Subscribe to download
Changing of the Guard, 1994

Changing of the Guard
19 February, 1994

Morning on the sixth day of a new global war between East and West, the situation is starting to stabilize. The ground war in Europe is still undecided but NATO forces in CENTAG (Central Army Group) have blunted the main Soviet advance somewhat, while the air war over Germany has seen the loss of hundreds of NATO aircraft. Conflicts in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean have stabilized in NATO’s favour, both the Panama and Suez Canals remain open and navigable. In the Pacific; Japan, Taiwan and South Korea are virtually isolated but 7th Fleet is mustering and will make a push with four CVBGs and the New Jersey in a couple days.

The situation in the North Atlantic remains desperate. The rapid capture of North Norway and Iceland have allowed the Soviets to surge almost 100 submarines into the Atlantic. The USS Enterprise CVBG spent two difficult days blunting an attempt by the Red Banner Northern Fleet to interdict the sea lanes, she is now preparing to retire for re-supply and re-organization, as are the major Soviet surface units.

The USS Eisenhower, after three days of hard fighting in the Mediterranean, has passed through the Pillars of Hercules and is heading north. She will join the USS Carl Vinson CVBG to strike at Soviet forces around Iceland in three days.

This scenario is playable by either WP or NATO:

As the NATO player you safely withdraw the USS Enterprise CVBG and replace it with the USS Carl Vinson CVBG in a holding area south of Iceland.

As the WP player you have multiple submarines and significant air assets at your disposal. Your task is to sink one or both US aircraft carriers.

Designer’s Notes:

This is the eleventh scenario of a 25-30 scenario campaign. See the Northern Fury background document for further insight on the background and happenings so far. The key nuggets
· Cold War continued, no thaw in relations. Germany still divided, WP still alive and doing very well.
· The 3rd World war started 13 Feb. The Warsaw Pact forces led by the Soviet Union attacked NATO and other nations on a global scale, the main blow was in Western Europe fighting erupted in the Pacific, Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa. India has declared a separate war with Pakistan, North Korea attacked Southwards in an apparently independent move and Argentina is threatening the Falklands again (but has not attacked).

In earlier scenarios to this battle set, you found that the defences in North Norway have collapsed, the Soviet Northern Fleet has put to sea, and Soviet submarines are inflicting damage along the US Eastern seaboard, Iceland is now in Soviet hands, and an attempt has been made to interdict the Sea and Air Lines of Communications between North America and Europe.

• You should turn 'special messages' ON.
• Please respect the initial ready times for aircraft, this represents designed delays that both balance the scenario and paint the picture of the ongoing conflict.
• Points are allotted or deducted for losses, and for major NATO units reaching the assigned assembly areas.