AAR: Reconnaissance [Spoiler Alert]

Here's an excellent After Action Report by Ralf Koelbach. It is re-printed here with at the request of the author.

PROJECT PENINSULA 94

Peninsula 94 is a series of 4 related scenarios (Recon, Ingress, Strike Ops, and Egress) representing different phases of a US multi-carrier battle group attack on the Kola Peninsula. From the Russian perspective, this is the mission the navy has trained for since its beginning: defense of the homeland.

 

These scenarios are related by a common order of battle and a concurrence of mission. Any discrepancies can be attributed to poor bomb damage assessment and better than expected damage control. They should be played in order and from the same side to appreciate the developing momentum an operation of this magnitude has.

 

Reconnaissance:

 

From the NATO perspective, this scenario is a submariner's delight. A force of SSNs must enter Russian waters and conduct an intelligence sweep of the area prior to the arrival of the CVBG. This scenario is going to require discipline and restraint on the part of the NATO player if he hopes to be successful in the overall strategy. Many targets of opportunity may present themselves, but adherence to the Rules of Engagement is the only way to win.

 

From the Russian perspective, it's only a matter of time. Much of the fleet has been forced to retreat out of the North Atlantic and is now trying to re-group in the Norwegian Sea. The next logical step for NATO is an attack on the Kola Peninsula by a large CVBG which would surely be preceded by a submarine force to gather intelligence. This scenario is a large-scale ASW operation with a wrinkle, that being several unescorted capital ships in transit to re-organization points. The challenge here is force allocation. With limited first-line ASW assets, hard choices will have to be made and risks taken.

„Project Peninsula 94: Reconnaissance“

Scenario designed by Herman Hum

 

Based on an original Harpoon Classic HDS-II-scenario

Database: Players DB 6.4.9

 

A. Foreword:

 

Herman likes to rebuild HC scens, especially those of the HC HDS-II-Battleset, with AGSIs permission. “Reconnaissance” is part of a group of scenarios which belong thematically together. The Nato side has eight first line subs and a very difficult mission: First to get six subs in designated search areas. Second, keeping them six hours there – weapons tight. After that weapons are free and the subs have to kill Soviet HVUs. Scenario duration is 36 hours.

 

B. My experience

 

It all starts on January 3rd, 1993, at 10:53 PM. I set course for six subs to the designated areas, some of them being already close to it. Therefore I set my subs to deep and speed to cruise at most.

 

Soon it becomes clear that there are lots of Soviet ships and subs underway. This is a grave problem for SSN Omaha, already being in shallow waters without much space to hide.

 

11:17 PM

Bogie over SSN Dallas. Dallas detects several support vessels crawling around. Nearby is the CVHG Adm. Gorshkov, another target.

 

11:54 PM

Phibs detected. So now I had contacts on several targets to sink after the six hours period of waiting.

 

January, 4th, 1993

00:25 AM

The first subs, SSN Dallas and SSN Augusta, have reached the search zones. I send them deep, crawling.

 

08:00 AM

For subs are now on station. Still underway are SSN Omaha and SSN Groton (this one has about 150nm to go and a lot of ships and subs nearby).

 

09:35 AM

SSN Cincinatti has a visitor only 5 nm away – a red sub. Has he got me? Another skunk closing in. I decide to shoot. Both killed with torpedoes.

 

11:20 AM

SSN Omaha has reached its search zone – at least.

 

11:37 AM

SSN Birmingham reports torpedo contact. No problem. Contact fades out.

 

08:00 PM

SSN Groton detects a sub right in front. Evade! 40nm left to go to designated area.

 

09:23 PM

Ships over SSN Dallas! Has the sub been detected? What to do? Too many skunks to sink….

 

January, 5th, 1993

 

00:36 AM

SSN Groton has reached its search zone. Now all six subs have made it. From now on six hours weapons tight. Then the duck shoot can start.

 

Sometime between 01:00 AM and 02:00AM

SSN Dallas has been sunken. Just did not notice it. Six subs, six search areas – hard to handle. Anyway: Dallas had been on station for more than six hours. Thus it is not so bad.

 

02:03 AM

SSN Augusta has been detected! Several ships and subs closing it. No chance to evade, I guess. Ok – head to head. What marvellous subs these 688s are! The Augusta sinks several ships and at least one sub with MK48s. Then the path is clear and she evades.

 

06:36 AM

The last six hours period ends – weapons free!

 

The subs get new courses and start prosecuting the HVUs. I am rather sure I´ll get the targets.

 

10:53 AM

 

Defeat! Game time is over. 36 hours are gone.

 

C. Resume

 

I missed my chance winning this one by losing too much time with the SSN Groton heading for its search area. I had to risk more and accelerate the sub to cruise or full speed. That could have saved me some hours and therefore the game.

 

All in all this is a real nice remake of the original scenario. I really had a lot of fun.

 

Thank you for rebuilding it, Herman!

 

Ralf

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