Date/Time: 18 September, 1975 / 09:00:00 Zulu
Location: North Atlantic
Duration: 7 days
Introduction
The Soviet Union has warned NATO that any further
reinforcement of Europe "will dramatically escalate the situation". The Red Banner Fleet
deployed most of its submarines before the conflict erupted; as a result, the
surviving ones are now well-placed to
interdict NATO shipping in the Atlantic LOCs (Lines Of Communication).
With
Iceland still in Soviet hands, even after strikes by the Oriskany CVBG, the
airfields are still in operation after Soviet engineers repaired them.
A large, vital convoy is currently approaching Europe with cargo, container ships as well
as oil tankers.
The US 2nd Fleet with NFR (Naval Fleet Reserve) units
has managed to assemble a motley collection of escorts together including the
training carrier USS Lexington with an air group thrown together with reserve
squadrons of S-2 Trackers and SH-3 Sea Kings.
The Royal Navy has spared
4 escorts from the Home Fleet to cover the Western Approaches. RAF will also be
deploying Nimrod MPA as long-range ASW cover and Sea Kings from RNAS Culdrose
when in range; STANAVFORCHAN and MCM 3 groups are also patrolling the South-Western
Approaches and English Channel areas.
This convoy must get through, period. Nothing less will do.