S3 Series

Pilots: 15 in A6M3 SUPPORT/ESCORT D3As

SORTIE ONE: T+5 4th launched following D3A launches. Climbed to 20K to southern route 5.0-6.0. Jointed bombers at 5,0 sending 4 pilots to close escort. Intercepted enemy fighters over F11 approaching Ford Island. Once bombers started their RTB to carriers the 4th intercepted harassing P40 Hawks keeping them busy and permitting Vals to clear the Hawaiian Island and descending to NOE. Three pilots landed early and upon receiving intelligence of a con tracking the Carrier Group re-launched to intercept enemy AC. Once in the area of the con the con attacked the intercepting AC descending to their level. During intercept pilot was lost due to DISCO while firing on the Hawk which was destroyed, all 4th AC available launched to intercept any additional enemy AC attacking any carrier Group. Enemy forces found the Carrier Group and initiated an attack by 1 formation of TBDs but they were shot down before launching torps.
Estimated Results: Launched 15 pilots - 3 KIAs - 3 Kills

SORTIE TWO: T+120. launched 11 AC under control of Robert since CO and XO were busy with the scout intercept. This group headed south to intercept any inbound enemy forces then join with 2nd bomber strike. With the split-up of the 4th, 3 pilots were ordered to CAP the N Task Force, 1 pilot in a Val was sent to attack F9 while the remaining pilots continued to the South strike Force and joined just west of the island. The Frame ended with the remaining pilots available returning to their respective Carrier and one pilot making any emergency ocean landing at J1 due to loss of elevator control.
Estimated Results: 15 pilots – 8 KIAs – 4 KILLS
Total Results: 30 Launches - 11 KIAs - 7 KILLS

Good work,as always. believe one of the NOE pilots popped on DE giving them time to get alt making your job tougher

Good job. Thank you staying fluid.

<S>

Nick