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FLAMES OF THE NORTH

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Flames of the North
Date: March 15, 1987
Location: North Sea and Norwegian Sea
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Situation Overview
Amid escalating Cold War tensions, NATO forces face an imminent threat in the North Sea. A German naval group, comprised of the destroyer FGS Lütjens (D-185) and the missile boat P6145 Leopard, was conducting surveillance operations as part of NATO when it was attacked by the Soviet Bditelnyy (SKR-744), a Krivak I-class frigate, supported by the Molniya (MRK), a Nanuchka-class corvette. This confrontation, sparked by reckless maneuvers that escalated into open hostilities, resulted in severe damage to the Lütjens D-185.The German group is now retreating toward the coast, attempting to reach Eagle Point, a designated NATO safe zone near the Norwegian coastline. Upon reaching this point, aircrafts on high alert at a nearby NATO airbase, will be automatically deployed to provide air support, armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles to strike at the Soviet forces in pursuit. However, the German group has strict orders to avoid direct engagement and only respond in self-defense if attacked.Meanwhile, the Bditelnyy and Molniya continue their relentless pursuit, and a large Soviet fleet, comprised of high-capability units including a Slava-class missile cruiser, Sovremenny-class destroyers, and other escorts, is advancing from the east with the goal of eliminating the German group.To counter this threat, the nearest NATO support group, led by the USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), a Ticonderoga-class cruiser with Vertical Launch System (VLS), has been deployed to protect the German group and engage the advancing Soviet fleet.
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Mission Objectives
Primary Objective
• Weaken the Soviet Fleet: Inflict significant damage on the advancing Soviet fleet. Destroying critical assets such as the Slava-class cruiser and Sovremenny-class destroyers is essential to maintaining NATO control over the North Sea.
Secondary Objective
• Escort the German Group to Eagle Point: Ensure the German naval group arrives safely at Eagle Point with minimal losses. Reaching this objective is vital to activate NATO air support and ensure operational supremacy in the region.
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Special Instructions
Orders for the German Group:
1. Proceed directly to Eagle Point without engaging Soviet forces unless attacked.
2. Delays or deviations may result in destruction by the pursuing Soviet fleet.
NATO Air Support Deployment:
1. NATO air support in alert will automatically launch from a nearby NATO airbase once the German group reaches Eagle Point.
2. Their mission is to conduct precision strikes against key Soviet vessels, disrupting their advance and supporting NATO forces.
Orders for the Ticonderoga Group:
1. Protect the German group during its retreat and engage Soviet forces threatening the NATO-controlled safe zone or the German group.
2. Prioritize the destruction of high-value Soviet targets, including the Slava-class cruiser, Sovremenny-class destroyers, and any immediate threats.
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Operational Considerations
1. Weather Conditions:
o Rough seas will limit the effectiveness of small vessels and reduce the accuracy of long-range engagements.
o Aircraft operations remain unaffected.
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Commander's Intent
This operation is critical to demonstrating NATO’s ability to counter Soviet aggression in the North Sea. The priority is to protect NATO forces and ensure the German group’s survival while avoiding an unnecessary escalation. However, the opportunity to weaken the Soviet fleet must not be overlooked. Reaching Eagle Point is vital to secure NATO air support and ensure tactical superiority in the theater.
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Victory Conditions
1. Major Victory:
o At least 80% of the Soviet fleet is neutralized.
o The German group reaches Eagle Point without losses.
2. Minor Victory:
o The German group reaches Eagle Point with losses, but less than 80% of the Soviet fleet is neutralized.
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Note: While the German group’s survival is not an outright condition for defeat, reaching Eagle Point is a mandatory requirement to activate NATO air support and achieve air superiority in the scenario. Dedicate all efforts to protecting the FGS Lütjens (D-185) and ensuring its safe arrival at Eagle Point!