[Spain]: Operation Escudo de Honor

[Zak]

OPERATION ESCUDO DE HONOR
Security Classification: ENCRYPTED​

---

​

DETAILS​

Objective(s):	Patrols of Spanish Economic Exclusion Zone
Date:	15th September 2003 - Ongoing
Location:	Spain
Status:	Ongoing

DEPLOYMENT​

Spanish Army:	N/A
Spanish Air Force:	22nd Air Force Group Squadron (200x Regular Personnel, 6x Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion) 111th Squadron (300x Regular Personnel, 12x F-18A Hornet) 151st Squadron (300x Regular Personnel, 12x F-18A Hornet) 3rd Air Surveillance Squadron (100x Personnel, 1x Indra 3D LANZA-LRR Radar) 5th Air Surveillance Squadron (100x Personnel, 1x Indra 3D LANZA-LRR Radar) 10th Air Surveillance Squadron (100x Personnel, 1x Indra 3D LANZA-LRR Radar)
Spanish Navy:	41st Escort Squadron (400x Personnel, 2x Santa María-class frigate) 31st Escort Squadron (400x Regular Personnel, 2x Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate) Alborán Naval Detachment (250x Regular Personnel, 2x Meteoro-class offshore patrol vessel) Special Naval Warfare Force (150x Special Forces, 14x RHIB)

 

[Zak]

Lockheed P-3 Orion taxiing out to runway at Morón Air Base​

ENCRYPTED
In the elegantly decorated command center at Morón Air Base, General Armando Villegas, the commanding officer at Morón Air Base, received the highly anticipated operational orders. As he carefully unfolded the classified document, his eyes scanned the detailed instructions, outlining the need for continuous surveillance missions over the vast Mediterranean region after recent events with Thailand and now France and Canada. The air force base, nestled amidst the picturesque Spanish countryside, was now pulsating with a renewed sense of urgency as a flurry of activity filled the base with engineers preparing the aircraft for active service and making sure that all weapons and avionics had been loaded onto the aircraft ready for use if required. The flight crews were also hard at work as they received mission objectives and their assigned routing from commanding officers.

Armament

4x Mark 46 torpedos

Raytheon AN/APS-115 Maritime Surveillance Radar
APX-118/123 Interrogation Friend or Foe
ASX-4 Advanced Imaging Multispectral Sensor
ALR-95(V)2 Specific Emitter Identification/Threat Warning
Hazeltine Corporation AN/ARR-78(V) sonobuoy receiving system
Fighting Electronics Inc AN/ARR-72 sonobuoy receiver
IBM Proteus UYS-1 acoustic processor
AQA-7 directional acoustic frequency analysis and recording sonobuoy indicators
AQH-4 (V) sonar tape recorder
ASQ-81 magnetic anomaly detector
ASA-65 magnetic compensator
Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-78(V) electronic surveillance receiver

As the sun began to rise over the air force base, the trusted Lockheed P-3 Orions had been prepared for a day of vital surveillance missions. The sound of jet engines roared through the air as the aircraft taxied down the runway, the aircraft was sleek and formidable. One aircraft headed towards the Balearic Islands (Position JM) whilst one headed north towards the Bay of Biscay (Position IN) Onboard, the highly skilled crew meticulously checked every detail, ensuring that all systems were ready to engage in their critical tasks. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the P-3 Orion acted as the Spanish Air Force's eyes in the sky, monitoring coastal waters for any signs of illicit activity and assisting in search and rescue operations if needed. This versatile aircraft was an emblem of the Spanish Air Force's commitment to protecting their territorial waters and securing the nation's borders. With a payload of advanced sensors and radar systems, the P-3 Orion played a pivotal role in detecting and tracking potential threats, providing invaluable intelligence to key decision-makers. As the aircraft soared through the sky, it served as a vigilant guardian, serving and safeguarding the Spanish people with unwavering dedication. Once they had depleted their fuel levels, they would divert to Son San Joan Air Base and Seve Ballesteros-Santander Airport respectively depending on which assigned routing each aircraft had received.

 

[Zak]

Spanish Air Force Lockheed P-3 Orion observing American naval vessels​

ENCRYPTED
As the Spanish P-3 Orion soared through the sky off the coast of Almeria, its crew meticulously analyzed the data streaming from the on board Raytheon AN/APS-115 Maritime Surveillance Radar. With precision, they swiftly identified the American naval vessels in the vast blue expanse below. Their knowledge and use of this technology enabled them to relay crucial information to the on board command center, ensuring proper coordination and strategic positioning. As the aircraft continued its mission, the Spanish crew felt a sense of pride in their ability to provide valuable aerial support, reinforcing the important relationship between their two nations in upholding maritime security. No doubt, the American vessels spotted the P-3 Orion on their radars below which was when the aircraft would begin communications on an encrypted frequency with the American vessels.

"American naval vessels traversing towards the Strait of Gibraltar, this is Sabre 5-5, we are a Lockheed P-3 Orion of the Spanish Air Force just off of your starboard side. We are keeping a safe distance to not interfere in your operations, we just thought it would be beneficial to check in. Good luck and all the best in whatever mission you are involved in."​

​

As the crew aboard the Lockheed P-3 Orion received new instructions from Spanish Air Force headquarters, they swiftly maneuvered the aircraft, smoothly turning it around to head back towards its designated route around the Balearic Islands. With the skilled pilot at the helm and the dedicated team seamlessly coordinating their actions, the aircraft gracefully adjusted its course, ready to continue its vital surveillance mission, ensuring the safety and security of the region.

Odinson