New Command scenario: Salalah station

June 6, 2014 · Posted in Command

Author: Mark Gellis

In history, there was a short-lived civil war in Yemen in 1986. This scenario assumes that the conflict escalated and resulted in Yemen firing on targets in western Oman. Oman responded by bombing targets in eastern Yemen.

Yemen has declared war on Oman and requested assistance from its ally, the Soviet Union. The Soviets have sent several ships into the area and is using various diplomatic and economic channels to pressure and punish Oman.

Oman has requested assistance from the United States, which is trying to stabilize the situation without risking either a larger war or a “loss of face” on the international stage. The United States has moved a small task force into the region.

This scenario is loosely based on one that I wrote about a year ago for Harpoon 3 ANW. It is a lot more complex, with more land and air units, and it takes advantage of Command’s ability to handle, at least to a degree, land-based combat.
A delta template .ini file has been included in the .zip file to assist in updating the scenario to any future versions of the database.

* OPERATIONAL: IMMEDIATE *

ATTN: Commanding Officer, Reeves

You are instructed to initiate OPERATION VIVID CICADA.

INTEL/SITREP

Efforts to stabilize the situation between Yemen and Oman continue. It is hoped that our presence in the area will convince Yemen to cease hostilities.

ENEMY FORCES

Yemen has moved a battalion- to regiment-sized force to its border with Oman. This force may initiate hostilities at any time.

Yemen has a squadron of MiG-21 aircraft based at Al Ghaidah. In addition, at least one of their Osa-class missile boats is in your area.

Several Soviet warships, including a Slava-class and a Kara-class, and at least one Soviet submarine are in your area of operation.

FRIENDLY FORCES

Your task force consists of CG 24 Reeves, FF 1063 Reasoner, and SSN 724 Louisville.

A four-ship detachment of F-18s has been chopped to your command. They are currently en route to your location. They will operate out of Salalah for the duration of your mission.

MISSION

Move the Reeves and the Reasoner to the patrol area marked on your tactical map. Remain on station as a visible sign of American power and of our commitment to our allies until you receive further instructions.
Louisville should patrol the waters surrounding your patrol area and gather intelligence about the size and disposition of Yemeni and Soviet naval forces operating in your area.
Provide defensive assistance to Oman. You are free to attack any Yemeni forces that have attacked or are attacking Omani territory or forces. This includes engaging Yemeni forces with naval gunfire.
You are free to defend yourselves against any clear threat to your forces.

EXECUTION

Omani forces will not be under your command. Your mission is to assist Oman by providing their forces with intelligence and by providing cover for their forces and civilian population against any incoming attacks. You are NOT authorized to attack targets in Yemen itself.

Do not initiate hostilities with Soviet forces. You may return fire if you are attacked.

The situation is extremely volitate. While it is hoped that we can bring this crisis to a peaceful solution, you should be prepared for hostilities to start up again at any time. Once you engage Yemeni forces, it is very likely that they will attempt to attack your vessels. The real question is what the Soviets plan to do.

Special weapons release is NOT anticipated.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Reeves

Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Good luck and Godspeed.

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