or it could just be a very committed worldbuilder in their equivalent of Games and Theory," chimed in the XO of the Wendelyn, LCDR Vincent Petrolios. "Your orders, Ma'am".

"Ring up an expendable to let the fleet know what we've found. Then get us down to 50m, silent descent. We're too close for VLS-based ordinance, so load 6 tubes with UGSW, two with IDAS four-packs in case their helos come knocking, and the remainder with Spearfish in case something else shows up."

"AYE MA'AM".

061555H-1620H June 2023

"Admiral, Sir, multiple reports feeding in."

"Alright, spit it out man."

"Sir, Stallenbourg strike package has hit their targets N-NE. All targets hit, so far no reported losses to friendlies."

"Save some for the rest of us, George..." VADM Menaleos said below his breath while listening to the report. At the same time, he kept his eyes glued to the CIC central infoboard as it displayed the goings on.

"Flash message from our Confed brothers. OPFOR CVBG sighted to our west. Augustine strike package under way. Lastly, we've got a UHF priority message from the Wendelyn, she's got a destroyer brigade dead ahead."

"Ah, good job Annalise. Keep those destroyers on track, I know she'll be hacking off to bag some targets. As for the OPFOR flattop, send a flash back to our brothers, tell'em we'll lend our support. Captain Demeter, get our birds in the air."

The two F/A-46s previously at the ready at No. 1 and No. 3 bow catapults, callsigns Watchman 3 and Watchman 4 were launched to provide a reinforced CAP together with Garuda 1 and Garuda 2 (the F/A-24s from earlier), given the confirmation of OPFOR naval aviation. Immediately taking their place within minutes were another two F/A-46s from No.381, loaded with six JSMs (2 internal + 2 KE-AAMs for self defense; 4 external) as an anti-ship package, callsigns Popeye 1 and Popeye 2.

The waist cats were loaded with two FQ-36A Chrysaetos UCAVs with callsigns Popeye 1-2 and Popeye 2-2, loaded for SEAD/DEAD with wing-mounted mid-band NGJs, a pair of MALD-Js and two Sarissa Dacha DP-BVRAAMs, which would fight alongside Popeye 1 and 2.

At the signal, Popeye 1 and 2 and their unmanned wingmen launched, being vectored into holding position at Kilo-16 until the Augustine strike package reached their launch positions, maintaining altitude at under 1000m/3280ft until they reach Kilo-16. Garuda and Watchman flights were vectored to provide BVR cover for them as well as an active shield for the coalition at Juliett-19, 3000m/9842ft. Watchtower maintains orbit over Echo-22. As airspace becomes more congested, Watchtower issues advisories to the relevant friendlies, particularly the Barnopean Triton MPAs.

Meanwhile, both Battlegroups Lalisanalia and Hocloban went into Condition Charlie: Action Stations, passives on full alert. A second wave of aircraft from Lalisanalia was readied, this time from No.357 Sdrn.


SUMMARY OF POSITIONS by 1620H June 2023
Kilo-16 - Popeye flight (2 F/A-46A and 2 FQ-36A ) at 1000m/3280ft altitude,
Juliett-19 - Garuda flight (2 F/A-24D) and Watchman Flight (2 F/A-46A) at 3000m/9842ft altitude
Echo-22 - Watchtower AEW at 10000m/32808ft, Ahab ASW/Patrol (from previous posts) at 3000m/4842ft

[Barnopea and Nordmark]

20,0000 feet over the ocean
Triton 4
Flt Lt Jansoon and the crew of the BRAF Mako MPA, listen to the reports that the Stallenbourgers have drawn first blood with a carrier strike on some escorts, he can hear the grumbles from the WSO behind, the flight down was a long boring flight with little to do and he knows from experience they all want to be the first aircraft to get a live launch of a new MKXIII Baracuda, He pops the intercom “ Cheer up you lot let’s get some nice pics of the Steelburgers as we go past and then let's see if we need to double tap those escorts and get some nice pictures for the pilots family albums books and if and when we can do a patrol” the chuckles can be heard over the engine noises. In his mind, though his major worry is his normal Mako “Cat with a Bat IV” suffered a bird strike a week before Saltex, as such his crew are stuck using the squadron Number 1 aircraft, which is painted in a full-colour display livery complete with a squadron badge on the tail the jokes about it looking like an airliner have been constant and unending with every one of the Tanker crews on the flight down asking for peanuts and when dinner is served and Triton 3’s gift of a sexy airlines stewardess costume ah well he muses can’t be all bad he has the nice job in like the other 3 Tritons.

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

June 6th, 16:00
South Atlantic Ocean
AS Mariroux City
Vice Admiral Konrad Huber

"Sir, the strike package is closing on the group of ships," a subordinate reported.

This spurred Huber into action, and he began to pepper him with questions.

"Wonderful, what have they found? How many?"

"They have detected one active HR-44D search radar and are closing for visual identification."

Huber paused momentarily, began consulting warship identification cards, and soon found what he sought. Only two possible candidates possessed such a radar, the Mirun-class corvette and the Muran-class corvette. While the Mirun possessed significant anti-ship armament, the Muran did not, and neither possessed significant anti-aircraft weaponry. He would have a definitive answer once the strike package made visual contact.

"We have visual contact with the formation, sir," a sailor called out

"Put it up on the big screen," Huber responded

Five images flashed across the screen before being minimized, with the final image staying enlarged. After consulting his cards again, he saw four ships were Muran class corvettes. The last two were not, but they were only slightly larger than the Murans they were accompanying. Going off a hunch, he pawed through Menghean Navy Corvettes and soon found what he was looking at on the big screen. Two Saebyŏk-class corvettes were accompanying their smaller cousins.

"Order the strike package to engage."

June 6th, 16:05
South Atlantic Ocean
Rafale M - 25,000 Feet Above Sea Level

"We are cleared to engage; pick your targets and wait for my word." The flight leader called.

"Seven and Eight weapons tight, we may have yet more targets to engage." The seventh and eighth planes in the flight responded with a disappointing affirmative.

They switched on their radars individually, utilizing their data link to coordinate. These corvettes would be relatively easy opponents for the AGM-7 Arrow cruise missiles that the flight was carrying. To ensure the destruction of the enemy formation, each enemy ship was to be targeted by three missiles to ensure saturation. A single hit would cripple the ship if not outright destroy it; multiple hits would most likely reduce such small vessels to razor blades.

Once the entire flight had reported ready, the order was given.

"Attack!" The flight leader called out, and soon the airwaves were filled with "Bruiser, Bruiser, Bruiser!" as each plane released its payload of cruise missiles. The flight leader made his calls as his Rafale shuddered with the release of his three missiles. With the release of his final missile, his plane finally felt like a fighter jet again rather than a brick. Banking away from the enemy formation, he watched the missiles disappear at supersonic speed.

[Stallenbourg]

June 6th, 16:05
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Mercosia
Overcast
18 Knot Wind Speed West-Northwest

Admiral Tully was reviewing the camera footage from the recent strike, watching the white blip streak towards and erupt in a massive explosion as it rocked the enemy ship back and forth. In its death wails a CIWS gun fired as its munitions cooked off, and the ship rolled over like a dog revealing its belly before sinking below the waves.
Satisfied, he looked at the tactical display and watched the strike flight move towards the north west. The Augustinians detected an enemy carrier battle group. No doubt there would be pickets nearby, and if there was not then they could use more missile’s to help saturate the leviathan.
However this did not give him and sense of ease. Shots have been fired and communications traffic was only becoming more frequented, even at UHF and VLF frequencies. It would only be a matter of time.

“Admiral Sir, I have some bad news.” Tully braced himself against the chair as he reached down to the handkerchief in his jacket pocket. He wiped his brow, there was air conditioning but he was still sweating. He paused for a moment in thought.
“I'm ready.” He looked into the comms officers eyes.
“Sir, an enemy satellite has passed over the fleets.”
“What did they catch?” He gestured with his hand, making a flat palm upwards as if he was going to grab a piece of paper.
“The Augustinians, Connori’s, our fleet, and the Amerians.”
“Did they detect the Barnopeans or Akashan Fleets?”
“No sir. The Satellite passed over only our formations.”
“Damn.” He knew this would happen, he didn’t know when but he felt it coming, and unlike a real war he couldn’t have fired a ASAT missile into the heavens before it reached an orbit over the fleet. There was no due cause to shoot down your own nation's satellite unless it was in a decaying orbit.
“I want another flight of ten 35’s in the sky from the carrier Sarlona with haste. Get the other ten on their ship ready for action at Rear Admiral Mary’s discretion. I want the entire fleet on standby for anti-aircraft combat with their Illuminators and targeting radars in passive mode.” He was micromanaging again, but he had a good reason to.
“Understood sir.” The comms officer got to work.

-

June 6th, 16:09
South Atlantic Ocean
F-35C - 25,000 Feet Above Sea Level

Captain Pine watched the monitor like a hawk. There should have been a target or at least a ship in this quadrant, but there was nothing. Not a wake, not a trace of a ship, not even a hulk sinking into a watery grave. There was simply nothing. Oscar 26 was just another empty quadrant of space on the already large theater of operations. Understandably there would be glitches, false contacts, or misinterpreted readings of signal traffic. He didn’t know why Oscar 26 resolved to be empty but he continued watching the screen into Oscar 27. Still nothing.

The flight continued onwards towards the enemy Carrier Battle Group. He still had his radar off and was only using the LWR camera. They weren’t in range just yet, the other fleets' air groups would get their shots off on the carrier long before they had a visual on the group. Sure he could turn the targeting radar on or simply input the coordinates directly to the missiles smart heads so that he could fire from this long range, relying on the data link that was being transmitted from the fleet. But he felt compelled to see the destruction first hand and to provide up to date information to the wider battle space.

Perhaps another part of him felt that it was unfair that his nation gets all the kills. This was a training exercise after all and not a real war. Though the stakes were certainly higher even if nobody would ‘die’ in the real sense. Maybe it was honor, discipline, or some sense of fairness. Whatever it was he restrained his thoughts and continued ahead with the formation into November 26.

-

June 6th, 16:00
South Atlantic Ocean
OPFOR

ENEMY DRONE SPOTTED NEAR 4TH STRIKE FLEET, ENGAGING WITH MISSILES.
ENEMY FLEETS DETECTED VIA SATELLITE. PREPARING COUNTER STRIKE.
LAUNCHING FIGHTERS, LAUNCHING FIGHTER BOMBERS. READYING COASTAL MISSILE BATTERIES. SORTIEING BOMBER FORMATIONS.

ENGAGE ALL HOSTILE FORCES. GIVE NO RESPITE.

-

A ship in the 4th CVBG launched two missiles from its VLS tubes. Its targeting radars had easily painted the drone, and with the formation on high alert, all ships were now broadcasting their radars and electronic warfare suite. The manta ray appearance of the stealth drone had been orbiting safely, the enemy almost completely oblivious to its presence, but now its cover had been removed.
The missile’s raced towards the drone. It banked hard and released a burst of flares to try and deceive the missiles, but having both seeker heads and illuminators painting the drone, it was a fruitless endeavor.
The first and second missile ‘impacted’ as the camera on the drone fizzed for a moment, and no longer had visual on the formation. It was ‘destroyed’ and won’t play a further role in the operation.

The Enemy carriers deck was alive, as planes moved onto catapults and launched with haste. By 16:10 there were several flights of aircraft in the sky. The 110th Fighter Squadron took to the skies, twelve DS-9MD/R jets armed with Hwasal and Dando air-to-air missiles, and Salmusa missiles for anti-shipping. The carrier itself began steaming northwards towards the islands, it needed to get more distance between itself and the enemy in order to prolong combat operations.

-

Far and away on the island of Varitziya, coastal missile batteries drove down roads all across the country facing toward the south. The pods on their backs raised towards the sky, some were completely vertical. Waiting for the right moment.

The international airport had been closed for some time, but over a dozen regiments of bombers prepared and took off from the airport. Fully loaded with anti-shipping missiles. This was the counterstrike, the single blow that would stave off this invasion and cripple the invading forces. No radars were needed, just grid coordinates and intelligence from the satellite that passed over. It would only take a half hour from their take off to reach launch positions. It was 16:15.

-

November 39, the Anti-Submarine Warfare Group was fully aware of its impending doom, but it had almost nothing to fight off eighteen cruise missiles. The first six missiles came right at their targets, two were shot down by CIWS guns, with another being downed by a missile launched from the deck via a MANPAD.
It was not enough however and the first three impacted the tiny ships. The next six missiles came and virtually vaporized the previously hit ships, with two of them immediately splitting in half due to munitions detonations. Millions of shards of fragmentation and metal blasted in all directions as the ocean was pockmarked with puddles of oil.
The last three ships fought hard, shooting down one more missile, before each ship took two missiles each and disappeared in fireballs. The remaining two missiles flew past the destroyed wrecks, scanning for targets. They never found new targets however, and their boosters died as they slowly crashed into the ocean. Blowing up minutes later in large plumes of water. It was 16:15.

-

June 6th, 16:10
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Hawkfish

Utterly silent, the odd shape of the submarine and its sister crept along, listening for contact. They had heard explosions recently and were doing a sweep to ensure that they were safe prior to making a leap ahead. They communicated via the underwater telephone infrequently, only at a whisper. It was critical that they made next to no sound at all. Reports were terse and blunt.

Captain Toshio Inutsuka, a native Stallenbourgian from New Kyoto, felt great pride in being asked to do this mission. His ship was the only one in the fleet who’s crew primarily spoke Japanese. It's not that they did not know English, but they forged a greater bond of brotherhood through their cultural connection, and high command knew it. Toshio’s ship was always the first one to volunteer for any mission. He knew loyalty and accepted the praise of his countrymen, some of whom within the special warfare branch envied his willingness to go beyond.

This however, was a very different mission. Sure it was a training exercise, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t still serious. No this was different because the spooks on board for this mission were not his countrymen.
He didn’t have any opinions on the Eltany people, but it was a new feeling to be working this directly with his nation's allies in the NDP. And they did speak English, quite well in fact. The officers were fluent, while the soldiers were at varying levels of a basic understanding.

“Conn, Sonar, we detected faint propeller noises, its distance but we fear that an enemy submarine is out there. Designating Sierra 1, contact is at vector 035, what are your orders?”
“Sonar, Conn, maintain tracking of the target, get a good firing solution on it.”
“Understood.”

Several unnerving minutes passed.
“Conn, Sonar, we have multiple distant transients from our starboard side, they are underwater echos sir. Sounds like something on the surface exploded.”
“Battle stations.” Quietly, everyone shuffled around to the correct positions, as the words left the Captain's mouth. The blue light gleamed on his glasses, as he stared at the monitors and lights that flickered.
“Conn, Sonar, firing solution acquired. It's a Chŏngsangŏri class SSB. Course is 165, speed 10 knots, range 50,000 yards. It just started moving faster sir, we think the explosions scared them into action.”
“Sonar, Conn, understood. Alert me when we are within 40,000 yards.”
He paused and turned to his XO.
“Get me the Spearfish.”

The underwater telephone’s light flicked on indicating a secured transmission.
“Captain Dale, enemy SSB, 50,000 yards, I will engage, you move 10,000 yards behind me.”
“Understood, take the lead.”
With that he hung up the phone.
“Keep ahead at five knots, continue until we have a solution.”
He checked his watch, it was 16:30.


-

June 6th, 16:16
South Atlantic Ocean
SNS Seawyvern
Captain Connigan

He returned to the bridge, making a conscious effort to lighten his footsteps. It was more of a habit than a requirement.

“Skipper, Sonar just reported hearing underwater echoes off our starboard bow. Sound must have traveled down from the surface and hit the sea floor before bouncing its way towards us. It was very muffled however.”
“Have we detected any enemy ships or submarines?”
“We have heard nothing new sir. If anything is out there we are out of range to hear it yet. The Ocean is starting to churn up more and the bathythermograph has indicated a smooth decline in temperature. Our ability to hear is going to be vastly diminished if the current tempo of the waves picks up. We're looking at 70 decibels currently.”
“I see. Keep us at six hundred feet with the towed arrays extended, make sure the sonar crews get rotations so they can rest their ears for a while. It's been a couple of hours already and we still haven’t detected anything. I know those boys and girls are giving me their A game to prove that their time in the schools wasn’t for nothing. Take leave, I’ll take the Conn for the next few hours.”
“Yes sir.” The XO saluted before departing for his bunk.

The Captain took a deep breath and exhaled. More explosions would occur, he knew it would happen. But what he did not know was when, and that is what made him tense. He cleared his mind and tried to focus on the mission. ‘Scout ahead of the fleet and alert the fleet to any important information, take action at your discretion.’ That meant he could kill on detection any ship that got in his range.

That gave him some ease at the very least, he can shoot first and report later if he is required. The navy knows how serious submarine operations are, and that giving more autonomy to a submarine's captain was a good thing if they chose to still report in before engaging, but some enemies were simply too dangerous to report on, they would hear you before you finished making the report.

He stared at the sea-foam green walls and focused. “Soon enough” he thought, “they will show themselves.”

Map Update:

Position Update: All Naval Forces on map have moved one tile up.
F-35C Squadron moved to November 26.
Enemy SUB1 has been revealed in Lima 32.
New Unknown Signals have appeared around Varitziya.
Oscar 26 was a false reading, no ship present.

[Unionis Augustinus]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic

-1605 June 6-
CCS Sovereign

"Interesting way of 'downing' our drone," chimed Sovereign's captain.

"Consider it lucky enough that the Corvus got that close in the first place," Albus commented. "Do take a note for our cyberwarfare unit since it is a bit alarming that the feed was affected even for a moment. Have the Corvus land at the airfield our Stallenbourgian friends set up for us, since it's technically out of the fight. Also have Skadi and Surefire to commence their attack, hopefully our friends will follow suit."

"Anavarch, message from Admiral Tully. Enemy satellite detected Stallenbourg, Ameria, Connorianople and Augustinian battlegroups. Barnopea and Carthage battlegroups remain undetected."

"Looks like it passed overhead while we were at EMCON. Under normal circumstances we would have downed that satellite way before it had the chance to fly overhead," commented Sovereign's captain.

"I guess its Tully's way of making things interesting for us. Change our bearing west and reinforce the CAP."

"Aye, Anavarch."

-1608 June 6-
20,000ft above the Kilo-1-8 Coordinates

The strike force from Sovereign reached their designated point. The formation is centered around Skadi 3 to 6 in a finger four formation with Skadi 1 and 2 providing top cover from their six o'clock and Surefire flight at the formation's two o'clock position.

"This is Rahu to all Skadi and Surfire victors. We have the go ahead from Sovereign."

"Copy Rahu. Targets opened up their radars. Surefire moving to engage. 'Magnum-Magnum'. We are 'Arizona' and returning to Sovereign, over."

"Roger, Surefire. Skadi 3 you are cleared to attack."

"Copy Lead. Skadi 3, Kraken's away."

The two EA-32 attack aircraft of Surefire unload a pair of AS-9 anti-radiation missiles each and soon after, the four KA-46s of Skadi unload their payload of 4 AS-15 supersonic anti-ship missiles onto the enemy carrier group. After the formation unloads their payload, they begin their flight back to Sovereign. Four minutes after the initial launch does the strike find their marks. Two of the anti-radiation missiles and 10 of the anti-ship missiles manage to connect to their targets, with the rest being intercepted by enemy defenses.

Back at Sovereign, Antinavarchus Carian was observing the events unfold from the ship's CIC room.

"We have confirmed hits. I repeat, we have confirmed hits."

"Excellent, let's hope our Connori brothers and Stallenbourgian friends have better success. After our CAP's been reinforced, ready another strike force," ordered Albus.

Summary of Positions as of 1620H
- Skadi and Surefire at Juliet-1-8 at 20,000ft returning to carrier
- Rahu at Juliet-2-0 maintaining 30,000ft orbit
- Snaggletooth at Mama-1-9
- 38 Eidiki Omadii at Foxtrot-1-9 with 10 o'clock heading with 7 aircraft CAP orbiting its position
- 38 Epithesi Omadii at Delta-1-9 with 10 o'clock heading

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

June 6th, 16:20
South Atlantic Ocean
AS Mariroux City
“The strike package reports the successful destruction of the target,” a sailor announced.

Reflecting on the feat of annihilating six unscathed adversary warships, Huber pondered that accomplishing such a task was an impressive opener. However, his excitement was short-lived, swiftly quelled by the arrival of a message from Admiral Tully.

“Admiral Huber, an urgent message from Admiral Tully!” a radio operator’s voice rang out.

“Read it out,” Huber replied

“Tully reports that an enemy satellite has identified our presence, along with the Stallenbourgian, Connorianople, and Augustinian battlegroups.”

“Dammit.”

“Alter the fleet’s course; we are to head west,” he ordered, prompting the radio operators to swiftly spread the order across the fleet.

Gazing at the tactical map, he formulated his forthcoming series of actions.

“Dispatch the strike package to investigate the contact in grid P37,” he instructed.

“Now, we must ready ourselves for the impending counterattack,” he paused before adding, “We must reinforce our standing CAP beforehand.” He continued to issue instructions.

“Bring our standing CAP to full strength by launching the reserve flight.”

“Commence two extra CAP missions, aided by AWACS support, and another two without AWACS, positioning them ahead of the fleet to engage and intercept any incoming threats.”

“Get in touch with the Onyx,” Huber commanded. “I have a fresh assignment for them: they are to eliminate that hostile submarine before it establishes contact with Hawkfish and their group.”

Summary of Actions
STK is heading to P37.
Standing CAP reinforced to 8.
Two more CAP W/AWACS sorties were launched. (8 fighters each)
Two CAP WO/AWACS sorties were launched (8 fighters each)
All CAP moving on line to K37
SSN 9 moving to engage SUB 1

[Connori Pilgrims]

Somewhere in the South Atlantic
061600H-1620H June 2023


Onboard UPS Lalisanalia

VADM Menelaos watched the situation unfold from the Augustinian drone loss, when the flash message from VADM Tully came in.

"Lemme guess, they've spotted us?"

"Yes Admiral. Orbital recon picked us up, as well as the Augustinians, the Stallenbourgers and the Amerians."

"Figures as much. Groups as large as this coalition were never going to evade detection. Even back in the Oil Wars, we and our enemies both massed bigger fleets than this, and without fail they were to send a message, not be sneaky."

"We could've blinded them if we knew they were up there."

"Yes, but that wouldnt be as fun."

"Admiral, Popeye is almost in position."

"Good. Lets get our followup wave ready too."
----------------------------------------------------------------------

As the Augustine Skadi and Surefire Flights began their attack, Popeye Flight continued on to Lima-15, before they too released their payloads, serving as an immediate follow-up to the Augustine strike.

"Popeye Flight, this is Watchtower. Augustine strike underway. Attack clearance green, weapons tight. Go skating, delousing unknown contacts over CVBG, expect incoming."

"This is Popeye Uno, copy Watchtower. Popeye Uno-Dos and Dos-Dos standby on jamming; Popeye Dos, check target plan, target red CV, will target DDGs. Kraken! Kraken! Kraken!"

Popeye 1 and Popeye 2 released their payload, a total of twelve JSMs; 6 for the carrier and 3 each for the DDGs. After missile release, the F/A-46s ejected external pylons to (mostly) restore low-observability, then turned south-southwestward with their wingmen UCAVs behind them, towards Carthaginian and Augustine-controlled airspace. The missiles, though not supersonic, immediately dived onto the deck at about 7-10m above sea level, making their way to the OPFOR CVBG.

Meanwhile, Garuda and Watchman Flights proceeded to gridsquare Lima-19 at ~Mach 1.5, in response to the OPFOR launching the 110th Fighter Squadron off its carrier's decks. As the 110FS' flights climbed to their intended altitude, they were picked up by Watchtower, still maintaining AEW&C cover on the Connori forward vector, after going through the requisite interrogate.

To cover Skadi, Surefire and Popeye Flights' withdrawal, Garuda and Watchman Flights were to engage the 110FS upon reaching Lima-19. Garuda and Watchman Flights were supplied data for very-long-range missile shots, while the 110FS were still assembling over the carrier. Between the four aircraft, they had sixteen Sarissa Compact BVRAAMs and twelve Iris III MRAAMs, plus cannon ammo.

"This is Watchtower. We've got a few popups. Go secure, datalinking IDs for possible OPFOR fighters over Quebec-19 now."

"Wilco Watchtower. Locks received, Alpha checks on targets over Quebec-19 and environs."

"Confirming targets Garuda and Watchman. You are weapons free."

"Wilco Watchtower. Locks confirmed, Fox Three".

Twelve Sarissa Compacts were released from Lima-19, getting a boost from their parents' high speed and getting their high-performance ramjets burning, before climbing up to a ballistic trajectory for maximum range and energy. All the while, they received midcourse updates from Watchtower up until they were over Oscar-19 where their Ka-band active seekers would take over.

Summary of Positions
Charlie-22 - Battlegroup Hocloban
Echo-22 - Battlegroup Lalisanalia
Foxtrot-22 - Watchtower @10000m, Ahab @3000m
Lima-15 - Popeye Flight @1000m/3280ft turning south southwest on diversion before returning to Lalisanalia
Lima-19 - Garuda and Watchman Flights @3000m, engaging 110th Fighter Squadron with BVRAAM fire
Juliett-22 - Wendelyn maintaining position, resolving audio tracks of action