New Command scenario: Connie and Qatif

February 11, 2014 · Posted in Command

Database – DB3000
Author – Mark Gellis

In 1979, Saudi Arabia was rocked by civil unrest in the coastal region of Qatif. Historically, the protests were violently put down by the Saudi government and the region was under government control by the end of the year.

This scenario assumes that the 1979 protests triggered more widespread unrest, which by the Spring of 1980 had turned into open rebellion against the House of Saud. An additional complication is that the rebels have much in common ideologically with the revolutionary leaders in Iran; Iran is believed to be providing the rebels with military aid.

* OPERATIONAL: IMMEDIATE *

ATTN: Commanding Officer, Constellation Battle Group

You are instructed to initiate OPERATION DISTANT COMRADE.

INTEL/SITREP

The Saudis remain deeply embroiled in what is rapidly turning into a full blown civil war. They have asked us to assist them in eliminating the rebel stronghold in Qatif so that they can concentrate their efforts on the rebels operating closer to their capital.

ENEMY FORCES

The enemy you will be engaging is centered at Dhahran. The rebels have seized control of at least one squadron of F-5Es. They are also believed to have control of numerous tanks and artillery units.

Iran has acknowledged the rebels and has offered them military and financial support. If you attack the rebels, it is very likely you will have to contend not only with them but with Iranian forces as well.

We have reliable intelligence that Iran has placed mines near the entrance to the Persian Gulf.

FRIENDLY FORCES

The Constellation Battle Group consists of CV 64 Constellation, CG 29 Jouett, CG 16 Leahy, FFG 3 Schofield, AFS 3 Niagara Falls, and AO 105 Mispillon. SSN 651 Queenfish, DD 991 Fife, DDG 9 Towers, and DD 948 Morton have been chopped to your command.

MISSION

Attack King Abdulaziz Air Base and render it unusable by rebel forces. In addition, destroy any and all rebel aircraft, vessels, and ground facilities identified by your forces.

EXECUTION

Fife, Towers, and Morton are all currently in the Persian Gulf. These vessels should withdraw from the Persian Gulf and rendeveous with the Constellation Battle Group. They may need to be protected from enemy aircraft while they do so.

SSN Queenfish is currently in the Gulf of Oman. She should enter the Persian Gulf and gather intelligence. She is free to attack targets of opportunity.

Conduct your air strikes and your combat air patrols from the Constellation.

Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates are all concerned about the unrest in Saudi Arabia and have given us permission to fly combat missions through their airspace.

The Constellation Battle Group must remain in the patrol area identified on your tactical map. Do not initiate hostilities with Iranian forces but be prepared to defend yourselves from attack. Be aware that Iran’s air defense network allows it to fire surface-to-air missiles at targets over most of the Persian Gulf. If you are attacked, you are free to destroy any Iranian aircraft or naval vessels you encounter. However, you are not cleared to attack Iranian ground facilities.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Constellation
Signal: EMCON C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Good luck and Godspeed.

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