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~S~ All,
Thanks =sqtc= for COing the final frame, this was the most exciting and fun run we had all series. Thanks to all the other frame COs and jabo for making this all fun for us.
Frame 5 we started out from F100 heading north and coordinating our position for the perfectly timed launch of the AI group to all appear on the enemy radar at the same time. Thanks to Gums and CoolOne for handling the comms. I think we were in great touch with the escorts at all times.
While our initial climb out was a little chaotic (Mostly my mistake, set the same climb speed you ask others to do stupid!) and we were scattered about a bit. By the time we finished our switch back (Again buff friends sorry for yanking the fort hard around like that) and headed north for the real approach we were one tight box. All you buff pilots are perfect professionals and flew perfect formation through the turns. The DTF ingress line was straight but our flight path most certainly was not!
Soon on the real line we got word that the 4th fighters were engaged and they managed to drive the first couple of groups low so we buffs never saw them. Subsequent waves kept coming and both defensive flying as well as the excellent escorts thwarted most of their attacks. We did not loose one bomber to a HO attack that either took out vial parts or got a pilot kill. For most part all losses were due to fuel leaks that eventually had the pilot ditch safely albeit some in enemy territory. Also a couple of unfortunate discos with very little damage.
In all we were 15 bombers to start with, 12 dropped bombs on target. We had 1 building standing and Atrick bravely doubled back to the target and finished it off. I remember us trying to get status on him and he was silently working on the very tight turn required to get this done ASAP as there were enemy fighters all over the place and yet get an accurate run. Finally he called OK it's done and we were thrilled at the results. Nice job Atrick!
The way back was no bed of roses either, constant attacks almost to feet wet. We lost several bombers, again all to fuel leaks and disconnects.
A huge thanks to the fighter groups, for your support this and all the frames. 352nd, KoN, 4th and 23rd you guys Rock! ~S~ - You guys lost a lot for being embedded with us and the enemy having the alt and airplane advantage. Thanks for sticking it out with us.
Last but not the least I want to thank all the buff groups for working together. The overall collaboration and flying the entire series as one unit was a lot of fun and I personally got to learn a lot from the experienced buff pilots.
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noflyz
