Escalation Grenada

On October 25th 1983 the US launched the invasion of Grenada, codenamed Operation Urgent Fury. The fighting was mostly over by October 28th, and 599 Americans and 80 other foreign nationals were airlifted out. Casualties were relatively light and despite exposing numerous problems with inter-service communications and planning, Urgent Fury was a success.

But what if Cuba and the USSR had supplied the Grenadian People’s Revolutionary Government with advanced air defenses? What if Fidel Castro sent an expeditionary force to try and secure Grenada after Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was killed in a coup? What if the USSR decided to send a naval task force to try and deter an invasion?

As commander of Joint Task Force 120 you get to find out!

NOTE:
Performance can be an issue due to the size and length of the mission. I’ve done my best to trim unnecessary elements but it can still be an issue, especially later in the mission. Hopefully this will improve as the game is optimised, but I may make further changes if it is a big problem.

The mission relies on Messages but these have been finicky in my experience. I have duplicated the messages as Intel, so check that screen when you hear an audio cue for new intel received.

From: CINCLANT
To: CJTF 120
Info: USCINCSO
SUBJ: Operation Urgent Fury – Phase I
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1. Background:

The recent coup in Grenada has left Cuban forces in de facto control of the country. After the death of Maurice Bishop, Cuban forces stormed Fort Frederick and captured the leader of the coup Bernard Coard and most of his supporters. However, some elements of the People’s Revolutionary Army reorganised and launched an attack on the Cuban garrison. In response a strict curfew was implemented and Cuba dispatched an expeditionary force to the island.

Governor General Paul Scoon made a formal appeal for assistance from the OECS, after which he disappeared from the public eye. The OECS, Barbados, and Jamaica have called on the US to intervene.

President Reagan ordered an invasion be rapidly prepared to prevent further entrenchment of Cuban forces and to safeguard the 600 US medical students on the island. To accomplish this, nearby available forces have been reassigned to JTF 120. A plan for the invasion has been drawn up based on relevant experience in exercise Ocean Venture ’81.

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2. Tactical Situation:

Phase I of Operation Urgent Fury is to destroy enemy anti-air/ship defenses on Grenada and to disrupt enemy C2 by destroying the HQ at Calivigny Barracks. This will pave the way for Phase II which will see the amphibious and airborne landings of US forces to retake the island.

Grenada has a population of approximately 100,000 mostly concentrated on the largest southern island of Grenada proper. In the southwest of the island is the capital of St. George’s which is the largest urban center and home to the only port capable of handling cargo ships. strikes around built up areas should be avoided where possible to prevent collateral damage.

Point Salines Airport sits on the southwestern tip of the island and must be secured to allow the deployment of airborne troops. 600 US medical students are present on Grenada and thought to be concentrated in the True Blue campus. This campus lies just east of Point Salines Airport. Strikes in this area must be conducted with precision to avoid harming the students.

Complicating the situation is the presence of a Soviet SAG to the southeast. They have been sent as a show of support for their Cuban allies and to "stop imperialist aggression". Several soviet submarines are also thought to be in the area.

In addition, Soviet military advisors are known to be on Grenada. At least some of these are believed to be located in Calivigny Barracks. These are not to be targeted directly, but their presence does not preclude strikes against the Barracks.

Finally, a Soviet flagged merchant ship is currently unloading in the port of St. George’s. We believe this is providing supplies to the Cuban forces, but MUST NOT be engaged.

The USS Saipan LHA-2 and her Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) is approaching Grenada from the northeast. The ARG must position itself off the east coast of Grenada in preparation for landing operations as part of Phase II of the operation.

Escorting the Saipan ARG is a Surface Action Group (SAG) lead by USS Richmond K. Turner CG-20. USS Silversides SSN-679 is screening the formation to the east and has been tracking the Soviet SAG approaching from the southeast.

200NM northwest of Grenada the USS Independence Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is ready to provide air cover and to begin SEAD/DEAD operations. The CSG is moving to within 100NM of Grenada so as to provide fast response times in support of ground operations. (NOTE: air group under your direct command. Surface forces operating independently.)

Approximately 80NM ahead of the Independence CSG is a detachment of 2 ASW frigates with USS Samuel Eliot Morison FFG-13 in command. 60NM ahead of that detachment is USS Portsmouth SSN-707. (NOTE: ASW detachment operating independently.)

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3. Primary Objectives:

OBJ 1 – Reduce enemy anti-air capability on Grenada

OBJ 2 – Destroy enemy Silkworm missile batteries on Grenada

OBJ 3 – Destroy enemy HQ at Calivigny Barracks

OBJ 4 – Position Saipan ARG for amphibious assault

OBJ 5 – Avoid damage to the True Blue campus

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4. Key Assets

-USS Saipan
-Landing Ships of the Saipan ARG (2 minimum to conduct landings)

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5. (S) Secondary Objectives:

-Avoid collateral damage
-Destroy enemy fast attack boats
-Preserve Pearls Airport for future use

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6. Threat Report:

Grenada had been building up its air and naval defenses over the past few years, largely through arms transfers with Cuba. The People’s Revolutionary Army acquired several SAM systems and a good number of AAA platforms.

Known SAM systems include SA-6 (min. 2 launchers), SA-3 (min. 3 launchers), SA-13 (min. 4 vehicles). Known AAA systems include ZU-23 (min. 6 guns), S-60 (min. 6 guns), ZSU-57-2 (min. 3 vehicles).

It is also believed that 2 batteries of Silkworm missiles were sold to Grenada by China. These would consist of 2 search radars and at least 4 launchers.

When Cuba sent its expeditionary force to Grenada, several fast attack boats were sent as escort. It is believed that most of these are still in the area. Cuba is known to operate Osa-2 missile boats armed with SS-N-2 Styx missiles which pose a major threat to surface ships.

Cuba is known to have 2 Foxtrot submarines. It is assessed highly likely that one is operating in the area.
BE AWARE: these are very difficult to distinguish from their Soviet counterparts.

AWACS detected the movement of several fast-moving aircraft from Cuba to Grenada in the last 2 days. It is believed that these are MiG-21 or MiG-23 jets. At least 1 squadron’s worth has made the transit.

At least 2 Mi-14 ASW helicopters were previously transferred to Grenada and could be used.

Soviet forces operating in the area consist of 1 SAG and an unknown number of submarines.

The Soviet SAG is believed to consist of 2 missile cruisers and 2 destroyers/frigates.

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7. Weapons Restricted – Positive ID of targets required due to presence of neutrals and civilians. Care is to be taken around built up areas.

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8. EMCON Unrestricted – High likelihood of AShMs and aircraft.