CV32

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Yep, for sure. One of the reasons why I think a simple (or relatively so) logistics model is probably the low hanging fruit. Options might include: not saddling the AI with any logistics constraints, or making it a part of the SE process (more complex, but then 'hard wired' into the scenario).

Anniversary of the disaster today. RIP.

Part 1: Preparing for a First Deployment (Defense Media Network)

We could never offer guarantees, but certainly we wouldn't want to introduce any logistics model that was unreliable or harmful to game play. This is how I play. It would be an improvement, however, in my opinion, if a logistics model were available to enforce it. If you chose that option. And I think I can safely say that Tony is on the side of permitting a wider range of play.

Part 11: The Evolving Iranian Ballistic Missile Threat (Defense Media Network)

Great vid.

That's pretty much my own view of it. I want logistics because it reflects reality, and I want my game to strive for that.

I will admit to being skeptical about the 25 nm figure as well, especially given the link between Buccaneer and the Sea Eagle missile, but it was what the H4 annex was saying at the time I created the entry. As you well know, a DB is always a work in progress and I would suggest putting your research in front of the gurus and seeing what they say. I think you're subscribed to the appropriate Yahoo groups?

Shaddock is a pretty tame contender, though. Lots of range and pretty fast, but shows up like a flying school bus on radar. We only tossed em in the Vampires game because, well, its what we had and we were hoping to complicate the engagement.

A few questions/issues arising: * Did you consider the radar line of sight between the Perry and the incoming Mirages? * Why not send in the Mirages at Vlow and radar silent? * How did the Perry detect the AS.37 Martel (I assume this is the weapon used) launch? Radar detect? * The AS.37 Martel can be launched as low as 50 meters (perfect for a Vlow approach). * I note, as an aside, that it was a sailor on lookout that spotted the Exocet(s) that nearly killed Stark and not her ESM or radar. * Gun kills are notoriously difficult, even against non-maneuvering targets like an incoming AS.37 Martel. * Note as well that the AS.37 Martel is a terminal diver, executing an 80 degree dive in the terminal approach. This further aggravates the engagement from the Perry's point of view, as it makes the missile a "crossing target" and reduces hit chance by half. * The AS.37 Martel is also a Vsmall missile, further reducing hit chance. * The AS.30 command guided missile is also capable of being launched from Vlow, and is Vsmall, but won't be a crossing target like the AS.37. * I would have left the Perry radars on as well. Can't hit what you can't see, regardless of the threat of anti-radar missiles. * This was a very risky mission for the Mirages, with the weapons they have chosen, with very low chance of success. * Note that the SM-1MR had been removed from the remaining Perry frigates by 2003.

There were only a handful of nuclear armed torpedoes, most of them Soviet in origin, with yields ranging from about 5 to 20 kT. They were in principle no different really from conventional torpedoes, though some of them were so short ranged that I can hardly imagine a "safe" scenario in which a submarine could use them and still expect to escape untouched. The monster Soviet Type 65-73 is probably the exception, with a range big enough to shoot from a distance and then maneuver to escape, and undoubtedly intended for high value targets like US Navy carriers. I suppose a few of them might have been suitable for attacking ports, due to having their warheads set to detonate at a pre-set point or upon command.

The STANAG standards were supposed to help deal with a lot of this, sometimes better on paper than in reality, no doubt. The 'basic' level of logistics modeling is probably the best we can ever hope for in HCE, to be realistic. The chain of command has its own way of deciding those kinds of priorities.

Even better info than what I posted. Main note is that this scenario doesn't really exist. It just loads a scenario that's the same as the one before it in the IOPG battleset. :-( Yeah, that was a major shortfall in the original campaign. Still not sure how that particular mistake came about. In any event, it is something that can be remedied by an enterprising scenario writer. Hint, hint, nudge, nudge. I've actually already remade 'Surprise in the Snow' for Blue. (Just haven't released it yet). If you're interested, we can make this a HG wide project of sorts.

And from the Red perspective: Opening Day, 1615 01ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 1): Kuwait is secure, and takeover of Saudi Arabia underway. US forces expected to evacuate Persian Gulf. Seek and destroy US command ship Blue Ridge. Surprise in the Snow, 1000 02ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 1): Misdirection of US and NATO forces to Persian Gulf has exceeded expectations. NATO forces maintaining only standard oversight of announced exercise in Norwegian Sea. Seize Jan Mayen, conduct strikes against Norwegian forces, and seek out NATO surfaces in southern Norwegian Sea. Fog of War, 1600 02ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 2): US Navy destroyer sunk. American cruise missile strike against Riyadh destroyed three E-3 Sentry AWACS on the ground; one survivor vectored to Baghdad for inspection. US forces expected to be gathering in Gulf of Oman; seek out and destroy. Indian forces expected to be supporting our operations. Be Quick, 2200 02ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 1): Maintain submarine patrols around British ports, and sink high value targets. Seek out and destroy British forces operating near Gibraltar. Cold Turkey, 2200 02ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 1): Conduct strikes against Turkish air installations in advance of amphibious landing at Istanbul. The High Ground, 1000 03ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 2): Sinking of French carrier Foch has sent shock waves through NATO, and it is believed that France may withdraw from NATO and seek a separate peace. Support deployment to Jan Mayen and begin strikes against Iceland and Norwegian convoys withdrawing to UK. Surrogates, 2000 03ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 3): US carrier group centred on Enterprise and two Marine task groups believed operating in Indian Ocean. Seek out and destroy. Lonely Places, 2200 03ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 2): Operations in Turkey are ahead of schedule, and CV Varyag is performing better than expected. Much of Israeli air force destroyed, with remaining IDF forces surrendering or overrun by Arabic advance. Task force directed to make best speed through Aegean Sea. CV Saratoga believed to be linchpin in NATO’s flank defense. Try to catch her during unrep. Island Home, 2000 05ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 4): Failed attempt to neutralize US amphibious forces is a major setback; these forces now expected to be withdrawing to Diego Garcia. Seek out and destroy CVN Enterprise and attached forces. Across the Pond, 2200 05ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 2): Operations on all fronts ahead of schedule. Expect NATO to begin convoy resupply of Europe. Large British convoy gathering at Bermuda. Engage and destroy but avoid NATO SSNs. Submarine support group TG Volga to head south and avoid contact. Sara's Day, 2200 05ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 3): NATO satellite passed over task force four hours ago. Deception is lost. Make best speed for Port Said. CV Saratoga still operating southeast of Italy, but may be low on fuel. A Thirsty Dragon, 1000 06ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 3): Soviet forces have advanced faster than expected, and are in need of critical supply. Advance halted for 24 hours while three convoys enroute to Peenemunde in East Germany. Anti-satellite operations are being prepared. The Lone Ranger, 2200 06ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 5): Large US force sighted off Sumatra, estimated including three carriers, probably enroute to Diego Garcia. Seek out and destroy. Many Dead in the Med, 2200 06ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 5): Italian CV Garibaldi confirmed sunk. Spetsnaz ready to seize Crete. Make all efforts to divert NATO attention away from Crete operation. The Hazing, 1000 07ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 4): CV Varyag and CG Azov underway in Red Sea, with balance of forces due to transit Suez Canal in 48 hours. Expect CV Saratoga out of action or sunk. The Devil's Due, 2000 09ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 4): Anti-satellite warfare began 12 hours ago. Staging for Iceland operations are complete. Begin offensive against Iceland. What's Mine is Mine, 1000 09ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 5): Iceland secure. Expect preparations for AVMF contingent in 12-14 hours. NATO surface forces withdrawing. British CV Invincible believed badly damaged but operational. Dagger Unseen, 2000 14ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 3): Submarine forces directed to seek out and destroy the damaged CV Saratoga. Two is a Crowd, 2200 14ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 6): USMC has seized Masirah. Black Sea Fleet forces have entered Red Sea and are enroute to Aden. Attack the beachhead at Masirah while they are still unloading. CV Ranger has arrived at Diego Garcia and is expected to rendezvous with CVN Enterprise. Hidden Soldiers, 2200 15ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 6): Defensive resupply of Iceland now underway, but NATO counter-attack expected within 10 days. Rear echelon forces may begin unrep. Expect NATO submarine activity to increase. Miss Kitty, 2200 20ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 4): Construction of aircraft shelters in Iceland slightly behind schedule. NATO submarine activity high. Aircraft may begin redeployment to Iceland but avoid tarmac congestion. Large NATO convoy enroute to Europe. Expect two US carrier groups to attack Iceland within 7-10 days. A Pain in the Side, 2200 25ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 7): Our attempts to attack Masirah have been rebuffed with high casualties. Saudi air forces directed to continue air superiority operations. At least two American CVs believed to be operating in the Gulf of Oman. 19 Minus 18 Equals 0?, 2200 25ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 5): NATO believed to have built up facilities on Vagar so that F-16s can reach Iceland unrefueled. Deliver Spetsnaz to Vagar. Continue air superiority operations against northern UK, and test their capabilities along UK air defense zone. Kitty Comes Calling, 2200 26ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 6): Vagar secure. Defend against NATO counter-attack. Bee Hive, 2200 27ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 7): Large convoy has sailed from US eastern seaboard. Seek out and destroy. Three Days at Mannar, 2200 28ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 8): TF Gorshkov preparing for offensive against US beachhead at Masirah. TF Minsk to make for Goa. You may sacrifice Indian surface units to protect your sea based SSM capability. Indian air force will support your transit. Expect NATO forces aware of your presence. Airhead Red, 2200 29ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 6): Protect our convoys underway in the Med. Expect NATO will attack Crete, but fuel shortages are believed to be hampering their operations. The Big Red One, 2200 31ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 7): 30th Corp making slow progress in efforts to relieve 16th Army at Wilhelmshaven. Large convoy with reinforcements for US 3rd Armored Division expected to be enroute through English Channel. Seek out and destroy the convoy. Pieces of the Puzzle, 2200 02ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 9): US forces staging for operations against Iceland, believed to include three carriers. Remaining carriers thought to be preparing for attack on Kola. Submarine forces to maintain patrol along US eastern seaboard. Sacrifices, 2200 02ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 7): Large scale Soviet ground offensive in northern Germany. Prevent NATO forces from redeploying to UK. Begin strikes against southern NATO airfields regardless of availability of fighter cover. US forces expected to move two fighter groups to the UK. Hide and Seek, 2200 03ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 8): Iceland defenses complete. NATO forces believed to be forming up south of the UK, including CV Kitty Hawk, and offensive operations expected at any time. Keyhole, 2200 03ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 8): Counter-air operations against southern NATO airfields unsuccessful, with very heavy casualties. NATO appears to be maintaining defensive posture, with offensive operations all but ceased. GRU believes NATO left impotent in the Med in the absence of CV Saratoga. Iceland's Thaw, 2200 05ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 8): NATO has initiated offensive against Iceland. 19th FA Regiment has begun dedicated offensive against UK airfields, and has been very effective. Imminent invasion of Iceland has probably been aborted due to lack of sufficient NATO troop strength. At least two carrier battle groups operating somewhere south of Iceland. Preamble, 2200 06ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 9): Large Soviet battle group engaged with US forces off southern India. TF Minsk reports continuing enroute to Goa. TF Varyag preparing to depart Aden. All submarines make best speed to Masirah. AVMF forces to conduct air attacks against ASW units, while submarines attack the carriers. Return of the 18th, 1100 07ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 10): NATO has reinforced RAF at Kinloss, with air activity growing rapidly. Current status of Soviet air forces in Norway critical. Continue defense of Iceland. US forces are re-organizing south of Iceland, with CV Kitty Hawk as flag. Expect three carriers to be operational in upcoming operations. Tyrrhenian Devil, 2200 07ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 9): Two US carriers have cleared Gibraltar and are now somewhere in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Photo recon indicates CV Kitty Hawk and CV Saratoga. Reserves are enroute to Crete. Conduct active search for US carrier battle groups. Expect possible attack on Libyan airfields. It is now believed that US Navy is conducting deception operation, as CV Kitty Hawk had been confirmed sunk previously. The First Step, 2200 08ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 10): Withdrawal from Egypt almost complete. Control facilities for Suez Canal will be destroyed by Spetsnaz. Attack on beachhead at Masirah failed, but at least two US carriers confirmed sunk. Maintain defensive operations. STAVKA has initiated Ultimate Warning Level 2. NATO forces advancing on all fronts. Diplomatic solution is being considered, with cease fire in place and maintaining control of Saudi oil fields. A Slippery Slope, 1000 09ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 9): Keflavik still operational. NATO carriers thought to be withdrawing to resupply and reorganize. CV Kitty Hawk confirmed destroyed, but radiation from her wreck indicates US staging for possible nuclear strike. CV Kuznetsov to return to Polyarny. TF Novorossiysk to conduct flank operations. Clash of the Titans, 2200 09ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 10): CV Varyag enroute to Masirah, but surprise has been lost. Engage and destroy US forces. All US assets have joined into one very large multi-carrier battle group. Misdirection, 2200 11ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 10): 13th Air Army at Keflavik has been destroyed. No fixed wing air support now available. Seek out and attack US carrier and amphibious forces. A second US carrier thought to be CV Kennedy has been destroyed, with radiation from wreck very high due to probable embarkation of nuclear weapons. Estimate one carrier still on station in southern Norway. Wind Sprint, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 11): NATO has secured three beachheads worldwide, with all attempts to dislodge them failed. US has introduced sufficient support into Europe to stop our offensive and launch one of their own. Diplomatic contacts initiated. Continue counter-attack against Masirah. Ultimate Warning Level 3 initiated in theater. USAF Strategic Air Command bombers have been flushed, with many holding at their fail safe positions. From Walking to Running, 2200 12ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 11): Conduct counter-attack against NATO beachhead at Port Said. Ultimate Warning Level 3 in theater. Run from the Beach, 2200 12ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 11): Ultimate Warning Level 3 initiated. All theater forces stand by for go order. US Navy has secured beachheads at Bergen, Norway; Masirah, Oman; and Port Said, Egypt. Attack beachheads upon receipt of go order. Air Force 1, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 11): All forces initiate full scale pre-emptive nuclear attack on select military and civilian targets. Use of tactical nuclear weapons on targets of opportunity is authorized. After completion of attacks return to Norwegian Sea and rendezvous with surviving naval assets. Nowhere to Run, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 12): Strategic Rocket Forces ordered to attack US targets. ICBM and SLBM counter-attack expected in next 15-20 minutes. Conduct defensive counter-air along Soviet borders. US strategic bombers believed enroute to attack theater targets. US government must not escape. Air Force One expected to depart Andrews AFB at any time. Trading Hot Punches, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 12): US Navy carrier battle group believed still active in Med. Consider this primary target. The Last Day, unknown time (HDSA/NACV scenario 12): US President has somehow escaped SLBM attack on Washington and is now aboard a CVN somewhere south of Iceland. All forces are directed to seek out and destroy all remaining US forces by whatever means necessary.

Scenario projects get my attention, so I've dug a little deeper into this chronology for HDS III and came up with the following for the Blue player: Opening Day, 1615 01ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 1): Iraq and Iran attack Kuwait, destroyer USS Strauss sunk in Persian Gulf, Royal Family flees from Saudi Arabia. Surprise in the Snow, 1000 02ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 1): Soviets begin exercise "Lightning Forest" in Norwegian Sea, believed to be cover for attack on NATO. Fog of War, 1600 02ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 2): Iraq staging to attack Saudi Arabia, which is in turmoil; US offensive operations begin against Iran. Be Quick, 2200 02ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 1): Soviet forces have launched surprise attack against Norway. Persian Gulf crisis believed to be ruse. British Royal Navy forces consolidating while most Soviet submarines still in port. Cold Turkey, 2200 02ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 1): Soviet forces mobilizing worldwide, including Bulgaria. NATO defends Turkey. The High Ground, 1000 03ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 2): French carrier Foch sunk in Norwegian Sea. Soviets have seized Jan Mayen, and friendly forces are withdrawing from northern Norway at land and sea. Counter-strike at Jan Mayen. Surrogates, 2000 03ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 3): Suspected Indian support for the Soviet and Arab offensive. Lonely Places, 2200 03ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 2): Most of the Turkish air force was destroyed on the ground, and the Soviets have seized their facilities. Expecting Soviet naval breakout into Aegean. Island Home, 2000 05ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 4): Establish beachhead at Masirah in Oman. Across the Pond, 2200 05ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 2): British carrier group Ark Royal dispatched to neutralize Soviet submarine support group operating somewhere south of Iceland. Sara's Day, 2200 05ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 3): Much of Israeli air force destroyed by combined Soviet, Syrian and Egyptian attack. Survivors escaped to Greece and Italy. Seek and destroy Soviet convoy enroute to Port Said, believed to be supported by new Soviet carrier Varyag, previously thought incomplete. Attack Soviet controlled airfields in Turkey. A Thirsty Dragon, 1000 06ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 3): Soviet advance in Europe was rapid, but now slowed by lack of fuel and busted bridges. Destroy Soviet cargo ships and tankers gathering in Baltic. Soviet submarine surge now underway. British Royal Navy task force Invincible directed to patrol Gap. The Lone Ranger, 2200 06ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 5): Amphibious assault at Masirah underway. Get CV Kennedy and TF Peleliu safely to Diego Garcia. Soviet carrier Minsk believed operating in Bay of Bengal. Many Dead in the Med, 2200 06ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 5): NATO losses in the Med heavy. Italian carrier Garibaldi lost. NATO forces withdrawing west. Soviet advance has slowed for resupply. (This one should come after 'The Hazing' in the time sequence). The Hazing, 1000 07ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 4): CV Saratoga struck by AS-6, heavily damaged. Soviet CV Varyag has reached Port Said. French CV Clemenceau and Italian light carrier Garibaldi directed to attack and destroy her. (This one should come before 'Many Dead in the Med' in the time sequence). The Devil's Due, 2000 09ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 4): Soviets initiating anti-satellite operations. Enemy forces centred on CV Kuznetsov believed to be preparing for assault on Iceland. What's Mine is Mine, 1000 09ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 5): Soviet amphibious operation against Iceland was a success. Hit Keflavik before they can bring in bombers. (Time sequence looks wrong as compared to 'The Devil's Due'). Dagger Unseen, 2000 14ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 3): Get the damaged Saratoga either to Norfolk or Davenport (UK). Be aware that the Soviets control Iceland and have aircraft there. Two is a Crowd, 2200 14ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 6): Landing at Masirah successful. Expect full scale counter-attack. Hidden Soldiers, 2200 15ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 6): Soviet naval surface forces withdrawing north. Submarines directed to intercept and destroy. Miss Kitty, 2200 20ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 4): Soviet buildup on Iceland continues. Ark Royal withdrawing to UK, while TF Saipan is enroute to Europe. Soviet submarine threat expected to be extreme. A Pain in the Side, 2200 25ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 7): Airhead at Masirah secure. TF Tarawa has completed unloading and is enroute to Diego Garcia. TF Peleliu now unloading. Soviet CV Varyag believed to have entered Red Sea. 19 Minus 18 Equals 0?, 2200 25ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 5): Large scale Soviet resupply underway. Preparations for battle over Iceland begin. Kitty Comes Calling, 2200 26ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 6): Soviet special and airborne forces have seized Vagar in surprise attack. Conduct counter-attack. Bee Hive, 2200 27ZAUG90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 7): Soviets have been stopped 100 miles inside West Germany. TF Wasp underway to the UK. Conduct masking attacks against enemy forces in Iceland to protect her transit. Three Days at Mannar, 2200 28ZAUG90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 8): Enemy forces staging in Gulf of Manner (between India and Sri Lanka) and at Aden in the Gulf of Yemen, preparing for attack on beachhead at Masirah. TG Vincennes to conduct blockade along expected line of advance. Reports of Soviet battlecruiser Andropov having been destroyed now believed incorrect. Airhead Red, 2200 29ZAUG90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 6): Soviets have seized Crete. Suppress enemy operations there and conduct anti-convoy operations. NATO suffering political fallout from high casualties. The Big Red One, 2200 31ZAUG90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 7): Get 1st Inf Div to Wilhelmshaven to reinforce beleagured 3rd Armored Div. Pieces of the Puzzle, 2200 02ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 9): Strike operations against Iceland underway, together with deception campaign to make it look like there are five carriers instead of four. Soviet submarine forces believed fully deployed. Soviets are also mobilizing their mobile ICBM forces. Additional SSBNs being deployed in response. Sacrifices, 2200 02ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 7): Soviets corps level attack launched against US 3rd Armored Division at Wilhelmshaven. NATO strike assets being reassigned to its defense, being ferried to Fairford in the UK. Hide and Seek, 2200 03ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 8): Soviet preparations for defense of Iceland believed complete. TF Kitty Hawk directed to conduct air superiority operations against Iceland while enroute to Gibraltar, in order to convince Soviets that Kitty Hawk is main force for attack on Iceland. CV Saratoga expected to complete repairs in UK within 24 hours. Keyhole, 2200 03ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 8): Reinforcement of 3rd Armored Div in Germany complete; Soviet attack held off. CV Saratoga and CV Kitty Hawk directed to enter Mediterranean. Iceland's Thaw, 2200 05ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 8): Conduct strikes against Soviet forces in occupation of Iceland. Preamble, 2200 06ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 9): Soviet forces building up at Aden in preparation for attack on Masirah. CV Ranger and CVN Enterprise directed to defend. Return of the 18th, 1100 07ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 10): Soviet air attacks against UK have eased. TF Wasp directed to hold station in Irish Sea. RAF directed to begin attacks on Iceland. Soviet surface forces believed to be operating northwest of Iceland. Tyrrhenian Devil, 2200 07ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 9): Counter-attack against Soviet forces in Libya. The First Step, 2200 08ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 10): Soviets have withdrawn from Libya, Egypt and most of Syria, but US casualties heavy. TF Nassau directed to begin assault against Port Said. A Slippery Slope, 1000 09ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 9): CV Eisenhower torpedoed and destroyed, but Soviet naval forces believed broken and beginning withdrawal. Continue reduction of Iceland. Clash of the Titans, 2200 09ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 10): Defend Masirah beachhead against massive Soviet counter-attack. Winner will control the Indian Ocean. Use empty amphibious ships as missile decoys. Misdirection, 2200 11ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 10): Soviet forces have begun withdrawal theater wide. Iceland cut off. TF Wasp to rendezvous with CV Constellation and CV Kennedy and continue strikes on Soviet occupied installations. Wind Sprint, 2200 12ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 11): Masirah secure but casualties extreme, including both US carriers lost. Hold station. Soviets have begun withdrawal worldwide. Diplomatic resolution expected. From Walking to Running, 2200 12ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 11): CV Saratoga destroyed by AS-6 missile attack but Port Said secure. TF Nassau to hold station and continue unloading. Run from the Beach, 2200 12ZSEP90 (HDS9/GIUK scenario 11): Amphibious landing on Bergen complete. Soviets withdrawing from Norway, but increased activity around Soviet ICBM silos. Air Force 1, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSA/NACV scenario 11): Soviets have used tactical nuclear weapons against beachheads, and escalation is expected. Evacuate the President to CVN Vinson. Nowhere to Run, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSC/IOPG scenario 12): DEFCON 1. Soviet ICBM attack underway against USA. Conduct immediate alpha strikes against all known Soviet and UAC positions. Trading Hot Punches, 2200 13ZSEP90 (HDSB/MEDC scenario 12): Soviet MRBM attack on Europe complete, Soviet ICBM attack on USA underway. The Last Day, unknown time (HDSA/NACV scenario 12): Large Soviet surface force has entered the Norwegian Sea, dropping nuclear bombs indiscriminately as it advanced. Engage and destroy all remaining Soviet forces.

That would make potentially four Burke destroyers in the area: McCain, Decatur, Fitzgerald, and possibly now Chung-Hoon. It will indeed be interesting to see what Stennis does when she leaves Singapore.

The HCE Americas Database (HCDA) is also mine. It covers North and South America, and has many units that do not appear in the HCDB, particularly those from the Caribbean, Latin America and South America in addition to major units from major nations. The gap between 1975 and 1980 in my database work is largely intentional, because I wanted to cover roughly 25 year periods and we don't miss much in those 5 years in any event.

Sorry, I should have said 'minimum version of HCDB' to use neutrals. I'm currently using the latest myself. Thanks for the info that they work great for you! Still wondering what minimum version of the GE recognizes neutrals. Thinking of what notes to put on any rebuilt scenarios I post. Neutrals were introduced long ago with the boxed version. You can find updates and corrections to the neutrals' behaviour in the Release Notes file in your HCE directory.

Guys, please use the databases' proper names. The HCE World Wars Database is abbreviated HCWW, not WWDB, and the HCE Cold War Database is abbreviated HCCW, not CWDB. It may seem like a small thing, but the last thing I want to be doing is trying to explain to new players over and over again that these aren't multiple different databases. Consistency is everything. There are dedicated threads for requesting additions to these various databases, if you are needing something for a scenario you have in the works especially. Btw, the HCDB covers the 1980-2015 time period (roughly). I expect that was a typo, but again, just to clarify.

Btw, I believe the HDSIII MEDC (HDSB) scenarios 4 and 5 should actually be played in the order they are provided in the battleset, and not according to the dates given in the orders. You will see, for example, in scenario 4 'The Hazing', the Italian light carrier Garibaldi appears in the Blue OOB. She is then reported having been destroyed when scenario 5 'Many Dead in the Med' begins. So the dates given - 7 August for scenario 4 and 6 August for scenario 5 - should probably have been reversed.

I noticed there are no dates on the EC2003 Battleset orders. Anyone have any insight on chronology of that story? (Were you involved in the writing, Brad, or am I remembering wrong?) Nope, not me. The EC2000 (and EC2003, albeit using the updated HCDB database) were also courtesy of B.I. Hutchinson, circa 1996, and first appeared in Harpoon Classic 97.

Well, even in the CDB the Oslo class has Sea Sparrows that Display says are SURF capable...but it won't fire them unless there are air targets. GIUK will, though, as well as the Juno's (Leander) Seacats. Maybe they're flagged such in the CDB so they can't fire in SSM mode, even if Platform Display gives them a Surface range? If the AI can't fire them in SSM mode in the CDB, then I'm fine not using them myself, and that was the result of my testing. I pulled a Missouri in visual range of an Oslo/Leander pair, absorbed the Exocets and Penguins, then got into gun range. In GIUK, they'd both empty their SAM magazines at me. CDB they did not. (Used a Missouri for easy to see target, and shrug off missiles.) TL;DR: If it's something done for both sides, I'm fine with it. If you mean the HCDB (I don't know what the CDB is), then I can confirm that while some surface-to-air/surface-to-surface capable missiles (such as Seasparrow) do have a surface-to-surface range value, they intentionally lack a surface capable flag. This is because the AI has a nasty habit of bombarding you with those missiles, using them up when they might be more valuable held back in the surface-to-air role. You have observed this behaviour.

50 Years Later: The Legacy of USS Thresher (USNI News)

Navy DDG-51 and DDG-1000 Destroyer Programs: Background and Issues for Congress (pdf, Congressional Research Service)