S3 Series

Yep, FOOO, normally we do provide detailed details prior to the frame, but had a few issues get in the way that week. I did provide you with the three possible routes, well in advance. Once you gave green light on the blue line targets with the green line targets as secondary, NOFLYZ posted the DTF for all to see. At that point, your plan was to keep the fighters busy until we were in position to make our run to targets. It seemed to me that the most important info the fighters needed was (as DEWOLF always says) to give them the RP point, altitude, and time and leave the rest up to the fighters. Your plan called for the fighters to be ready to go for the long haul, or not. That decision could only have been made after the primary targets were hit and we evaluated whether we could continue to the secondary targets. As it turned out, Plan A was implemented with exciting results. All, of which, was made possible by the excellent fighter support we received from the 4th and 352nd.

Keep in mind, I am not complaining, just explaining; giving answers to statements/questions dealing with the evaluation process (debriefing). All of it makes us and the Allied team just a little bit better for next time.

Thanks, again! <S>

In the event the buff group becomes broken, always protect the larger group unless specific orders are given to protect stragglers. That is the SOP. Once the larger group has reached safety, stragglers can be considered for search and rescue. It is inevitable that flights will become separated during a mission. This is true with fighters as well as buffs. Reasons for flight separation are due to various reasons. Connection speeds, stick failure, poor speed management, damage etc. Newer pilots tend to follow CO orders to the letter in regards to throttle setting, climb speed etc, whereas seasoned pilots use the CO orders as a reference and adjust their settings as necessary to stay with the group. It's part of the learning process, no fault, no blame. All that matters is the end game. <S> all.

Have no fantasy that this has never happened in an S3. On one long-range mission from England to Berlin and back, one of the friendly escort pilots was continually opening fire on friendly aircraft while in route to Berlin. He was shot down by friendly fire after he was admonished both on Country Channel and by private message to disengage and failed to quit.