Today’s priority will focus on inserting the major ground forces.

The UN forces have been executing a retreat into Hama, but the city is rapidly being surrounded. Given the deterioration of the logistical situation, CVW-20 will establish an temporary staging area north of Hama. From there, MEU2 ground forces will assemble for the ground push. CVW-20 will need to engage in a combined SEAD, Fighter Sweep, Transport, HCAS, and CAS effort in order to ensure the success of the mission.

TRANSPORT - 4X Marine CH-53s will transport the MEU 2 Strike force to the staging area. All 4 must make it to the staging area for a successful mission. Additional Helicopter Transports will be providing non critical supplies, but everything that makes it to the staging area will help MEU2 complete their ground assault. Transports will hold at the staging area and then RTB on Day 3.

SEAD - Syrian Air Defense sites along the coast have, as of yet, been untouched. The Syrian arsenal is dangerous, but dated, consisting of mostly SA-2s SA-3s, SA-5s, and the new SA-6. A manpad threat is also possible. A successful sweep will require starting south at the southern air corridor, and moving north along the coast. Follow up attacks to the East will assist friendly forces

CAP - The Syrians are expected to attempt to enforce a No Fly over the engagement areas. CAP will ensure that friendly forces are protected from hostile aircraft. The most advanced fighter currently in the Syrian Air Force inventory is the MIG-29A, but you should prepare for everything as old as a MIG-19

CAS/HCAS - The Syrian Army is currently encircling the city and while peacekeepers are successfully holding off, the initial assault. Syrian reinforcements are moving north and will need to be taken care of. CAS Will need to perform the difficult task of covering the retreat of UN Forces into the city, While simultaneously preventing Syrian forces from advancing.