Carrier Battle Group ASW test, 1984

Multiple Soviet submarine threats are expected in the path of a CVBG. The CVBG needs to transit the area and defend itself at all times. Limitations: No off-board sensors are available to either side. No threats other than the submarines are expected. Any contact encountered is either wildlife or hostile. Special weapons use is authorized by both sides. This is an exercise. The enemy forces are played by US units and no live ordnance is used. The scenario shows the simulated action. The exercise area is limited. The task of the CVBG in this exercise is not to avoid the submarine infested area; it needs to fight its way through. While this exercise focuses solely on the ASW effort the CVBG needs to be able to fulfil its other missions simultaneously with executing its ASW defence. Most of the aircraft are tasked on offensive missions or distant BARCAP and are not available for ASW defence or close in CAP (simulated by "being on maintenance" in this scenario). The Blue side is the recommended side to play, but the Red side is playable as well. Scenario designer's notes: The number of submarines encountered during this test is bigger than would realistically be expected during an opposed transit in a wartime scenario. This training scenario can be considered a stress test of the battle group's ASW capabilities, and it also allows for multiple engagements during the course of one scenario without having to reload the scenario. You will probably not find it especially challenging from the blue side, making it a useful beginner's scenario. But there is a lot going on and the goal is to not lose any escorts either. From the red side the scenario is very challenging. A primary goal of this scenario is to allow experimenting with different blue side tactics. E.g., should the outer screen use active sonar or not? What patrolling distances works best? The scenario loads with patrol missions already set up and all platforms in a suggested formation. This gives a head start for