Frame 2 Operation Hailstone was exciting. The plan was to launch all the fighters and strikers at once. I had the 352nd as forward sweep, the 23rd rear cover, the 4th as high cover and the Knights fighters as imbedded cover. The strikers were made up of The Knights, Unlimited Mud Movers, the Night Stalkers and the Nomads.
As the striker group made their way to the target in their TBDs, they climbed to their assigned alt of 10k. The goal was to pickle their bomb loads off on the unsuspecting ships and RTB home. As they approached the 352nd announced that the IJN was over the target. Soon, we saw the IJN fall from the skies!
Again, cons were being called out and a few broke through our escorts and down 5 of our TBD's. Still the escorts did a great job holding them off and allowing the rest to get in. Under the leadership of Noflyz the ships came into view and soon, ships were being sunk one by one. The rest of the strikers made it back to the CV and some crashed while landing.
I called for a second sortie and with the remaining strikers and fighters, they lifted again. Again, they made it the ships untouched and sank more ships. All made it back to the CV and landed.
Thanks to ALL the fighters for doing a great job protecting us and to the strikers for getting the job done. It was a great team effort and a pleasure working with you all!
Salute!
Capt Hawk CO - The Knights Who Say Ni!
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