Bear Trap 2023

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 1
Russia has decided to annex part of South Korea. Initial landings have been along the eastern coast with heaviest advanced in the southeast. Russian naval forces have taken position between South Korea and Japan in an attempt to cut-off a vital resupply line. While a full UN-supported military action has yet to be approved, the 222nd, caught off-guard and trapped on the peninsula, has been placed under the direction of ROK command to assist in any way possible.

For the moment, the DPRK is sitting tight and ROK forces have strict orders to remain outside North Korean Airspace at all times unless fired upon.

Mission Briefing
Time:03:00Z (12:00LT)
Our first assignment, is to neutralize Air and Surface to Air assets along the coast just south of the DMZ. This includes Sokcho Airbase which was overrun during the initial invasion and current is reported to have at least one, if not two, active SU-35 squadrons actively supporting CIS ground troops. While we don't have exact locations yet, Intel suggests an SA-11 battalion operating in the area to the northwest and an SA-10 battalion deployed near Gangeung Airbase to the south.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair to sunny with good visibility and is expected to remain that way over the target and Kunsan.

Threats:
Ground threats include SA-11 and SA-10 SAM units in the areas NW and SE of the target as well as a variety of short range SAM, manpad and AAA threats in and near the target area.

Air threats include the SU-35s based at Sokcho as well as potential MiG-29S and MiG-31 aircraft out of Gimhae. The Russian naval force include the Kuznetsov which we believe is home to several SU-33 squadrons.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)

Mission Package Info
Panther3 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying runway at Sokcho.
Satan1 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with suppressing the SA-11 and SA-10 battalions for the strikers.
Warhawk4 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with providing a ESCORT for the package.

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Dragnet7
Tankers: Copper7 (over Kimpo)

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 1 - Debrief
What a great way to start off this campaign! Despite the small package size (5 a/c), we proceeded with the OCA strike and dropped our SEAD in favor of Escort. The plan was simple, a 2-ship stand-off strike on the runways with a 3-ship escort to create a big enough bubble that we could sneak through to launch the weapons.

We watched some of our ROK brothers taxi out in some of the Gambler KF-16 paint jobs - looks nice!

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And then we proceeded north. As we approached the target, Warhawk4 (Escort) found a wall of Su-35s that had departed from Sokcho. As they engaged, Panther3 was instructed to go green vector so we headed north to keep clear but not too far away. We were hoping that Warhawk could create that small window of opportunity we needed to launch our SDBs.

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As we reached our northernmost limit, Warhawk had done their job and Panther made a sprint to the East to launch as max range. This worked perfect as the Su-35s that had been tied up with the initial engagement we landing back at Sokcho right as our SDBs came raining down.

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Sokcho runway is heavily damaged along with the control tower and numerous destroyed fuel storage tanks. Hopefully this will buy us enough time to make further hits on the airbase to take it out for good. Awesome coordination for the strike! the return home was quiet, almost too quiet with Boomer tucked in nicely for the OHB back into Gunsan.

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Next up: DEAD flight on the SA-11 and/or SA-10 to give us control of the airspace over Sokcho.

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[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 2
Mission Briefing
Time:04:30Z (13:30LT)
With the success of our first mission, we have severely limited CIS air capabilities along the northern coastline - now we must secure the airspace by eliminating their air defense coverage in that area. Primary target is an SA-10 battalion believed to be operating at or near Gangeung Airbase. Destroying this target will open the door for air interdiction and CAS operations to support ROK ground forces.

Secondary target is the SA-11 operating WNW of Sokcho, most likely stationed near the radar station on high ground. Taking this our will completely free up the airspace for follow up attacks on Sokcho to ensure it remains non-operational for the duration of the campaign.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair to sunny with good visibility and is expected to remain that way over the target and Gunsan.

Threats:
Ground threats include the SA-11 and SA-10 SAM units in the areas NW and SE of the target as well as a variety of short range SAM, manpad and AAA threats in and near the target area.

Air threats include potential MiG-29S and MiG-31 aircraft out of Gimhae and Su-33s from the Kuznetsov located far to the south.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Osan

Mission Package Info
Cyborg4 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying the SA-10 battalion at Gangeung Airbase.
Cobra4 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying the SA-11 battalion WNW of Sokcho.
Mustang5 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with protecting the package.

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Sentry5
Tankers: Copper3 (NE of Seosan)

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 2 - Debrief
A second very successful flight! Again, with small numbers and sound tactics, the Gambler pilots put some serious hurt on the CIS forces with zero losses to our side. The SA-10 a Gangeung was taken out of service (both Big Bird and Flap Lid) as was the SA-11 battalion west of Sokcho. This has left the entire northeastern sector open for ROK forces to begin pushing the Russians off the peninsula. Expect the 222nd to get in on some of the AI and CAS missions as well as keep pushing the air threats further south.

Cyborg4 ready to depart Gunsan

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Teasing the SA-10 as we work up its exact location in the HAS

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HARMs away!

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Nice takedown!

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Inbound for the overhead break.

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Awesome flights so far - 100% RTB.

[Blitz]

Going to be a FANTASTIC campaign!!!! Great shots Zeus (both figuratively and screenshots LOL)

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 3 (converted to 4.37.1)
Mission Briefing
Time:06:00Z (15:00LT)
HQ has asked for a quick mission to take out additional SA-10 battalions before launching more CAS and Air Interdiction missions along the coast.

Weather:
Weather is fair to sunny with good visibility and is expected to remain that way over the target and Gunsan.

Threats:
Primary threats will be the two SA-10 battalions we are targeting.
Air threats include potential MiG-29S and MiG-31 aircraft out of Gimhae and Su-33s from the Kuznetsov located far to the south.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)

Mission Package Info
Falcon7 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying two SA-10 battalions

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Dragnet7
Tankers: Copper3 (NE of Seosan)

[Zeus]

Mission 3 - Debrief
It was a quick scramble and a fast flight to hit some SA-10 battalions that were threatening ROK CAS and AI flights. Both sites were destroyed however some ROK aircraft were lost as we just couldn't get on station in time. The SA-11 that was believed to be destroyed in an earlier mission was also re-acquired and is a potential future target although ROK flights were last seen engaging the battalion at long range.

Visual confirmation that northern SA-10 is down

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Boomer putting the smackdown on the southern SA-10 - unfortunately they had already fired on an ROK aircraft.

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Tech and Boomer tucked in for the OHB back at Gunsan.

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Thanks for the quick flight guys - now it's time to start some of our own ground pounding.

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 4
Mission Briefing
Time:0800Z (1700LT)
With the success of our first three missions, we have eliminated the most lethal surface to air threats in the northern region allowing us to turn our focus on CIS ground forces trying to push inland. Our job is to destroy as many units as possible in the front-line forces. Priority should be placed on armor and mechanized units. CIS air assets are still flying in supplies as well as beginning to launch CAS and AI missions of their own so keep your eyes and ears open to the situation around you. A TARCAP flight has been fragged as part of this package.

There are two areas of interest - an east-west road leading out of Sokcho and an intersection of several main roads near Ip'Yong-ni.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair to sunny with good visibility and is expected to remain that way over the target and Gunsan.

Threats:
Ground threats consist mostly of embedded SHORAD units in the target areas.

Air threats include potential MiG-29S and MiG-31 aircraft out of Gimhae and Su-33s from the Kuznetsov located far to the south.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Wonju

Mission Package Info
Panther2 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction in the Ip'Yong-no area.
Banshee1 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction west of Sokcho.
Jaguar6 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with protecting the package.

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Dragnet7
Tankers: Copper3 (NE of Seosan)

[Zeus]

Mission 4 - Debrief
Another successful flight! For the first time in the campaign, the Gamblers got to focus on taking our CIS ground forces and we absolutely took advantage of the opportunity. Over 120 vehicles destroyed along with a handful of Su-27s and Su-24 aircraft also paying the price. We did lose one airframe however the pilot ejected safely and was rescued.

About half way through the flight the weather started to deteriorate going from nearly clear skies to mostly cloudy but the team pushed on and found breaks in the cloud deck to continue the attack. Weather conditions may limit further air interdiction flights for the few hours.

Ramping up on a beautiful winter evening at Gunsan

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Making a quick switch from heads-down to heads-up to smack some Su-27s

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Juicy targets

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Racking up some kills

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Thanks for a great flight! HQ will be very happy with our results. Get ready for some night flying for the next few missions.

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 5
Mission Briefing
Time:1030Z (1930LT)
We continue to have great success in assisting our ROK allies against the CIS forces. Our last mission struck a blow to the ground forces trying to push inland - now it's time to hit them along the coast. Expect a target rich environment. A TARCAP flight has been fragged as part of this package.

There are three areas of interest, one near Ip-yong-ni and two along the coastal roads south of the DMZ.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair with good visibility with a 50% chance of deteriorating conditions in the next hour or so.

Threats:
Ground threats consist mostly of embedded SHORAD units in the target areas.

Air threats include potential MiG-29S and MiG-31 aircraft out of Gimhae and Su-33s from the Kuznetsov located far to the south. An A-50 has been spotted in the area of the eastern coast just north of the DMZ. New rules of engagement apply (see PPT line extending NE); take this target out if at all possible.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Wonju

Mission Package Info
Spade3 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction in the northern box.
Viper3 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction in the southern box.
Plasma1 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with protecting the package.

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Magic4
Tankers: N/A

[Buttons]

Mission 5 - Debrief
Spade-3 Blk 50 tasked with AI.

A great mission for Spade-3, we stayed clear of the early air engagement and made good speed up to the AO and really worked over the ground units there. A persistent SA8 battery east of our kill box kept us honest, and with a center line tank we had just enough fuel to get all our weapons off before going joker, which we set a bit lower than normal due to the close alternate field. We were able to cover the pull back of Plasma-1's remaining bird before going to refuel, and made a uneventful landing at Wonju, a field we don't normally get to see.

After that it was all back to our favorite base on the left coast for tea and medals. The interesting learning items for us was the pretty substantial drag difference between the CBU's carried by Viper-3 vs the GBU-54's on our planes which is definitely something to consider.

Intel: Near our kill box to the north there were two armored columns that were mostly in tact, T90's were confirmed in the group, along with some SP arty. At least one SA8 battery east of the western kill box is still active. And from pt. N38 41.594, E128 29.963, at a bearing of aprox 133-135 we picked up SA10 emissions, possible location of the Kuznetzov Battle Group.

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 6
Mission Briefing
Time:1230Z (2130LT)
While ROK forces continue to attack CIS ground troops and slow their advance, CIS air presence is on the rise. The 222nd has been tasked with neutralize the CIS air operations out of Gimhae. This will require taking out two SA-10 sites with overlapping coverage of the airbase as well as defending ourselves from fighters already airborne. this is also our first mission into the southern region that brings us into contact not only with the land-based assets but also CIS forces from the carrier Kuznetzov.

Our plan is to attack the SA-10 sites (probably in separate waves) to allow the OCA flight to get within range and launch their GBU-39s from max range. If we can at least damage the runways that should slow air operations enough for ROK forces to push deeper and take out the remaining CIS SAM threats as well as hit critical targets.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is poor and likely to remain that way for the next several hours.

Threats:
Ground threats include two SA-10 units near Gimhae (the two SA-10s near Daegu have had their flaplids destroyed), SA-5s further east and of course SHORAD units scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats include potential Su-27s, MiG-29S and MiG-31 aircraft out of Gimhae and Su-33s from the Kuznetsov located far to the south. With the destruction of the A-50, CIS air assets may be slower to respond and we must take every advantage that we have in order to succeed.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: N/A

Mission Package Info
Cajun3 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with putting the runways out of commission.
Spade2 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air protecting the package from air threats.
Gamble5 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying the flaplids at the two SA-10 sites protecting Gimhae.

Additional seats can be added to Gamble5 and Cajun3

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Magic4
Tankers: Copper6

[Zeus]

Mission 6 - Debrief
Another successful strike again CIS forces! This time we pushed south into the Bear's den to strike Gimhae, home to numerous squadrons of fighters and support aircraft. Our escort flight kept a watchful on the air picture as the DEAD flight neutralized the SA-10 sites that protected the area. Once clear, the OCA strike launched their attach from long range and completely crippled the airbase. With the destruction of the SAM sites and runways at Gimhae, ROK and allied forces have almost complete control of the skies over the entire peninsula again. Time to begin the systematic elimination of all CIS ground forces!

Night ops are always fun and challenging

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The last HARM launched at the SA-10 near Gimhae!

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Stand-off attack on the runways underway!

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Talk about a full pattern!

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Great flight by all involved - no friendly losses.

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 7
Mission Briefing
Time:1430Z (2330LT)
ROK forces continue to gain the upper hand over CIS forces. With the help of the 222nd, nearly all CIS air assets on the mainland have been neutralized and Command wants it to stay that way. We have been asked to clear the remaining major surface to air threats so that ROK forces can roam the skies at will striking CIS forces as needed.

The target assignments for us include the last two SA-10 battalions known to exist on the mainland along with the remnants of an SA-11 and SA-17 battalion. While the SA-10 battalions are at full strength and have relatively certain positions, the others are down to the last 2-3 launchers and likely running for cover; we must find and destroy them.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair and seems to be improving.

Threats:
Ground threats include our target battalions along with SHORAD units (SA-8, -9, -13, -15 and AAA) scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats are now pretty much limited to those coming off the carrier or from Russia itself.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Sacheon and Yechon

Mission Package Info
Mako7 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying the flaplid at the 10th SA-10 battalion.
Panther2 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with destroying the flaplid at the 11th SA-10 battalion.
Cajun6 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with finding and destroying the 7th SA-11 battalion.
Gamble5 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with finding and destroying the 8th SA-17 battalion.

Additional seats can be added if needed

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Sentry7
Tankers: Copper6

[Zeus]

Mission 7 Debrief

The mission got off to a rough start with several pilots experiencing CTDs as we committed. All but one was able to rejoin in time for take-off however several would later find that their data cartridge had not reloaded properly resulting in reduced SA.

Once airborne, Mako and Cajun headed to the target area and almost immediately found themselves in a fight. However, a quick call-out by Cajun6-2 alerting his lead that Patriots were launching caused both flights to retreat rather than engage and they soon found themselves with a clear picture. By now, Panther and Gamble were airborne, and the mission proceeded as planned.

Cajun provided some air cover shooting down a couple of Su-33s while Mako and Panther launched their HARMs on the SA-10 battalions along the east coast. However, their initial shots were taken individually rather than synchronized which allowed the SA-10 operators to shoot down the incoming solo HARMs. Only when Panther also engaged during the second attack did a HARM make it through taking out one of the flaplids.

By this time Cajun was getting low on slammers and fuel and Gamble was coming off the tanker. But due to the tanker being a fair distance away, it would take some time for Gamble to get on station. With Cajun holding and unable to attack their target due to the SA-10, Mako took up CAP in the south as Panther attempted to take out the last SA-10. Unfortunately, during his egress, Panther21 found himself the victim of an SA-6 battalion and was shot down. Shortly after that, two Su-33s began to approach from the SE. In the confusion, a friendly A-10 was targeted by Mako and shot down which allowed one of the Su-33s to get dangerously close. Mako rippled off 3 maddog shots at the incoming Su-33 (none of which flew anywhere near the incoming threat). This left Mako essentially defenseless. Fortunately, a nearby Phantom driver was able to splash the Su-33s.

By now, Cajun had jettisoned their A-G stores and attempted to provide air cover for Gamble as they arrived on station and began hunting the SA-10, -17 and -6 that were plaguing the mission. While a couple shots were taken, the situation was getting quite dangerous. Several pilots were down on SA due to the lack of DTC info, others were low on fuel and all were low on slammers. With an update from AWACS of additional Su-33s incoming, a call was made to abort the mission and RTB.

All pilots, other than Panther21, successfully returned to Gunsan to fight another day. Final tally: 1 SA-10 taken out of commission along with 1 SA-17 launcher and several Su-33s at the cost of one F-16.

Lessons learned
In hindsight, having Gamble tank first was a bad choice. If they had been there at the start they could have targeted the SA-17s at the same time the SA-10s were being engaged. If successful that would have taken a threat off the board. At the least, it would have been more pilots to deal with the Su-33s and probably have kept a better balance of slammers in the package.

Also, the tactics we have tested, trained and used weren't followed as closely as they should have. This includes the attacks on the SA-10s and the CAP work. Coordinated attacks and proper use of wingmen and other flights for delousing would have likely resulted in better weapon employment.

Even with all that, the loss of SA due to bad DTC loads combined with the pop-up threats made the inevitable outcome probably the same; we just weren't going to accomplish all our goals for this mission. Nonetheless, it was a great flight with lots of positive aspects including some great comms work and flying.

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 8
Mission Briefing
Time:0130Z (2330LT)
Our last mission wasn't the success we were counting on; there is still an operational SA-10 battalion covering the SE sector as well as very active SA-17, SA-6 and SA-11 battalions. Our job is to take these threats out so that ROK CAS and AI flights can work over the CIS ground forces.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair and seems to be improving.

Threats:
Ground threats include our target battalions along with SHORAD units (SA-8, -9, -13, -15 and AAA) scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats continue to launch from the carrier but at a manageable pace.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Sacheon and Yechon

Mission Package Info
Mudhen4 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with finding and destroying the 10th SA-10 and 8th SA-17 battalions.
Bulldog6 - 2 x F-16CM-50s tasked with finding and destroying the 7th SA-11 and 17th SA-6 battalions.
Viper5 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with TARCAP.

Additional seats can be added if needed

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Chalice2
Tankers: Texaco7

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 8
Mission Debrief
Mission #8 was a partial success. The DEAD flights were able to neutralize the SA-17 and SA-6 battalions however, the SA-10 remains active likely due to the location of the Flaplid. HUMINT is telling that the Flaplid is positioned behind some of the taller buildings int he area and will need to be attacked from a different direction. The SA-11 battalion was unable to be reached by the second DEAD flight due to its location under the SA-10 umbrella; new attack options are being devised.

Unfortunately, we lost two aircraft on the flight but one of pilots was recovered. The missing pilot, a member of the TARCAP flight, was shot down during an engagement and the other, flight lead for the second DEAD flight, was taken out by an SA-8 as he maneuvered to support his wingman who was attacking an Su-33 that had slipped in at low level.

On the plus side, we assisted in a major ground battle and shot down several Su-33s and hit T-90s and SA-19s. Excellent work by all flights to coordinate air cover.

Busy night a Gunsan

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SA-6 spotted and engaged

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Major ground battle and we are kicking butt!

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[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 9
Mission Briefing
Time:1800Z (0300LT)
Command is insisting that the SA-10 and SA-11 battalions be taken out however, ROK forces also need our assistance with CIS ground force in the Daegu area. The 222nd has been tasked to finish mopping uop the major SAM threats and to being attacking CIS ground forces. Loadouts are at Flight Lead discretion

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair and seems to be improving.

Threats:
Ground threats include our target battalions along with SHORAD units (SA-8, -9, -13, -15 and AAA) scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats continue to launch from the carrier but at a managable pace.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Yechon

Mission Package Info
Cobra2 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the East box.
Satan7 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the West box.
Mako2 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with DEAD, specifically the SA-10 and the SA-11 battalions.

Additional seats can be added if needed

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Dragnet1
Tankers: Copper7

[Buttons]

Cobra-2 Debrief

Good flight internally and we were well supported by the DEAD/Escort flight (Mako-2) and worked well with the other AI flight who worked the western box (Satan-7) for whom we briefed an altitude deconfliction plan in the brief.

The big learning objectives were three fold

Internal Fuel Only: Typically as a wing we bring external fuel. Tonight we didn't and I doubt any of the other flights noticed. We used a lower Joker/Bingo than usual, 3.5/2.5 for both the FOB/Alternate and for Kunsan, we'd be lighter and less draggy for the longer leg. I noticed we had a slightly longer 2nd engagement than Satan-7 did, but I can't place that 100% on the fuel, its a little easier to do a GPS GBU-54 drop which we do on a monthly basis than a the AGM-154 drop, which we are a little more unfamiliar with. In essence that is Buttons-Speak for "It took me 2 passes to drop 4 AGM-154s, I'm pretty sure that would only take 1 pass for a GBU-54. Long story short on the internal fuel we got 3 weapons passes before leaving to refuel, and we needed 3 weapons passes when we returned to the AO to go Dakota. At the end of the day I didn't consider the lack of fuel or the inclusion of the jammer significant for this flight, but your mileage may and we'll be going back to that AO soon enough so it can be done effectively on internal fuel alone.

A/A weapons employment: In the debrief we came back and had a quick conversation about weapons employment vs. a helo on the climb out of the alternate field vs. a VID'd MI-8. The feedback was centered around future threats (there were SU-27's in the area, and nails 27's on the RWR during the flight) but I would also point out the old adage a Hip in the hand is worth 2 Flankers in the bush. End of the day we left with 8 slammers and came back with 7 which given our fuel load and mission was more than enough to do a few rounds of impromptu air to air work before bingo back to refuel. Had we dumped 3 or 4 Aim-120's or we had to go out of the way to engage the helos, I feel those are more clear cut redlines, but neither of those were the case here. I want to engage with this feedback and hear what others have to say but my initial interpretation was the weapons expenditure was reasonable and didn't hazard future capabilities or response options for either Cobra-2 or the package.

AGM-154B vs GBU-54B: Tonight we had a pretty simple test of the effectiveness of the laser JDAM vs the JSOW vs concentrations of ground targets and the results were interested. We typically take a mix of GBU-54B's and GBU-12B's on our AI flights, it allows us flexibility to hit all moving targets, while retaining a multiple-launch attack on the ingress if nothing is moving at all. Its a good weapons mix which has served us well in every flight its been used on. Most of the time with AI work we get the first strike for free, that is nothing is moving when we get to the target area and in that case, especially with concentrated ground forces, I'd argue that the AGM-154B is superior. Taking that weapon is riskier, if things are moving effective employment is a risk, one that can be dealt with by leading the target and releasing closer to the bottom of the JIZ, but I won't say you can't completely whiff. Tonight though we saw what taking that risk meant, a two ship armed with JSOWs was able to perform like a six ship or more. (see attached screen cap). Some thoughts with dealing with the risk are split loadouts, maybe the first element has JSOWS, and the second element has L-JDAM's, deconflicting based on movers or stationary.

Last night was a great flight and my take aways were, as always, a sense of fun and community along side a the evaluation and reevaluation of the basics of flight planing and execution.Should we go all internal fuel tonight? Can we take a bigger footprint weapon and if stuff is moving can we hit it? Why aren't we shooting those helos down when they're on the way to the AO?

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[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 10
Mission Briefing
Time:1800Z (0300LT)
With the destruction of the last long range SAM threats on the mainland, the 222nd has been tasked with immediate air interdiction in the Daegu area. Large concentrations of enemy vehicles have been spotted in and around the city looking to push outward. Our job is to destroy as many vehicles as possible. Top priority goes to tanks and SHORAD units.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is fair and seems to be improving.

Threats:
Ground threats include our target battalions along with SHORAD units (SA-8, -9, -13, -15 and AAA) scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats continue to launch from the carrier but at a managable pace.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Yechon

Mission Package Info
Hammer6 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the West box.
Mako4 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the West box.

Additional seats can be added if needed

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Dragnet1
Tankers: Copper7 (located just west of our AOO)

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 11
Mission Briefing
Time:2200Z (0700LT)
Despite the reduced strike size and mechanical issues, our last mission successfully halted the CIS ground force's push to the west. Now we need to go in and mop up. HQ has tasked the 222nd to attack all CIS forces and supply depots in and to the east of Daegu.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is good and should remain that way for the next several hours.

Threats:
Ground threats include SHORAD units (SA-8, -9, -13, -15 and AAA) scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats continue to launch from the carrier, and even some from the northeast, but at a manageable pace.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Yechon

Mission Package Info
Falson2 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the East box.
Mudhen6 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the West box.

Additional seats can be added if needed

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Chalice2
Tankers: Copper7 (located 50nm WNW of our AOO)

[Zeus]

Bear Trap 2023: Mission 12
Mission Briefing
Time:0030Z (0930LT)
Command has decided to send the 2222nd back to it's original assignment near the DMZ laong the so-called "Orange Highway". There continues to be a large presence of CIS forces trying to make their way inland. Our job is to destroy any and all CIS ground forces along the main highway and eventually along the coast.

Area of Operation:

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Weather:
Weather is good and should remain that way for the next several hours.

Threats:
Ground threats include SHORAD units (SA-8, -9, -13, -15 and AAA) scattered over the battlefield.

Air threats continue to launch from the carrier, and even some from the northeast, but at a manageable pace.

OOB
- 222nd operating from Gunsan (F-16CM-50)
- Alternate: Wonju

Mission Package Info
Warhawk3 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the Western side of the box.
Jaguar6 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with air interdiction; destroy any and all enemy vehicles in the Eastern side of the box.
Plasma3 - 4 x F-16CM-50s tasked with TARCAP.

Additional seats can be added if needed

SPINS
- INI file to be provided at briefing time

Support:
AWACS: Chalice1
Tankers: Texaco4