18 April 1988: In retaliation for the the frigate USS Samuel B Roberts, which struck an Iranian mine in the Persian Gulf, the US sanctions attacks on a number of oil platforms being used as observation posts and staging points for Boghammar attacks on tankers. Code named Operation Praying Mantis, the operation involved three Surface Action Groups, supported by aircraft from the USS Enterprise.
As I had the house to myself tonight I thought I'd replay part of this operation; the actions of SAG Charlie, which was tasked with destroying the Sirri Gas-Oil Separation Platform.
For a change I didn't use blinds or civil traffic – solo play makes this a bit redundant. I decided I would follow the historic narrative; the Iranian surface unit would approach at high speed and fire when challenged and there would be a pair of F4s circling around 30nm off which would attack if there was an opportunity.
THE FORCES
1. The United States
SAG Charlie, Cpt. James F. Chandler
USS Wainwright, Belknap Class CG
USS Simpson, Oliver Hazard Perry Class FFG
USS Bagley, Knox Class FF
2. Islamic Republic of Iran
IRS Joshan, Kaman Class FAC
Two F4 Phantoms with strike loadout
THE SET UP
The table was orientated with the short sides being North and South, and the long sides being East and West. The Sirri GOSP was located about 12" from the southern edge and the US ships were deployed in their firing positions, assuming their approach and warnings to evacuate have been completed. A SEAL team was being carried in the USS Bagley and this would be used to search the platform for intelligence, once it had been neutralised.
The Iranian forces would arrive on move 3.
THE GAME
0815HRS
As the game started the SIMPSON and BAGLEY moved into position. The SIMPSON then commenced firing with her 76mm gun, damaging the platform and causing it to be abandoned. The WAINWRIGHT stood off to the north to act as area defence for the safe operation of the SAG.
Apologies – I only cobbled together the oil rig this evening so it's not been painted yet!
0830HRS
The SEAL team take off in BAGLEY's helo.
0845HRS
The helo is unable to deploy the SEAL team immediately due to damage, so stands off while the SAG take up positions north of the GOSP.
At this point the JOSHAN is detected about 45nm away, heading south at high speed. The SIMPSON sends a warning in English and Farsi to withdraw.
Moments later WAINWRIGHT detects a pair of F4s just under 50nm away NNE. She 'paints' both with her fire control radars and issues a warning to them to pull back. The FC lock triggers a 'Resolve' test, which both pilots pass.
0900HRS
BAGLEY's helo is able to approach the Sirri platform.
To the north, the JOSHAN closes at high speed and turns to use her starboard Harpoon launchers. As she is still 'over the horizon' she is reliant on passive detection and fails to achieve a firing solution. Meanwhile the F4s take up position some 35nm from the WAINWRIGHT.
0915HRS
The SEAL team land on the platform and commence their search.
JOSHAN gets a fix on the WAINWRIGHT and fires two Harpoon missiles. These are not detected at first, but then SIMPSON picks them up and fires an SM1-ER surface to air missile, downing one of them. There are a few heart-stopping moments as the remaining missile closes on WAINWRIGHT, but fortunately the cruiser's close-in weapons systems destroy the second missile.
In retaliation, the SIMPSON fires two Harpoons at the JOSHAN. Against the odds, one is brought down by the Iranian ship's CIWS but the second missile strikes the flimsy craft. There is a huge explosion and the JOSHAN is crippled and dead in the water.
Now the gloves are off the WAINWRIGHT fires two Standard missiles at the Iranian F4s. One fails its Resolve test and scrams but the second attempts to evade the missile. It fails and the missile hits home, sending it into the blue waters below.
0930HRS
The remaining F4 passes its Resolve check (to reactivate after scramming) and makes an attack run on WAINWRIGHT, which fires two further SM1-ERs at 23nm range. The Iranian pilot wisely decides the game isn't worth the candle and again scrams north.
0945HRS
By now the action is pretty much over; the remaining F4 withdraws from the area and the JOSHAN is crippled. The SEAL team, having comlpeted their search, are taken off the Sirri GOSP.
In the post-game moves JOSHAN manages to get her fires out and flooding under control a couple of hours later and limps off back towards Bander Abbas, while the Iranian F4 pilot is picked up by helicopter.
SUMMARY
All in all, a good fun game with a believable result. Things could have turned very nasty for the Americans if the WAINWRIGHT hadn't downed the second Harpoon, but they were lucky and the operation was a complete success – one thing about solo games: I know I'll always win!
In the actual encounter the SEAL team didn't get on to the Sirri platform as a shell hit a magazine, causing a fireball and making it far too dangerous to deploy. The JOSHAN fired one Harpoon which was lured away by chaff and got a whole world of pain in return: four SM1-ERs used in SSM role from SIMPSON and one from WAINWRIGHT, followed by a Harpoon from BAGLEY. She was eventually sunk by gunfire.
The circling F4s were luckier; WAINWRIGHT fired two SAMs and they withdrew – one of the F4s landing having lost part of its wing and its fuselage peppered with shrapnel.
Hope you've enjoyed the AAR.
Best wishes,
Nick
looks at a multi-period building.
