Task Force Rybakov

Task Force Rybakov

A Harpoon Commander's Edition (HCE) scenario for the South Africa Battleset.

This scenario is intended for play by the RED side only.

This scenario is a RED side sequel to my earlier scenario, Sixth Battle, which of course is a tribute to a favorite novel of mine, The Sixth Battle by Barrett Tillman. Although some effort has been expended at recreating the battle depicted in that book, I have also taken varied some of the events and players to make a workable Harpoon scenario. The scenario background contained in the file is considerably more detailed, but essentially:

Several large Soviet battle groups, now operating under the banner of the Union of Eurasian Republics (UER), have assembled off the coast of South Africa. Their intention is to force a change of power in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), into one that favors the African National Congress (ANC) and, indirectly, the Front Line States (FLS) of Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The UER has cut a deal with the ANC and FLS to form a cartel that would extend to all of the RSA’s resources, including uranium. Hard line regimes in the client states of Cuba, North Korea, and Vietnam have pledged their assistance.

The American carrier forces have been caught out of position. Meanwhile, Task Force Rybakov has taken up station off the coast of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The Pacific Fleet carrier Novorossiysk has been delayed but is now transiting the Mozambique Channel and should be on station and ready to conduct operations within 24 hours. Our amphibious landings in the RSA will be supported by air strikes from the carriers. The South Africans stand virtually no chance without American intervention. Now is our time to strike.