United States | Mediterranean | Operation Blue Paladin

[Odinson]

*This page was updated 1/16/2024. All ships in this post, except for those in DESTROYER SQUADRON TWO and SUBRON 4, are no longer part of this deployment and have been moved to Operation Gold Paladin.

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OPERATION BLUE PALADIN​

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SECRET​

NAVY DEPLOYMENT​

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TASK FORCE 107
Rear Admiral Edmund J. Nelson​

CARRIER STRIKE GROUP ONE
Rear Admiral Edmund J. Nelson​

Ship Class	Vessel	Compliment	Home Port
Enterprise-class Aircraft Carrier	USS Enterprise	Total: 4800 / Compliment: 3000 / Pilots: 250 / Air Wing: 1550	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Ticonderoga-class Guided Missile Cruiser	USS Ticonderoga	330	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Ticonderoga-class Guided Missile Cruiser	USS Yorktown	330	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Ticonderoga-class Guided Missile Cruiser	USS Vincennes	330	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Jeff Sessions	323	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Richard Shelby	323	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Ted Stevens	323	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Frank Murkowski	323	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Jon Kyl	323	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Celestial-class Frigate	USS Celestial	140	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Celestial-class Frigate	USS John Adams	140	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Supply-class Support Ship	USNS Supply	600	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Supply-class Support Ship	USNS Rainer	600	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Henry J. Kaiser-class Replenishment Oiler	USNS Henry J. Kaiser	113	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Henry J. Kaiser-class Replenishment Oiler	USNS Joshua Humphreys	113	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia

CARRIER AIR WING THREE
Captain Patrick Smith​

Squadron	Aircraft	Number of Aircraft	Personnel	Garrison
Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VFA-101)	F/A-18F Super Hornet	12	24 Pilots	Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Fighter Attack Squadron 102 (VFA-102)	F/A-18F Super Hornet	12	24 Pilots	Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Fighter Attack Squadron 103 (VFA-103)	F/A-18F Super Hornet	12	24 Pilots	Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Fighter Attack Squadron 104 (VFA-104)	F/A-18F Super Hornet	12	24 Pilots	Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 201	F/A-18F Super Hornet	12	24 Pilots	Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Electronic Attack Squadron 301 (VAQ-301)	EA-18G Growler	12	24 Pilots	Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 401 (VAW-401)	E-2C Hawkeye	4	20 Pilots	Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field, Virginia
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 501 (VRC-501)	C-2 Greyhound	2	4 Pilots | 4 Crew	Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field, Virginia

BATTLE GROUP GOLD
Rear Admiral John Frost​

Ship Class	Vessel	Compliment	Home Port
Iowa-class Battleship	USS Missouri	1,800	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Iowa-class Battleship	USS Wisconsin	1,800	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ship	USS Wasp	1,070	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Spruance-class Destroyer	USS Fletcher	329	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Spruance-class Destroyer	USS Hayler	329	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia
Spruance-class Destroyer	USS Wright	329	Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia

DESTROYER SQUADRON TWO
Captain Paul Gibson​

Ship Class	Vessel	Compliment	Home Port
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Arleigh Burke	323	Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Barry	323	Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS John Paul Jones	323	Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Daniel Inouye	323	Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer	USS Daniel Akaka	323	Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island

SUBMARINE SQUADRON 4
Captain Ragnar Hansen​

Ship Class	Vessel	Compliment	Home Port
Los Angeles-class Submarine	USS Miami	110	Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia
Los Angeles-class Submarine	USS Scranton	110	Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia
Los Angeles-class Submarine	USS Alexandria	110	Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia
Los Angeles-class Submarine	USS Asheville	110	Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia

SUBMARINE SQUADRON 6
Captain Andrew Garnier​

Ship Class	Vessel	Compliment	Home Port
Virginia-class Submarine	USS Florida	135	Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut
Virginia-class Submarine	USS Texas	135	Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut
Virginia-class Submarine	USS Hawaii	135	Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut
Virginia-class Submarine	USS North Carolina	135	Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut

DETAILS

Nimitz-class - Fully Fueled; Aviation reserves fully fueled; Non-perishable and perishable food/water for 3 month journey; Standard armaments including: x3 NATO Sea Sparrow Launchers (x8 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow loaded in each); x4 Phalanx CIWS; x2 RAM launchers (x21 missiles); Standard countermeasures/decoys; Onboard: x500 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x500 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks;
Aircraft: x60 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and all of their necessary armaments and equipment; x12 EA-18G Growler; x8 MH-60S; x5 Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye; x2 C-25 Greyhound.

Iowa-class - Fully Fueled; Non-perishable food/water for 3 month journey; x400 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x400 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks;
Countermeasures: AN/SLQ-32, AN/SLQ-32, x8 Mark 36 SRBOC Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Chaff Rocket Launchers; x4 RHIBs;
Armaments: x9 16 in (406 mm)/50 cal Mark 7 guns, x12 5 in (127 mm)/38 cal Mark 12 guns (all normal reserves of ammunitions), x8 Mk 143 Armored Box Launcher mounts (For 32 Tomahawks), x4 Mk 141 quad cell launchers (For 16 RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles), x4 20 mm/76 cal Phalanx CIWS;
Aircraft: x1 Sikorsky MH-60S.

Wasp-class - Fully Fueled; Non-perishable and perishable food/water for 4 month journey; complete storage of usable fuel for all conventionally-powered vessels for 6 month journey; complete storage of aviation fuel for all aircraft in the fleet for 6 month deployment;
Armament: x2 RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launchers; x2 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile launchers; x3 20 mm Phalanx CIWS systems; x4 25 mm Mk 38 chain guns; x4 .50 BMG machine guns; x100 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x100 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks; x4 RHIBs;
Aircraft: x20 MV-22B Osprey; x6 MH-60M Black Hawk;
Landing Craft: x3 Landing Craft Air Cushion;
Troops: 1173 Marines.

Ticonderoga-class - Fully Fueled; Non-perishable and perishable food/water for 3 month journey; x8 RGM-84 Harpoon missiles; x2 5 in 62 caliber Mark 45 Mod 4 lightweight gun; x2 25 mm (0.98 in) Mk 38 gun; x4 .50 in (12.7 mm) cal. machine gun; x2 Phalanx CIWS Block 1B; x2 Mk 32 12.75 in (324 mm) triple torpedo tubes (standard reserve of Mk 54 torpedoes); Onboard: x30 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x30 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks;
x2 61 cell Mk 41 vertical launch systems containing: x5 RUM-139C (Mrk 54 Torpedo); x244 (Quad packed) RIM-162A ESSM; x40 RIM-161B (SM-3 block IA); x16 RGM/UGM-109B Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile;
Countermeasures/decoys: Mark 36 SRBOC; AN/SLQ-25 Nixie;
Aircraft: x2 Sikorsky MH-60S;
Boats: x1 RHIB.

Arleigh Burke-class (Flight IIA) - Fully Fueled; Non-perishable and perishable food/water for 3 month journey; x1 5-inch (127 mm)/62 Mk. 45 Mod 4 (lightweight gun); x2 20 mm Phalanx CIWS; x2 25 mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun; x2 Mk 141 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile Launcher (x8 Harpoon missiles each); x2 Mark 32 triple torpedo tubes: x1 per tube + full standard storage of Mark 54 torpedoes on ship; Onboard: x150 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x150 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks.
96-cell Mk 41 VLS: x10 RUM-139C (Mrk 54 Torpedo); x32 (Quad packed) RIM-162A ESSM; x5 RIM-161B (SM-3 block IA); x48 RGM/UGM-109E Tomahawk Land Attack Missile; x25 RGM/UGM-109B Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile;
Countermeasures/decoys: AN/SLQ-32(V)2 Electronic Warfare System; AN/SLQ-25 Nixie Torpedo Countermeasures; MK 36 MOD 12 Decoy Launching System; MK 53 Nulka Decoy Launching System; AN/SLQ-39 CHAFF Buoys;
Aircraft: x2 Sikorsky MH-60S;
Boats: x1 RHIB.

Spruance-class - Fully Fueled; Non-perishable food/water for 4 month journey; complete storage of usable fuel for all conventionally-powered vessels for 6 month journey; complete storage of aviation fuel for all aircraft in the fleet for 6 month deployment; x100 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x100 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks; x2 RHIBs;
Armament: x2 5 in 54 caliber Mark 45 dual purpose guns; x2 20 mm Phalanx CIWS Mark 15 guns; x1 8 cell NATO Sea Sparrow Mark 29 missile launcher; x2 quadruple Harpoon missile canisters; x2 Mark 32 triple 12.75 in torpedo tubes (standard reserve of Mk 46 torpedoes); x1 21 cell RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile; Onboard: x30 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x30 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks; x1 61 cell Mk 41 VLS: x61 RGM/UGM-109E Tomahawk Land Attack Missile;
Aircraft: x2 Sikorsky MH-60S.

Celestial-class Cutter - Fully Fueled; Aviation reserves fully fueled; Non-perishable food/water for 2 month journey; Well-rested, fed, and uniformed crew;
32-cell Mk 41 VLS: x5 RUM-139C (Mrk 54 Torpedo); x36 (Quad packed) RIM-162A ESSM; x3 RGM/UGM-109E Tomahawk Land Attack Missile; x15 RGM/UGM-109B Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile;
Standard armaments including: x2 Mk 141 canister Harpoon missile launcher (x8 missiles); x1 Mk 32 triple torpedo launcher + 10 Mark 50 torpedoes stored; x2 Mk44 Bushmaster II 30-mm chain guns; x1 SeaRAM CIWS; x1 Mk 110 57mm gun; x4 crew-served .50 caliber Browning M2 machine guns; x2 crew-served M240B 7.62 mm machine guns;
Decoys: x2 Mk 36 SRBOC chaff rapid decoy launchers;
Compliment: 140 sailors;
Barracks: x100 Sig Sauer P229 DAK 9mm w/ Night Sights and x200 loaded magazines; x100 M4 Carbine and x300 loaded magazines; x10 M870P 12-gauge and x300 12-gauge shotgun shells.
Aircraft: x2 Sikorsky MH-60S;
Boats: x2 RHIB (each with mounted .50 cal Machine Gun).

Supply-class - Fully Fueled; Fully-stocked with non-perishable and perishable food/water for 6 month journey of the entire fleet (on top of the resources the respective ships already have); complete storage of usable fuel for aforementioned vessels; complete storage of aviation fuel for aforementioned aircraft; x2 Sikorsky MH-60S; Onboard: x100 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x100 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks;
Boats: x1 RHIB.

Henry J. Kaiser-class Replenishment Oiler - Fully Fueled; Fully-stocked with non-perishable and perishable food/water for 6 month journey; complete storage of usable fuel for all conventionally-powered vessels for 6 month journey; complete storage of aviation fuel for all aircraft in the fleet for 6 month deployment; Onboard: x60 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x60 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks;
Boats: x1 RHIB.

Virginia-class - Fully Fueled; x135 crew; Crew fully rested and x3 pairs of uniforms each; Non-perishable food for 70 day journey; All necessary maps (terranean and deep-sea topographic maps) and other necessary standard on-board equipment, material, and supplies; x30 Beretta M9 and x90 fully loaded Beretta M9 magazines (located behind lock and key in on-board barracks); x12 VLS tubes: x12 BGM-109C Tomahawk Land Attack Missile; x4 533 mm torpedo tubes: x25 Mk-48 torpedoes, x9 UGM-84 Harpoon missiles; Full load of Acoustic Device Countermeasure Mk 3/4; All sonars.

Los Angeles-class - Fully Fueled; Non-perishable food/water for 3 month journey; x12 VLS tubes + x12 RGM/UGM-109E Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, x4 533 mm torpedo tubes + 13 Mk-48 torpedoes; Onboard: x80 M4A1 Carbine and associated ammo and x80 M1911 and associated ammo in barracks.​

MARINE CORPS DEPLOYMENT​

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1st Marine Regiment
Colonel Stephen Rogers​

Order of Battle	Personnel	Garrison
1st Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marines	1133 Personnel	Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Marine Aircraft Group 26
Colonel William Morgan​

Squadron	Aircraft	Number of Aircraft	Personnel	Garrison
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 301	MV-22B Osprey	10	20 Pilots	Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 302	MV-22B Osprey	10	20 Pilots	Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC

DETAILS
Marines - (All per soldier) Well rested and fed;
Apparel: x1 Enhanced Combat Helmet, x1 cold-weather combat uniform, x1 warm-weather combat uniform, x1 Full Spectrum Battle Equipment Amphibious Assault Vest, x1 part of Marine Combat boots; x1 The Individual First Aid Kit;
Weapons: x1 M4A1 5.56mm Carbine (x1 30-round magazine loaded; x7 additional 30-round magazines); x1 Beretta M9A1 (x1 15-round magazine loaded; x2 additional 15-round magazines); x1 OKC-3S bayonet.
Maine Pilots - x1 Combat uniform; x1 Flight Uniform; x1 Beretta M9 + 4 additional clips.

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

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CONTEXT​

Multiple explosions have occurred in Vatican City. These explosions were reported directly from the American Ambassador to the Holy See who is stationed at the new American Embassy in Vatican City. Further discussions have occurred between the Secretary of Defense and the Italian Minister of Defense. The Italian government has invited the United States to establish a no-fly zone over Italy and secure Italian waters. The President has ordered that multiple naval units deploy under the name of "Task Force 107." The mission of this task force is to secure Italian waters, secure Italian airspace, support American forces deployed in the Vatican City State and in the Kingdom of Italy, and to deter foreign intervention in Italy. The appropriate aircraft designated to the individual vessels would deploy to said vessels as deployments of the individual ships were prepared.​

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[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

By order of the President, the United States Navy prepared its largest deployment since the war with Turkey. The USS Enterprise, her carrier strike group, two Iowa-class battleships and their escorts, the USS Wasp and her escorts, as well as a destroyer squadron and two submarine squadrons were deployed into the North Atlantic Ocean. Over one-thousand United States Marines were included in this deployment. Carrier Strike Group One would be the last formation to leave the Eastern Seaboard into the open Atlantic Ocean. Throughout this deployment, all necessary efforts would be taken by the Navy and the Coast Guard to ensure the safe transit of the Navy vessels into open waters and to ensure that they posed no danger to each other. All of the surface vessels used all means of passive and active sonar and radar to detect threats below and above the waves as they entered into the sea. The submarines would use all passive means of sonar and remain about 100 feet below sea level (except for the initial deployment in order to avoid running aground). All of the ships would remain at least one mile from one another so assure that there were no collisions or incidents at sea, and the fleet traveled at the 75% of the speed of the slowest vessel, and all of the vessels would take all measures necessary to ensure that they would not run aground.

An E-2C Hawkeye, fully fueled and properly manned, would be in the air at all times flying at its cruising altitude and speed to ensure that the fleet had proper radar coverage for an extended range beyond that of the radars. The E-2C would be replaced by another when fuel reserves would be at ten-percent. This post just describes the initial deployment, as things will change once the grouping of ships makes it to (37.721378, -74.088333) which is approximately 100 miles offshore of the United States.​

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[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

Task Force 107 continued on its journey to the Strait of Gibraltar. The Portuguese would be securely informed in advance that a large American naval task force was sailing towards Europe and that it was not cause for alarm. The fleet would take this formation, with the distances between ships accurate to what is show in this map, as the task force crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the transit over the Atlantic, there would be an E-2C in the designated location on the map. It would fly at its cruising altitude and speed in that general area (by flying in a corkscrew formation). Another E-2C would join that one in the air when it came time for it to refuel, and the original would return to the Enterprise to refuel and to allow the pilots to rest. All of the surface vessels would use all active and passive means of radar and sonar available to them to search for threats above and below the waves, while the submarines would use all passive means to detect surface and subsurface threats. At all times, four F/A-18F Super Hornets and their associated pilots would be on standby in case they needed to be scrambled. These standby crews would take shifts of four hours, before rotating to the next group. The fleet would continue sailing towards the Tyrrhenian Sea. Specific measures, which have yet to be described, will be taken when the fleet transits the Strait of Gibraltar.​

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[Odinson]

Bruno

 

[Bruno]

The Portuguese would be informed of the massive American fleet, they would also give them information regarding the current semi-stand off, between Portuguese vessels and Thai Vessels (here), which were patrolling in the Strait of Gibraltar, after getting in range of the Portuguese maritime radars, the Portuguese have deployed some assets to the area, alongside the British. In the Portuguese view, it was an affront to the nations in the Mediterranean and a way to raise tensions unnecessarily. Odinson

 

[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

Task Force 107 transited the Strait of Gibraltar as depicted here, with the distance between ships accurate to what is show in this map. The USS Daniel Akaka led the surface vessels into the Strait of Gibraltar. It would broadcast on an open public broadcast channel to announce the presence of the American fleet.

"Be advised, this is the USS Daniel Akaka, a guided-missile destroyer that is a part of a United States Navy task force. We are transiting the Strait of Gibraltar over the next forty-five minutes and will redirect any maritime traffic that is on a collision course. Avoid the following area:" the message would go on to give a general area to avoid, which would include a two-mile wide swatch of the strait shown in the map. The message would be repeated in Spanish and Arabic multiple times.

Meanwhile, ten F/A-18F Super Hornets were prepared to be launched from the USS Enterprise. All ten of the aircraft had a pilot and a weapons systems officer each, and each were armed with the following:
x1 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A2 Vulcan, 412 rounds;
x6 AGM-84 Harpoon;
x5 AIM-120C.

The Super Hornets were scrambled from the carrier and would fly in groups of two between (35.949699, -5.947148) and (35.991933, -5.219303) at an altitude of 45,000 feet and 667 miles per hour. Two additional Super Hornets were prepared for launch without weapons (except for their canons and its ammunition) and would be used for refueling duty as needed. As previously stated, a Hawkeye would continue to fly with the formation (shown on the map) at its cruising altitude and speed. The aircraft would be able to detect all of the British, Portuguese, and Thai aircraft and surface vessels that were at most 341 miles away. The transit of a carrier through the Strait of Gibraltar would already be a tense situation that would involve a heightened state of security for the fleet. However, the inclusion of two battleships and an amphibious assault ship meant that no precaution could be spared. After the detection of the Thai vessels by the Hawkeye - which confirmed that Portuguese transmission that there was a significant Thai presence in the area - the entire fleet was ordered to general quarters. An encrypted message was sent from the U.S. Navy to inform the RAF at Gibraltar that an American Navy task force was transiting the Strait of Gibraltar.

The fleet would continue to sail through the Strait of Gibraltar using the following waypoints: (36.001385, -4.075442), (36.236195, -1.625424), (37.812621, 2.360719), (38.069647, 8.983656), (41.319710, 11.852820).


TRANSIT
IM>JM>JN​

Jamie Bruno Bossza007

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[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

The Thai Naresuan-class Frigate (modernized variant: M), HTMS Ramrachathirat, was indeed detected by the American fleet or aircraft, as was the American fleet detected by the Thai ship. The Thai warship kept a close eye on the movements in the contested seas, using advanced radar and sonar sensors. The Thai crew, who were fluent in English, successfully processed the American transmission from the USS Daniel Akaka over a public channel. Several aboard personnel, equipped with translation device (or translators) or with personal language competence, ensured that no communication was lost in translation for communications in Spanish or Arabic. The Thai crew established direct communication with the American ship via a safe and encrypted channel after automated systems detected the American presence on several situational awareness monitors at their Headquarters. The tone of the conversation was courteous, non-confrontational, and complimentary.

“USS Daniel Akaka. USS Daniel Akaka. This is HTMS Ramrachathirat. We acknowledge and thank you for the notification of the American fleet transition. The Republic Thai Navy Middle East Command, specifically the Third Fleet, is now implementing a repositioning scheme for all nearby Thai vessels to prevent any potential collision. We assure you of maintaining a safe distance that poses no threat to your fleet, ensuring the continuation of our operational integrity. We appreciate your communication and wish you a good day. HTMS Ramrachathirat, over and out.”

The Thai frigate's onboard equipment meticulously and independently captured every piece of accessible data during the conversation between HTMS Ramrachathirat and USS Daniel Akaka. This includes extensive radar readings tracking surrounding marine traffic, comprehensive weather readings capturing atmospheric conditions, navigational data identifying specific geographical positions, and detailed weather readings capturing atmospheric conditions. This data collecting procedure was part of the frigate's routine operating protocol and operated independently of human intervention. At the same time, Naval Expeditionary Group Five (NEG5) received specific relocation orders to ensure the safety of the American fleet and the integrity of their ongoing operation in the Mediterranean.

Odinson​

 

[Bruno]

The Portuguese Fleet, consisting of five vessels, would contact the main flagship of the American navy, detailing them every piece of information regarding what they knew about the Thai presence in the Mediterranean Sea, and in the Straits of Gibraltar. The Portuguese vessels and the Orion Aircraft would return to their own base of operations once the American fleet had entered the Mediterranean Sea. They would, however, avoid and maneuver away from the American fleet to avoid any collisions. Knowing that the Americans were now also inside the sea, threats to national security would be controlled. However, due to the unwanted provocation from Thailand's deployments, new plans were going to be drafted in the Portuguese Department of Defense, alongside the Department of State.

Bossza007 Odinson

 

[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

The USS Daniel Akaka acknowledged the message from the Thai Navy with another transmission over the appropriate channel. The fleet would continue moving as previously described.

The USS Enterprise would receive the information from the Portuguese Navy. This information was immediately, and securely, transmitted to the Office of Naval Intelligence. At the same time, it was used to get a good idea of all of the Thai vessels that were currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as their capabilities.

The fleet would remain at general quarters which would probably get pretty old after an hour. The crews of each of the ships would be informed around that time that steak would be served in the mess hall that evening to boost moral. Once Task Force 107 made it to the first waypoint mentioned in the previous post (36.001385, -4.075442), all of the ships were relaxed from Condition 1 (General Quarters) to Condition 2 (Modified General Quarters), which would allow some of the personnel to stand down from their battle stations. Once they made it to the second waypoint (36.236195, -1.625424), the fleet would be set to Condition 3 (Wartime Cruising) which would mean that roughly one-third of the crew of each ship was at their stations at all times, with regular rotations to ensure that they could react at a moment's notice to any kind of threat.

Throughout the rest of this transit, the fleet would not enter the territorial waters of any country other than the United Kingdom and Italy. The vessels would not, under any circumstances, ground themselves and would take all necessary measures to avoid collision with other civilian and military vessels or obstacles in the water.


TRANSIT
IM>JM>JN​

Bruno Bossza007

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[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

Task Force 107 successfully transited the Strait of Gibraltar. Once the task force made it to the Tyrrhenian Sea, it would separate and take the following locations as shown here. Throughout this deployment, the vessels would not enter the territorial waters of any country other than the United Kingdom and Italy. The Italian government would be securely informed that the United States Navy was surrounding Italian waters as previously discussed. The Navy and the Marine Corps were fully prepared to cooperate with the Italian government and armed forces. At least one E-2C Hawkeye would be flying around the area of (43.416442, 12.054465) at an altitude of 34,000 feet and a speed of 295 miles per hour. When the Hawkeye would need to refuel, another Hawkeye would take its place and the original would land at the carrier to refuel and give the pilots rest. The E-2Cs and their pilots would take shifts so that the pilots and the aircraft would not get stressed.

Three F/A-18F Super Hornets and their pilots would be scrambled from the USS Enterprise. They would fly between (42.325011, 11.848127) and (41.500084, 13.003269) at an altitude of 45,000 feet and at its cruising speed at that altitude. The Super Hornets would be replaced by three additional Super Hornets when it came time for the original ones to land at the carrier and refuel. The pilots on the carrier would rotate so that the same pilots were not being stressed for these flights. Each of the fighters would be armed as follows:
x1 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A2 Vulcan, 412 rounds;
x4 AGM-84 Harpoon;
x7 AIM-120C.

Once the ships were in place, the Italian government would be informed that the Marine Corps was prepared to begin deploying Marines into Rome, if that is what the Italian government wished for. The objective of the Marines would be to secure the perimeter around the Vatican. The Italian government would also be informed that the Navy would begin patrolling Italian airspace and enforcing the no-fly zone.


TRANSIT
JN & JM​

Isa

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[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

Task Force 107 arrived at the aforementioned locations given in the previous map. All of the warships arrived in their specific locations and would maintain holding patterns in that general area travelling around 10 knots. Upon the launch of the E-2C Hawkeye over Italy, as well as the active and passive means of radar on the various ships, the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet, a Thai Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier, was detected at (41°51'18.7"N 16°34'52.0"E).

The closest ship would be the destroyer, USS Daniel Akaka which was only twelve miles away from the Thai vessel. The battleship USS Wisconsin was also only about 30 miles away. The battleship securely coordinated with the destroyer to immediately head toward the location at full speed. Once the battleship was 20 miles away, it turned its broadside to the Thai ship and began sailing southeast. Both the USS Wisconsin and the USS Daniel Akaka were ordered to battle stations. The following was said verbally over the 1MC on both vessels:
"General Quarters, General Quarters. All hands man your battle stations. The route of travel is forward and up to starboard, down and aft to port. Set material condition 'Zebra' throughout the ship. Reason for General Quarters: Nearby foreign military vessel operating in Italian contiguous zone."

The USS Wisconsin would maintain 20 miles between it and the Thai vessel as the crew arrived to their battle stations. The warship's 16 inch guns were turned and aimed at the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet. The 16 inch guns aboard the battleship were loaded with high explosive shells. Both American warships would continue to use all passive and active means of sonar and radar to search for any other nearby military vessels. While the Americans couldn't be sure of it, the closest Thai vessels were either about a thousand miles away off the coast of Egypt, or almost 1,200 miles away near the Strait of Gibraltar in the Alboran Sea.

The following message was broadcast over the appropriate channel to the Thai ship:
"Thai-flagged warship, this is the USS Wisconsin. You are operating in the contiguous zone of the Kingdom of Italy. The United States has declared Italian waters a no-go zone for all foreign military vessels, and the United States has declared a no-fly zone over Italian airspace. State your intentions. Over."

TRANSIT
JN & JM​

Isa Bossza007

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[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

HTMS Sukhothai Narebet​

The interior atmosphere of the Thai Chakri Narubet-class light aircraft carrier HTMS Sukhothai Narubet, stationed in the Adriatic Sea, was one of controlled calm. Despite the hectic operations that come with a carrier of this size and capability, the crew kept a well-organized and efficient operational tempo. The vessel, which housed over 1,276 crew members, was a hive of precisely coordinated operations, which were critical to its overall operating efficiency. Inside the carrier, numerous departments collaborated to ensure the vessel's seamless operation. Every member performed an important part, from the navigation team vigilantly monitoring the maritime passages to the engineering crew meticulously maintaining the carrier's systems. The flight deck was a hub of activity, with crew members effectively handling aircraft launch and recovery, ensuring that all flight operations met the highest safety and efficiency requirements.

Even during these periods of relative calm, the carrier HTMS Sukhothai Narubet, which carried 24 Eurocopter EC725 helicopters, maintained vigilance in the skies. Ten of these helicopters were patrolling within a 50-kilometer radius of the ship at any given time. These patrols were carefully designed to stay outside of any sovereign territorial seas, therefore respecting international maritime limits. Half of the 10 helicopters were armed with machine guns, while the other half were loaded with rockets, ready to respond to several probable scenarios. Should the necessity arise, this armament combination gave a balanced capacity for both defensive and offensive missions. Meanwhile, four helicopters stood ready on the deck, their crews ready for swift deployment. The remaining ten aircraft were safely stored in the hangar and were subjected to normal maintenance and tests to assure their readiness. The operational approach was simple: have a watchful but non-provocative presence in the region. As a result, it was expected that these helicopters would come into contact with American vessels during their patrols. However, orders were given to keep a safe distance from these vessels to prevent any acts that may be seen as hostile or invasive. This strategy was consistent with the Thai Navy's dedication to operational integrity and international naval conventions, ensuring that their presence in the region was one of peacekeeping and monitoring rather than confrontation.

Close to the American vessels, the Thai carrier HTMS Sukhothai Narubet was not only furnished with the Hughes SPS-52C E/F band air search radar but also with the Sea Giraffe AMB radar system. This mix of radar technology provided the ship with a complete view of the marine area. The Sea Giraffe AMB, recognized for its agility and precision, supplemented the Hughes SPS-52C's long-range capabilities, resulting in a formidable surveillance network. Because of the multifaceted nature of her onboard surveillance systems, the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet was able to identify the presence of the USS Daniel Akaka and USS Wisconsin. More crucially, the carrier's systems were capable of discriminating between the identified vessels. This capacity enabled the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet to discern between different sorts of targets, such as commercial boats, smaller craft, or other naval units. Furthermore, the onboard radar systems could provide extensive data on each recognized target. This includes data on their size, speed, course, and other important features for effective target identification and tracking.

Despite the vicinity of the American battleship USS Wisconsin, the environment aboard the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet remained rather peaceful, owing to the classification of the American Armed Forces as a friendly force under the Expected Military Posture (EMP). Even though the American battleship's armament systems were undoubtedly pointed at them, the officers on the Thai carrier were vigilant but not worried, relying on established international conventions and the American troops' acknowledged friendly status. The crew of the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet followed these regulations faithfully, assuming no hostile intent from the American warship. This professional and disciplined attitude was evident in their response to the radio contact from the USS Wisconsin. A Thai operator who spoke American English responded civilly and calmly, guaranteeing straightforward and polite communication.

The message relayed was as follows: 'USS Wisconsin. USS Wisconsin. This is HTMS Sukhothai Narubet of the Thai Naval Expeditionary Group Five. We are an aircraft carrier operating under the Thai Navy Middle East Command within the Adriatic Sea. We acknowledge your enforcement of no-fly and no-go zones over the Italian boundary. In compliance with our operational protocols and concerning your request, we will adjust our activities accordingly. We were not previously aware that the no-go zone extended over territorial waters. Our current mission involves routine air operations as part of a larger maritime escort mission within the Mediterranean. We request further clarification on whether our current position falls within the no-go zone and seek guidance on the appropriate course of action. Over.'

Utilizing her onboard Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system, namely, ESM ITT ES-3601 (AN/SLQ-4) that she acquired during her modernization, she would construct a comprehensive Electronic Order of Battle (EOB) of the American vessels using its passive nature. This EOB would include the identification and characterization of radar systems within range, details of various communication systems used by the American forces, and identification of electronic warfare systems in operation, such as jammers, decoy systems, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) systems. Furthermore, the EOB included approximate locations of identified emitters, based on direction finding (DF) and other geolocation techniques, analysis of the operational patterns of detected emitters, and assessment of the threat level of various emitters, based on their capabilities and the context of their deployment. At last, the EOB would cover trends in electronic emissions over time, which could indicate changes in American posture, capabilities, or strategy, and detailed technical information about each detected emitter, like pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, and scan patterns.

Odinson​

 

[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

"HTMS Sukhothai Narubet, you are operating on the edge of our declared no-go zone with your vessel and a large number of aircraft at your current position. We request that you move out to at least 50 miles from the Italian coastline. Over."

The USS Wisconsin maintained its position, as did the USS Daniel Akaka. The USS Daniel Inouye, at its previously stated position, would maintain an alert status and monitor the situation in the event that the Thai Navy tried escalating the situation by bringing in more vessels to the area or remaining at its current position.

Once the helicopter began launching aircraft, the Hawkeye operating over Italy would detect their presence, and the USS Wisconsin would be able to visually confirm that the Thai Navy had launched at least 10 helicopters that were operating within a large radius of the carrier. This prompted the USS Enterprise to order two of the F/A-18F Super Hornets that were on their aforementioned armed patrol mission over western Italy to redirect to eastern Italy. The fighters, which had just changed over and had over 95% of their fuel remaining, would now begin an armed patrol between the cities of Termoli and Foggia and await further orders, or radar confirmation of a Thai incursion into Italy. The patrol would consist of the same weapons loadout and flight operations as previously stated.

TRANSIT
JN & JM​

Isa Bossza007

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[Isa]

With the US Navy actively communicating with their Italian counterparts, the "stand-off" with the Thai vessels became readily apparent. Deciding that while the Americans didn't need back-up for military reasons, it would definitely further enhance legitimacy to have an Italian vessel in the area as well Vice Admiral Casimiro Berardi, commander of COMDINAV DUE would be instructed to redirect an Italian vessel to the location. With that order Admiral Berardi instructed the CO of the nearest vessel, the Orizzonte Class RN Andrea Doria to move within 15 kilometres of the USS Wisconsin and 40 kilometres of the HTMS Sukhotai Narubet.

As the ship was in place the CO would move the ship to general quarters, informing the crew that they had made contact with a ship on the verge of the no-go zone. Equipped with the Seles ES EMPAR and Thales S1850M radars the two vessels had sensor systems far surpassing the Thai and only outmatched by their allies the Americans'. Using these systems they could easily track and calculate targeting solutions for the foreign vessels and any launched aircraft or aerial projectiles. Aster 15 and 30 Surface to Air Missiles would be prepared in the 48 SYLVER A50 VLS for a combination of 24 Aster 15s and 24 Asters 30s, and the 8 TESEO Mk-2/A were also prepared. If it came to combat the Andrea Doria would be more than ready to stand its own.

Deciding that one Captain was enough on this proverbial bridge the Andrea Doria would raise the Wisconsin on pre-agreed frequencies and encryption.

"USS Wisconsin, this is the RN Andrea Doria. We have been asked to back you up. We will be following your lead" The CO would say.

While this was going on one of the submarines in MARICOSOM, the R.Smg. Giuseppe Zanardelli would begin moving from its base near Rome to the Adriatic should an additional dedicated anti-ship platform be needed as the Andrea Doria was an air defense destroyer first.

Odinson Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

The Thai HTMS Sukhothai Narubet successfully received communication from the American naval vessel over a secure channel. Simultaneously, the ship's advanced intelligence and surveillance system observed the presence of an unidentifiable vessel that, based on the circumstances and onboard analysis, was most likely Italian. In accordance with their standard operating protocols, the Thai crew immediately began surveillance and electronic information collecting on this new entity, using the same rigorous method that they had used to monitor adjacent US vessels. This cognizant disposition meant that the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet gathered a thorough set of data on both the American and Italian ships in the area. This data contained complete Electronic Orders of Battle (EOB) for each ship, which is a key component of the Thai Navy's operational doctrine. The Thai crew methodically evaluated the EOB, learning about the foreign warships' electronic capabilities, communication patterns, and prospective plans.

In response to the American vessel, the same Thai sailor, who was well-versed in diplomatic communication, used a secure connection to deliver the message in fluent and accent-free American English. Their tone was not just courteous and formal, but also professional and respectful. The communication was as follows: ‘USS Wisconsin. USS Wisconsin. This is the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet. We acknowledge and respect your request for our ship's relocation. We are initiating a rerouting operation to move clear of the Adriatic Sea. As we proceed, we request the American Navy to facilitate a safe passage through international waters. We will enter the Mediterranean Sea escorted by three Thai warships to ensure our security and compliance with maritime protocols. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Out.’

After communicating with the American vessel, the Thai sailors on the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet effortlessly shifted into their routine operational protocols for rerouting. Throughout the procedure, the 10 helicopters that had been scanning the sky maintained their aerial duties without interruption. These helicopters were critical in establishing a defensive perimeter around the carrier, with men particularly tasked with anti-aircraft warfare on constant high alert. The HTMS Sukhothai Narubet traveled through international seas on a properly calculated path to the coordinates 37°15'9.77"N 18°29'12.46"E. This path was carefully designed to meet up with her escort vessels, who were already stationed at the appropriate area and awaiting her arrival. During the transition, the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet maintained a high level of observation and electronic intelligence collection, similar to the tactics used during her recent contacts with American and Italian warships. This continuous approach to information collection guaranteed that the Thai Navy had a thorough grasp of the marine environment, allowing them to detect and assess prospective threats or changes in the tactical situation. The carrier's advanced electronic surveillance systems were fully functioning, searching the surrounding waterways and skies for any indications of odd behavior or possible risks.

Odinson Isa​

 

[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

The USS Wisconsin securely replied to the Italian ship on the appropriate channel.
"RN Andrea Doria, this is the USS Wisconsin. We have intercepted the Thai warship HTMS Sukhothai Narubet and we have requested that she remains at least 50 miles from the Italian Coast. The vessel plans to move out into the Mediterranean. Our destroyer, the USS Daniel Akaka will escort them. Feel free to join us in formation. Over."

The USS Wisconsin then securely responded to the Thai warship on the appropriate channel:
"HTMS Sukhothai Narubet this is the USS Wisconsin. We acknowledge your transmission. The destroyer USS Daniel Akaka will escort you into the Ionian Sea. Over and out."

The American destroyer would indeed escort the Thai helicopter carrier into the Ionian Sea. It would lead the helicopter carrier by at least ten miles. While it would continue to use all active and passive means of sonar and radar, it would not have its fire control system active and painting the Thai vessel. Once the destroyer made it to the Ionian Sea, it would turn around and return to its aforementioned position and allow the Thai vessel to go to its intended destination. The Italian Navy would be made aware of these movements securely.

Once the Thai vessel was out of range of the USS Missouri, she would turn her guns back to the standard position, unload her guns, and go down in alert from General Quarters to Wartime Cruising. The USS Daniel Akaka would also decrease its readiness from General Quarters to Wartime Cruising once it was on the escort mission from the Thai vessel and it was no longer perceived as a potential threat.

TRANSIT
JN & JM​

Isa Bossza007

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[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

The HTMS Sukhothai Narubet efficiently acknowledged the transmission from the American vessel USS Wisconsin over a secure and encrypted channel. She then commenced a careful navigation pattern, putting herself to fall behind the USS Wisconsin by at least ten miles. Throughout the escort, the Thai carrier maintained a consistent speed and course, precisely synchronizing with the American destroyer's movements to guarantee a smooth transit. Simultaneously, the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet activated her competent surveillance and electronic intelligence-gathering capabilities, continuing her data-collecting activities as previously indicated. These procedures were carried out with the most acute caution and per international standards. The carrier let one of her helicopters fly within a 5-mile radius behind the USS Wisconsin, assuring that it stayed a respectable distance from the American destroyer and well outside the territorial seas of any nation or foreign warship. When the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet arrived at her planned location in the Ionian Sea, three Naresuan-class Frigates were waiting to take up escort duties. With proper etiquette, she thanked the USS Wisconsin for their escort, bringing their cooperative navigation to a close. The Thai carrier then smoothly shifted into the escort formation with the three frigates, taking up position in the middle of a strategically prepared triangle configuration.

As the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet traveled in a precisely organized escort formation with the three Naresuan-class Frigates, they came upon a Similan-class Replenishment Tanker. This tanker, having just left its docking station, was ready for a supply mission. The HTMS Sukhothai Narubet, together with the supporting frigates, carried out a coordinated replenishment operation with this tanker, effectively refilling crucial supplies while on the way. This replenishment procedure was a well-executed dance of naval logistics, comprising the transfer of gasoline, food, ammunition, and other required supplies to assure the warships' operational readiness. Following the refueling, the HTMS Sukhothai Narubet and her escorting frigates resumed their patrolling duties in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Odinson​

 

[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

It was the USS Daniel Akaka, not the USS Wisconsin, that escorted the Thai warship to the Ionian Sea. Nevertheless, it happened without any incident. The only electronic data that the Thai warship would get from the destroyer would be radio silence and the occasional ping of the American warship's radar. Once the Thai ship was in the Ionian Sea and met her escorts, the American destroyer would bid her farewell and all of the American ships would return to their aforementioned positions in the map as they watched for any other perceived threats.

Bossza007

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[Odinson]

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DEPLOYMENT ORDERS​

SECRET​

A priority message from the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon informed Rear Admiral Nelson that Task Force 107 was being broken up and that most of it, including the carrier strike group, was ordered to sail to the open Atlantic immediately. The aircraft returned to the carrier, however at least Hawkeye would continue to fly above the fleet at cruising altitude and speed (and rotate out when it was running below 15% on fuel) and replaced by another Hawkeye to continue monitoring the skies and looking for surface threats. Carrier Strike Group One escorted Battle Group Gold and Submarine Squadron 6 towards the Straight of Gibraltar. The vessels would take a similar formation to before, minus Destroyer Squadron Two and Submarine Squadron 4. The vessels would not enter the territorial waters of any country other than the United Kingdom and (when going through the Strait of Gibraltar), Spain. The rendezvous point for the fleet was (35.830293, -14.688512).

TRANSIT
JN>JM>IM

The ships remaining around Italy in Submarine Squadron 6 and Destroyer Squadron Two would take the positions designated here. The submarines and destroyers would not be stationary and would continue moving at 10-12 knots in a general area.

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[Bossza007]

Secret unless contextual possible.​

When the Thai Navy NEG5 got aware of the movement of the American fleet, they immediately began strategic repositioning operations. To maintain a safe distance and prevent a collision with the American warships, they made this meticulous change to their formation. Given the complexity of their arsenal, particularly the Harpoon Block II missiles, which are known for their long-range capabilities, the Thai ships took the precaution of turning off their fire control systems. This was a planned precaution to avoid misinterpretations or mishaps while in close proximity to the American fleet. When the American fleet, including the USS Enterprise, neared the Gibraltar Strait, a significant communication was initiated by the HTMS Ramrachathirat. Utilizing a secure and private channel, the message conveyed to the US Navy was composed with a heartfelt yet professional tone. “US Navy. US Navy. This is HTMS Ramrachathirat of the Thai Navy NEG5. We have taken measures to ensure your journey in the Mediterranean Sea is unimpeded and free from interference or obstruction.”

After a brief pause, the communication resumed, this time with a tone that transcended formal military decorum, conveying a more personal and genuine sentiment. “We are pleased to have you here. While we are uncertain who else might be listening to this transmission, our sincere hope is that peace will prevail on your continent. Out.”

Odinson​