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OPERATION NORTHERN SHIELD: HAIPONG

OPERATION NORTHERN SHIELD - HAIPHONG
Date:
Tuesday, May 4th, 1972.In the heart of Southeast Asia, the port of Haiphong has become a critical flashpoint in the conflict between Vietnamese and United States forces. Haiphong, one of the most important ports in the region, has been militarized by Vietnam to blockade maritime traffic. Neutral merchant ships are trapped in the port, unable to escape due to the blockade, while the port is being used as a base to launch operations against U.S. forces.Vietnamese forces have established a formidable defensive system consisting of SA-2 anti-aircraft defenses, interceptor aircraft, and submarines hidden in nearby waters. This defensive setup, combined with a fleet of Vietnamese warships, has turned Haiphong into an almost impenetrable stronghold.In response, the U.S. Navy has launched OPERATION NORTHERN SHIELD, a large-scale mission aimed at neutralizing the port's defenses, destroying its facilities, and unblocking the trapped waters. Led by the USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5) and the USS Ranger (CV-61), this operation will be crucial in securing strategic control over the region.
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United States Forces
Carrier Strike Group - CV-61 USS Ranger
• USS Ranger (CV-61): Forrestal-class aircraft carrier with the capability to deploy multiple attack and air defense squadrons.
Cruiser Strike Group - CLG-5 USS Oklahoma City
• USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5): Guided missile cruiser tasked with providing naval fire support and coordinating the operation.
• RA-5 Vigilante: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft tasked with gathering intelligence on Vietnamese defenses prior to the attack.
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Vietnamese Forces
Air Defenses:
• North Vietnamese Aircraft: Patrolling Haiphong's airspace and ready to intercept U.S. aircraft.
• SA-2 Guideline: Surface-to-air missile systems deployed around the port, capable of targeting high-altitude aircraft.
Naval Forces:
• A fleet of Vietnamese warships, including fast patrol boats and destroyers, blocking access to the port and defending its facilities.
Submarine Forces:
• Diesel-electric submarines patrolling the waters near the port, hidden and ready to ambush U.S. ships.
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Additional Information
• Neutral Merchant Ships: Several neutral merchant ships from different nations are trapped in the port due to the blockade. Their presence complicates the mission, as collateral damage must be avoided.
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Mission Objectives
Primary Objective:
• Neutralize Haiphong Port: Destroy key port facilities and break the naval blockade.
• The USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5) must survive.
Secondary Objectives:
1. Eliminate Air Defenses: Destroy the SA-2 systems and secure air superiority.
2. Neutralize Submarine Threats: Detect and destroy Vietnamese submarines before they can attack.
3. Destroy Enemy Naval Forces: Sink Vietnamese warships defending the port.
4. Avoid Collateral Damage: Protect the neutral merchant ships trapped in the port.
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Scenario Phases
1. Reconnaissance Phase:
o The RA-5 Vigilante will conduct a strategic reconnaissance flight over Haiphong to identify enemy defenses and the positions of ships and submarines.
2. Defense Suppression Phase:
o Aircraft deployed from the USS Ranger will launch an initial attack to destroy SA-2 batteries and reduce the aerial threat.
3. Air Combat Phase:
o U.S. fighter aircraft will engage North Vietnamese threats to establish air superiority over the region.
4. Naval Attack Phase:
o The USS Oklahoma City and its escorts will provide naval fire support, targeting coastal defenses and enemy ships.
o U.S. destroyers and frigates must locate and neutralize Vietnamese submarines.
5. Final Assessment Phase:
o Once defenses are neutralized and the port is destroyed, ensure the safety of the trapped merchant ships and evaluate the operation's success.
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Conclusion
The destruction of Haiphong Port and the neutralization of Vietnamese forces are critical to maintaining logistical flow and restoring maritime control in the region. However, the multiple defensive layers of Vietnamese forces and the presence of neutral ships trapped in the port add an additional layer of complexity.Good luck, Commander. The success of this operation depends on your leadership and coordination of the available forces. Victory is the only option!
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AUTHOR: CORRECAMINOS_BEEP