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Soviets in the Mediterranean - Operation Shieldbearer-1

This mission is based on events that take place all across the Mediterranean from October 5 to October 24, 1973. During the Yom Kippur War, the world hovered one step away from a global conflict. The need for the transfer of Soviet troops to Egypt was also considered, which by the end of the war was more than real and for which the USSR was intensively preparing. It was assumed that Soviet naval strike groups and submarines with anti-ship cruise missiles would take aim at American forces. In that very unique style. And by ensuring continuous tracking of weapons, they will make active military operations impossible for the enemy. I decided to highlight these events and reflect on what would have happened if both sides had opened fire...

The military conflict began on October 6, 1973, with a joint surprise attack by the Arab coalition on Israeli positions on Yom Kippur, a widely celebrated day of rest, fasting and prayer in Judaism. Egyptian and Syrian troops crossed the ceasefire line, trying to capture The Sinai Peninsula and The Golan Heights. USA and The Soviet Union undertook massive arms shipments to its allies, which brought the world to the brink of confrontation between the two nuclear superpowers.

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The Soviet Union cannot allow the loss of its key ally in the region, which is why it was decided that it was necessary to enter the war on the side of Egypt. A huge convoy is gathering in the ports of the Black Sea in order to transport the expeditionary corps of Soviet troops.
An air bridge was also established, which allows to delay the defeat of the Egyptian troops until the arrival of the convoy.

The U.S. Navy understands the inevitability of war and the inadmissibility of sending convoys to Alexandria. 2 aircraft carrier groups are moving to the shores of Israel and Egypt to ensure the success of the Israeli armies.

The 5th Naval Operative Group of the Soviet Navy receives an urgent order to leave its ports and establish contact with US aircraft carrier groups. The commander was given a package with a secret detective that says: in any hostile action, the likely enemy becomes just an enemy.

Dubrovnik Air Force Base has been alerted. Aircraft regiments with ASHM take to the air waiting for target indications from RT aircraft

FROM: The General Staff of the USSR Navy

TO: Commander of the fifth squadron of the USSR Navy

The convoy passed through the Bosphorus Strait, and thanks to our "Legenda" satellite detection system, we received data on the enemy's advance to intercept our convoy. According to our data, the Americans have an overwhelming advantage in ships and airplanes. In case of any hostile actions, attack quickly and ruthlessly.

The first and second divisions of the Black Sea Fleet SSGN have taken up positions near the first enemy group, our TF "Shieldbearer" is moving to intercept the second. The third landing/auxillary group has not yet been discovered, the place of its alleged location is 100-150 nautical miles north of Sicily.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
1. In case of any hostile actions, destroy enemy aircraft carriers. The destruction of their escort groups is not necessary, but it is desirable if possible.
2. Finding and complete destruction of the landing force. If successful, our expeditionary force will be able to focus on the advancing Israeli armies without worrying about getting hit in the rear or flank.
3. The newest aircraft carrier was urgently introduced into your fleet, without completing all the tests, its loss is unacceptable

INTELLIGENCE REPORT:
We will not be able to ensure the simultaneous destruction of enemy aircraft carriers, be prepared that after the first strikes, a functioning aircraft carrier will take all its aircraft into the air in order to search and destroy our formations.
The entire fleet aviation based in Dubrovka is at your disposal, use it to cover your forces
The Tu-95 long-range reconnaissance is already in the air in order to collect information and intelligence about the enemy

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Destroy any hostile forces after receiving the appropriate order, try to coordinate your strike against the second enemy group in order to consolidate your victory.
Do not forget that enemy groups can be accompanied by submarines.
Good luck, Admiral, do not forget that the first phase of our operation and the escort of the convoy to Alexandria depend on your actions

End of communication

The General Staff of the USSR Navy