Operation Chunky Bandit

Started by bigjackmac, 18 September 2018, 03:54:22 AM

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bigjackmac

All,

It's 1615 on 25 July 1990 in the country of South Leon.  We are with the Cuban Air Force's 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, deployed to South Leon several months ago.  So far there hasn't been much to do, just some routine Combat Air Patrol (CAP) and close air support missions every now and again for the grunts, but no air-to air engagements to date.  The squadron, also known as "The Flying Boxcars," is led by Major "Viper" Culero, a former US Navy fighter pilot that earned himself four kills and the Estrella de Bronce (Bronze Star with 'V') during the Cuban War of Liberation.  He normally keeps a two-ship CAP up, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but this morning he had bumped it up to four on account of a bunch of chatter about something major going on up North.

What the good Major then found out is that the Communist Army from Federation Socialiste Nationale de Leon (FSNL), South Leon's malignant neighbor to the north, launched an all out invasion of South Leon, and they are rapidly rolling towards that nations capital.  Accompanying them is an all out blitz by FSNL's Air Force, and the Flying Boxcars are now involved in some of the most intense aerial action since WWII.

To kick off their offensive, the FSNL Air Force put 6 x MiG-21s in the air on a classic fighter sweep, looking to clear the skies for follow on strike aircraft, while the Cubans answered with four F-4 Phantoms of their own.  The results were indecisive, with the Communists losing three MiGs and the Cubans losing two Phantoms.

The enemy returned to base and launched a strike force with fighter escort a couple hours later.  Major Culero sent two flights up to meet them.  The Cuban fighter pilots did well, downing three MiG-21s and five Su-22s to only one lost Phantom, but they did allow one enemy bomber through.  The Su-22 bombed the SLA HQ in the nation's capital, causing substantial damage (10/30).

A few hours later the bad guys are back in force.  The Cubans scrambled two more flights to meet the enemy strike force.  It was a helluva fracas: the Communists lost a total of three MiG-21s and five Su-22s, while the Cubans lost four of their six F-4s committed.  More importantly, they lost a pilot MIA, and another for about a month due to wounds.  But Boxcar 14 was on fire, racking up four kills and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  The one enemy bomber that made it through made a successful bombing run on the SLA HQ, again causing substantial damage (19/30).

The next day, bright and early, the Communists sent over another strike package, but the decimated Cubans were only able to scramble a single, three-ship flight.  Things didn't go so well; while the Cubans only lost a single Phantom (their Squadron Leader, but he bailed out and he's okay), they only managed to shoot down two enemy fighters, while all six enemy bombers entered the target area!  And the damage was fierce: half dove on the South Leon Army Headquarters and destroyed it, while the other half turned on their secondary objective, the SLA Marshalling Area, causing heavy damage (19/30).

Now it's afternoon that same day, and the bad guys are keeping up the pressure.  The Cubans scrambled two more flights to meet the next enemy strike force.
     

Boxcar 08 ignores the enemy fighter escort and charges straight into the enemy strike formation, downing one Su-22 immediately, and scattering the rest like a flock of pigeons.


Something cool happened: Captain Trevino whips his fighter around to help out his wingman!


It's a full on melee in there as Boxcar 04 zooms in and flames the cowardly Green 01.  If you're reading and wondering if that comment was directed at you, yes, yes it was ;)

To see how the fight turned out, please check the blog at:
https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/2019/07/operation-chunky-bandit-21-air.html

I'm playing and posting more as soon as I can, stay tuned.

V/R,
Jack

Techno

Nice one again, Jack !

Cheers - Phil

Duke Speedy of Leighton

You may refer to me as: Your Grace, Duke Speedy of Leighton.
2016 Pendraken Painting Competion Participation Prize  (Lucky Dip Catagory) Winner

bigjackmac

Thanks Phil and Lemmey!

V/R,
Jack

bigjackmac

All,

It's 0815 on 26 July 1990 in the country of South Leon.  We are with the Cuban Air Force's 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, deployed to South Leon several months ago.  So far there hasn't been much to do, just some routine Combat Air Patrol (CAP) and close air support missions every now and again for the grunts, but no air-to air engagements to date.  The squadron, also known as "The Flying Boxcars," is led by Major "Viper" Culero, a former US Navy fighter pilot that earned himself four kills and the Estrella de Bronce (Bronze Star with 'V') during the Cuban War of Liberation.  He normally keeps a two-ship CAP up, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but this morning he had bumped it up to four on account of a bunch of chatter about something major going on up North.

What the good Major then found out is that the Communist Army from Federation Socialiste Nationale de Leon (FSNL), South Leon's malignant neighbor to the north, launched an all out invasion of South Leon, and they are rapidly rolling towards that nations capital.  Accompanying them is an all out blitz by FSNL's Air Force, and the Flying Boxcars are now involved in some of the most intense aerial action since WWII.

To kick off their offensive, the FSNL Air Force put 6 x MiG-21s in the air on a classic fighter sweep, looking to clear the skies for follow on strike aircraft, while the Cubans answered with four F-4 Phantoms of their own.  The results were indecisive, with the Communists losing three MiGs and the Cubans losing two Phantoms.

The enemy returned to base and launched a strike force with fighter escort a couple hours later.  Major Culero sent two flights up to meet them.  The Cuban fighter pilots did well, downing three MiG-21s and five Su-22s to only one lost Phantom, but they did allow one enemy bomber through.  The Su-22 bombed the SLA HQ in the nation's capital, causing substantial damage (10/30).

A few hours later the bad guys are back in force.  The Cubans scrambled two more flights to meet the enemy strike force.  It was a helluva fracas: the Communists lost a total of three MiG-21s and five Su-22s, while the Cubans lost four of their six F-4s committed.  More importantly, they lost a pilot MIA, and another for about a month due to wounds.  But Boxcar 14 was on fire, racking up four kills and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  The one enemy bomber that made it through made a successful bombing run on the SLA HQ, again causing substantial damage (19/30).

The next day, bright and early, the Communists sent over another strike package, but the decimated Cubans were only able to scramble a single, three-ship flight.  Things didn't go so well; while the Cubans only lost a single Phantom (their Squadron Leader, but he bailed out and he's okay), they only managed to shoot down two enemy fighters, while all six enemy bombers entered the target area!  And the damage was fierce: half dove on the South Leon Army Headquarters and destroyed it, while the other half turned on their secondary objective, the SLA Marshalling Area, causing heavy damage (19/30).

Yesterday afternoon the Communists made a second run, sending a full strike package up against five F-4 Phantoms.  The enemy was again triumphant.  Sure, they lost two MiGs and three bombers, but three bombers got through and destroyed Target #2, then damaged Target #3.  Meanwhile, the Cubans lost two F-4s destroyed and two damaged, though both downed pilots returned safely to base.  Also, Boxcar 08 was awarded the BS/V for knocking down three bombers all by himself.

Now it's the following morning, and the bad guys are keeping up the pressure.  The Cubans scrambled two more flights, though they only amount to a total of three Phantoms, to meet the next enemy strike force.


Boxcar 15 gets a bit too hasty, which immediately becomes apparent when Silver 01 cuts in behind and smokes his ass.


But Boxcar 12 is putting on an aerobatic clinic, becoming an instant Ace and winning the Medal of Honor!  To see the details, please check the blog at:
https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/2019/07/operation-chunky-bandit-22-air.html

I'm playing and posting more as soon as I can, stay tuned, but this weekend was a big painting weekend so I plan on sharing all that with you guys, so this may be the only batrep this week, we'll see.

V/R,
Jack

Techno

Good one, Jack.  :)

Cheers - Phil

bigjackmac


bigjackmac

All,

It's 1615 on 26 July 1990 in the country of South Leon.  We are with the Cuban Air Force's 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, deployed to South Leon several months ago.  So far there hasn't been much to do, just some routine Combat Air Patrol (CAP) and close air support missions every now and again for the grunts, but no air-to air engagements to date.  The squadron, also known as "The Flying Boxcars," is led by Major "Viper" Culero, a former US Navy fighter pilot that earned himself four kills and the Estrella de Bronce (Bronze Star with 'V') during the Cuban War of Liberation.  He normally keeps a two-ship CAP up, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but this morning he had bumped it up to four on account of a bunch of chatter about something major going on up North.

What the good Major then found out is that the Communist Army from Federation Socialiste Nationale de Leon (FSNL), South Leon's malignant neighbor to the north, launched an all out invasion of South Leon, and they are rapidly rolling towards that nations capital.  Accompanying them is an all out blitz by FSNL's Air Force, and the Flying Boxcars are now involved in some of the most intense aerial action since WWII.

To kick off their offensive, the FSNL Air Force put 6 x MiG-21s in the air on a classic fighter sweep, looking to clear the skies for follow on strike aircraft, while the Cubans answered with four F-4 Phantoms of their own.  The results were indecisive, with the Communists losing three MiGs and the Cubans losing two Phantoms.

The enemy returned to base and, several hours later, have launched a strike force with fighter escort.  Major Culero sent two flights up to meet them.  The Cuban fighter pilots did well, downing three MiG-21s and five Su-22s to only one lost Phantom, but they did allow one enemy bomber through.  The Su-22 bombed the SLA HQ in the nation's capital, causing substantial damage (10/30.

This morning saw a helluva fight: Boxcar 12 rang up five victories in this fight, becoming an instant Ace, and bringing his total kill tally to seven (might just have us a future NBK, 7 kills in two fights).  The young Cuban pilot was meritoriously promoted to Captain and awarded the Medal of Honor for his exploits.  Despite Boxcar 12's, AKA Miguel "Mad Max" Cruces, heroics, the mission can't be called anything but a failure: two out of three Phantoms were shot down, another pilot, and hero, was killed in action, and the FSNL Air Force has nearly destroyed their third target of the campaign.  Strictly speaking, it's not that clean cut: the Cubans lost two fighters while the Communists lost three fighters and two bombers.

Now it's the following afternoon, and the bad guys are keeping up the pressure.  The Cubans scrambled two more flights to meet the next enemy strike force.  Did I say two flights?  I meant two fighters... 
   

The Cubans (right) got'em right where they want'em...


"Boxcar 02, this is 03, you ready for this?"
"I kinda gotta real bad feeling about this one."
"Bandits, 12 o'clock low, tally ho!"


Boxcar 02 movin' on up, gettin' some.  But let's not sugarcoat it, the fight went about how you'd expect, and Viper's definitely feeling the heat, but help is on the way.  To see more pics, please check the blog at:
https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/2019/08/operation-chunky-bandit-23-air.html

I'm playing and posting more as soon as I can, stay tuned.

V/R,
Jack

Terry37

Jack, Really enjoy your reports and the photos make the games look like so much fun! Do you play solo? How big is your game board? I use the old Blue Max rules for all of my games, but the local guys seem to have trouble grasping the movement, so we don't play many games!  :(

Terry
"My heart has joined the thousand for a friend stopped running today." Mr. Richard Adams

Techno

Great report again, Jack !

Cheers - Phil

bigjackmac

Terry - Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it.  Yes, I mostly play solo, and not sure how big the board is (terrible memory), probably about 36" x 18". I can take a look when I get home; it's gridded, so not really an issue of how big the board is, just that your aircraft fit your grid.  These 'Battle of Britain' rules are super simple, but I'm having a blast with them.

Thanks Phil!

V/R,
Jack

bigjackmac

05 August 2019, 03:44:27 PM #101 Last Edit: 05 August 2019, 03:51:12 PM by bigjackmac
All,

It's 0530 on 27 July 1990 in the country of South Leon.  We are with the Cuban Liberation Air Force's (CLAF) 407th Tactical Fighter Squadron, AKA the "Bonesaws," and they are entering the fight in South Leon.  Three days ago, the Communist Army from Federation Socialiste Nationale de Leon (FSNL), South Leon's malignant neighbor to the north, launched an all out invasion of South Leon, seizing the nation's capital.  The CLAF's 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron, AKA the "Flying Boxcars," led by Major "Viper" Culero, happened to be stationed in South Leon when the Communists invaded.  Over the past three days they've been bled dry in a series of aerial battles that saw the Cubans lose 14 of 18 F-4 Phantoms and four pilots, while the Communists lost 17 MiG-21 Fishbeds and 17 Su-22 Fitters.  Despite having a better than 2-1 kill ratio, the Boxcars failed in their mission to protect the South Leon Army (SLA) Headquarters, Marshalling Area, and Logistics Hub, all of which lie in ashes due to the Communist bombing campaign, knocking SLA Command and Control offline and crippling their resources and infrastructure to rapidly respond to the Communist invasion.  This is drawing plenty of negative attention at all levels, to include the South Leon military and civilian government, and that has the Cuban national command authority somewhat embarrassed.  By all accounts, Major Culero is a CLAF hero, but the heat is on and there are rumblings he should be relieved of command.

But the Bonesaws, commanded by Captain "Masters" Barrientos, have arrived just in the nick of time, buying Major Culero time to reconstitute his decimated squadron and reorganize as new pilots and machines arrive.  Captain Barrientos immediately, and not so humbly, takes up the gauntlet; "don't worry, Major, Bone 01 is here to save your ass!"  And with that, Captain Barrientos led a six-ship flight, comprised of brand-spanking new F-16 Fighting Falcons provided by the United States, on a classic fighter sweep, to let the Commies know there's a new sheriff in town.


Some new hardware!  Versus MiG-21s, should be a pushover.


Not quite...


But things get straightened out.

To see the fight, please check the blog at:
https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/2019/08/operation-chunky-bandit-24-air.html?m=1

I've played plenty of fights, working on all the batreps, stay tuned!

V/R,
Jack

bigjackmac

All,

Having just completed a relatively short (10-game) campaign in WWII Greece (https://blackhawkhet.blogspot.com/search/label/Peter%20Mini-Campaign), I wanted to stretch my legs a bit, see how the campaign system would do with a much longer series of fights, so it's back to South Leon.  Not heard of South Leon?  Well, here's the catch up:

Free Cuba (those are the good guys) deployed a small force, Task Group Fulgencio (a company of Marines, a company of paratroopers, and a detachment of Special Forces), to the fictional west African nation of South Leon on 1 May 1990, to assist the government of South Leon with its internal insurgency by the Free Leon Army (FLA), which is supported by its Communist neighbor to the north, Fédération Socialiste Nationale de Leon (FSNL).

On 24 July 1990 the country of FSNL mounted a full-scale invasion of its democratic neighbor to the south. The South Leon Army was quickly cast aside and the Communist forces penetrated far south, all the way to the South Leon capital of Pendrakenville.

Cuban leadership quickly deliberated: cut losses and pull out of South Leon, or stand by their ally. The Cubans decided to up the ante, and staged a counter-invasion on 27 July 1990, where two airborne drops blocked access to the beaches where another company of Marines (TF Bowie) and a mechanized infantry company (TF Hammer) were brought ashore.

The recently landed Cuban forces pushed east (Task Group Halabrio), but the combined FSNL/FLA defenses solidified and stiffened near Route 1, the main north-south running highway. This not only left the Cuban invasion force, known collectively as Task Group Halabrio, about ten kilometers short of Pendrakenville, it also left their brothers from Task Group Fulgencio cut off southwest of the capital city.

This map campaign begins with Phase 2 of Operation Chunky Bandit: the concept of operations is for the SLA mechanized infantry battalion, with TF Black, to remain in/around Hill 114 in order to interdict enemy resupply/reinforcement coming from FSNL, and Task Group Halabrio (Task Forces Hammer, Hawk, Dusty, Bowie, and 23) push east to engage Communist forces in order to allow the cut-off elements of Task Group Fulgencio (Task Forces Redleg and Razor) to breakthrough to the west and join up with their comrades.

Immediately following Task Group Fulgencio's breakout, Phase 3 will begin, the objective of which is to liberate Pendrakenville. The SLA mechanized infantry battalion will continue to interdict Communist resupply/reinforcement efforts from FSNL, while Task Group Fulgencio will merge with Task Group Halabrio and push east to defeat Communist forces and take Pendrakenville.

More info here:
https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/2020/05/operation-chunky-bandit-mini-campaign.html

The first fight sees Major Chavez leads his TF Hammer straight east, assaulting the FSNL 3rd Company's positions.  The overall Task Group commander, Major Halabrio, has decided to attach himself to the assault element, leaving Major Chavez in overall commander but willing and able to assist as necessary, functioning as a second command stand for the Cubans.


The Cubans (left) push forward on a broad front.


But it's not long before the Communists spring their ambush.


And the RPGs are flying like mad!


But hey,  all's well that ends well ;)

To see the whole fight, please check the blog at:
https://cubalibrewargame.blogspot.com/2020/05/operation-chunky-bandit-27-ground.html

Next up we have 1st Lt Madre-Animral's TF Bowie attacking the FSNL's 4th Company.

V/R,
Jack

Lord Kermit of Birkenhead

Read the first sentance of 1st post as year 1615 - wondered what jets were doing in the 17th century
FOG IN CHANNEL - EUROPE CUT OFF
Lord Kermit of Birkenhead
Muppet of the year 2019, 2020 and 2021

bigjackmac

Yes, that would be problematic ;)

V/R,
Jack