COMPLETE [POR] Operation Pegasus

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OPERATION PEGASUS
Portuguese Navy
Secret and Classified
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Prime Objective : Ensure Portuguese interests are protected
Secondary Objectives : Provide a quick-reaction force to the Atlantic Region; Provide security to the entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar; Provide a force to engage in anti-piracy operations near Cape Bojador; Detect and Survey all incursions into the Portuguese EEZ.

Deployment;

Mistral-class Amphibious Assault Ship (NRP Luis de Camões)
Complement of 160 crew and 30 Fusiliers
All systems, sensors, and electronic measures
2 × Simbad missile systems
2 x 20 mm modèle F2 gun
2 × 30 mm Breda-Mauser
2 x 7.62 mm M134 miniguns
4 × 12.7 mm M2HB Browning machine guns
8 x Eurocopter AS565 Panther

Bartolomeu Dias-Class Frigate (NRP D. Francisco de Almeida & NRP Bartolomeu Dias)
Complement of 154 crew
All systems, sensors, and electronic measures
16 × RIM-7 Sea Sparrow anti-air VLS
8 × Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missile
6 × FN MAG 7.62 mm machine gun
4 × Browning M2 12.7 mm machine gun
2 × Twin-Mark 46 torpedo tubes
1 × OTO Melara 76 mm gun
1 × Goalkeeper CIWS

Vasco da Gama-Class Frigate (NRP Vasco da Gama & NRP Álvares Cabral)
Complement of 180 crew
All systems, sensors, and electronic measures
1 x 100 mm Mod68 CADAM polyvalent artillery piece
1 x Phalanx CIWS 20 mm Vulcan anti-ship missile defense system
2 x 3 12.75-inch Mark 46 torpedo in triple mountings
2 x Mk 141 quad-pack Launcher for a maximum of 8 RGM-84 Harpoon
1 x MK 21 Guided Missile Launching System for 8 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow

The ships would all be prepared for one of the first Portuguese Missions towards the Atlantic Ocean, with one of the focuses being power projection. This was to be a long duration missions, as such, all ships would have provisions to last comfortably one month. Their main area operations would be around the Atlantic Ocean, as such it was deemed unnecessary for a replenishment ship to follow the fleet as they could easily return to a naval base to restock and refuel. More specifically, their area of operations would involve patrolling the following squares: IN, IM, IL, IK, HK, HL, HM, and HN. The mission however could be extended further into the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans in the near future.​

 

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After being prepared and the course set for their operation, all crewmen would be given a quick briefing of their mission. The Lisbon Naval Base was buzzing with activity under the cover of night as the NRP Luis de Camões, and the formidable frigates, NRP D. Francisco de Almeida, NRP Bartolomeu Dias, NRP Vasco da Gama and NRP Álvares Cabral, prepared for the classified Operation PEGASUS.

The dark waters, under the night sky, of the Tagus River saw the departure of this maritime task force, the first awakening of an old naval power embarking again on a mission. The Mistral-class, with its impressive system capabilities, led the convoy as the flagship. As the fleet sailed into the Atlantic, following the predetermined path, the Bartolomeu Dias-Class Frigates took strategic positions, NRP D. Francisco de Almeida and NRP Bartolomeu Dias, armed with advanced weaponry, formed a protective screen around the expedition. These frigates would be in front of the NRP Luis de Camões, which itself was in the middle of the force. Simultaneously, the Vasco da Gama-Class Frigates, with NRP Vasco da Gama and NRP Álvares Cabral stayed behind the force, protecting the rear. As the naval task force sailed into the open ocean, the level of readiness would be given, Modified Readiness (Condition IV), this condition indicates a higher state of readiness than peacetime. The ship is prepared for possible threats, and personnel are likely engaged in more focused training and drills, with normal changing of personnel between downtime and ready times. Weapons systems are in a standby mode, and additional security measures are in place. The classified nature of Operation PEGASUS meant that every move was executed with utmost precision, each ship playing a crucial role in the protection of Portugal's maritime interests. This naval task force would serve as protectors of the seas of Portugal, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of Portuguese waters in the vast and unpredictable expanse of the Atlantic. The ships would ensure safety measure and spacing between each other for sudden maneuvers and other combat manuevers if needed.

 

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A few hours had gone by, and the task force would be transiting through, being located roughly around 22°11'44.4"N 20°56'07.9"W, they would keep their Condition IV, even if these water were considered prime for piracy operations from Africa. As such, 2x Eurocopter AS565 Panther would lift from NRP Luis de Camões deck. After being prepared to scout around the fleet in a range of 10 kilometers, they would be armed with M621 cannon 20 mm (0.787 in) and 2z AS 15 TT anti-ship missiles, alongside their avionics, sonar and, radar.

They would be zipping around the fleet area trying to locate possible piracy acts or anything that could threaten the safety of the Task Force. They would be in the indicated altitude for such operation to be taken with safety, caution and efficiency,

Meanwhile, all systems from the task force, be it their sonars or radars, would be utilized to further increase the rate of detection of vessels, submarines and commercial shipping. All Commercial shipping, which passed through the area would be contacted by NRP Luis de Camões, to inform them of their presence. These types of shipping would be relieved that their safety was upheld by the Portuguese Navy.

They would maintain their route, staying out of Territorial Waters of other nations.​

 

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More long hours had gone by, and the task force would be transiting through their designated path, being located roughly around 37°25'08.7"N 32°37'25.9"W, inside territorial waters of the Portuguese Republic, they would change to Condition V. This condition signifies a state of normal, peacetime operations with no immediate threat or heightened readiness requirements. During this condition, the task force would be in a relaxed state, and routine activities and duties are carried out, with a few drills, all helicopters would return to their designated vessel. Crew members are performing their regular duties, and there is no specific requirement for additional security measures or heightened alertness. Watch stations may be manned as required for basic operations, but there is no need for an increased state of readiness. Security measures are in place, but they are not at an elevated level. Security watches may be posted as necessary for routine operations. The ship or unit is prepared for routine activities, training, or other standard operations
Meanwhile, all systems from the task force, be it their sonars or radars, would be utilized to further increase the rate of detection of vessels, submarines and commercial shipping. All Commercial shipping, which passed through the area would be contacted by NRP Luis de Camões, to inform them of their presence. These types of shipping would be relieved that their safety was upheld by the Portuguese Navy.
They would maintain their route, staying out of Territorial Waters of other nations. Once they had done a round trip, and returning to Portuguese Continental waters, once near their base of operations, they would be refueled and resupplied in the naval base. They would be informed that the mission was being reanalyzed, and there was a possibility for the Task force to be sent on another mission. For the meantime, they would return to their designated route and do the 2nd round of the patrol.

 

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With the event of a formal declaration of hostilities between Canada and France, the Department of Defense would promptly communicate a mission modification to the designated Task Group Pegasus. The revised objective would necessitate a strategic relocation to the coordinates 33°43'45.6"N 25°47'17.4"W, specifically converging upon the areas of HM, with a primary focus on patrolling the vicinity of HM and HL. This operational adjustment is imperative for safeguarding the security of the Azores and Madeira, instilling confidence within the local populace through the visible presence of military forces. A Berrio-Class Replenishment Vessel, armed with 2 × Oerlikon 20 mm cannon and 2 × 7.62 mm machine guns, would be deployed for this mission. The vessel would be fully fueled, armed, and stocked to provide essential support to other ships, ensuring the prolonged sustainability of an extended mission duration at sea. Once moving from Portuguese Territorial Waters to International Waters or the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone within the newly assigned operational zone, the Task Group would implement a shift into Condition III. This elevated state of readiness would be a heightened level of preparedness, indicating that the Task Force is fully equipped and poised for a specific threat or operational undertaking. During this phase, crew members would be stationed at their designated positions, and additional security measures would be implemented. Four Eurocopter AS565 Panther helicopters would be deployed from the deck of the NRP Luis de Camões. Configured for reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare within a 10-kilometer radius around the fleet, these helicopters would be equipped with M621 cannon 20 mm (0.787 in) and 2 x AS 15 TT anti-ship missiles, complemented by advanced avionics, sonar, and radar systems. Their mission would conclude upon reaching low fuel levels, at which point they would return to the deck and switch with the other four helicopters of the same type. This comprehensive operational strategy serves as a proactive measure to assert Portuguese sovereignty over its territorial expanse and Exclusive Economic Zone, thereby fortifying the nation's security posture in the face of geopolitical challenges. This change of direction would be classified.

 

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As the mission objectives concluded and the region was secured, Task Group Pegasus initiated the process of returning all vessels to their designated home stations. Following the Department of Defence's classified directive, each ship within the task group—led by the NRP Luís de Camões and supported by the Berrio-Class Replenishment Vessel—began the journey back to Portuguese naval bases, securing all equipment and deactivating heightened Condition III protocols. The Eurocopter AS565 Panther helicopters, having completed their reconnaissance and patrol rotations, returned to their respective decks for refuelling and maintenance, ensuring operational readiness for future deployments.

As the vessels exited the operational zone, they moved smoothly from Condition III into standard peacetime protocols, reverting to regular crew rotations and routine naval operations. The task force navigated from the designated coordinates in international waters back into Portuguese territorial waters, securing critical maritime routes while maintaining contact with local maritime authorities to reassure the civilian population.

Upon arrival, each ship docked at its assigned naval base, where replenishment and debriefing protocols commenced. Task Group Pegasus’s successful deployment served as a robust display of Portugal’s commitment to maritime security and national sovereignty, reaffirming the nation’s defence capabilities. With all vessels now returned, Portuguese waters resumed their regular patrolling schedules, and the operation concluded in a secure, stable posture.