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Arctic Spear

Captain,

NATO intelligence has confirmed the presence of a Soviet radar installation in the Lofoten Islands that is capable of tracking our naval movements in the Norwegian Sea. Your mission is to deploy special forces from the USS Tarawa to the island and retake the radar installation. Due to weather it is not possible to deploy them by helicopter. The Tarawa will have to use landing boats.

The Tarawa will lead a surface action group tasked with escorting the assault ship through dangerous waters. Soviet surface ships, submarines, and air forces are actively patrolling the region, and intelligence suggests the presence of submarines in the area, posing a serious threat to the Tarawa.

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Your Objectives:

- Escort the USS Tarawa to the deployment zone near the Lofoten Islands.

- Deploy the Marine strike team to secure and neutralize the Soviet radar installation.

- Defend the Tarawa and the fleet from Soviet air and naval forces during the operation.

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Intelligence Reports:

- Soviet Naval Forces: Expect Soviet surface vessels, including Kashin-class destroyers and Krivak-class frigates, to intercept the Tarawa and its fleet. They will attempt to prevent the landing of the Marine strike team.

- Submarine Threat: Soviet Victor-class submarines are believed to be patrolling the waters near the Lofoten Islands. Keep your ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) assets on high alert.

- Air Threat: Soviet bombers may attempt airstrikes against the fleet. Be prepared to deploy anti-aircraft defenses and call in fighter support from NATO airbases in Norway.

Weather Conditions: The seas are rough, and visibility is moderate due to light fog. This will impact radar effectiveness but can also provide cover for your approach.

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Assets Available:

- USS Tarawa (LHA-1) (Flagship): Amphibious assault ship capable of deploying helicopters, Harriers, and Marines.

- Ticonderoga-class Cruiser (Air Defense): Provides air cover and long-range missile engagement against enemy ships and aircraft.

- Perry-class Frigate (ASW and Escort): Fast, multi-role frigate designed for convoy protection and submarine hunting.

- Land-based air units stationed in Norway are on standby for air support, should Soviet air forces engage.

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Operational Considerations:

- Timing is Critical: You must deploy the Marines and destroy the radar installation quickly. Prolonging the operation increases the risk of a Soviet counterattack from both sea and air.

- ASW Threat: The Victor-class submarines will be difficult to detect in the rough seas. Your frigates must maintain constant sonar sweeps, and your ASW helicopters should be ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

- Air Defense: Soviet air assets will likely attempt to neutralize the Tarawa once detected. Use the Ticonderoga-class cruiser’s long-range SAM systems to defend against airstrikes.

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Rules of Engagement:

Engage Soviet forces as necessary to protect the fleet and ensure the success of the mission. Minimize collateral damage and avoid civilian shipping lanes.