TFA2 24.5 – Upgrade of TF Amethyst

Vex spent three days to study and integrated the adjustment on Amphibious Strike Group. Then, on the morning of fourth day, he held second meeting with Admiral Reed, Admiral Mendel, Major General Ingram, and Heiko.

“I have finished the adjustment for aerial assets,” Vex opened the meeting as he turned on the projector. “If you have question or input, please say it.”

As soon as a long list of aerial asset was displayed on the white board, everyone in the meeting room immediately focused their eyes on it.

Fighter/Attack (264 units):

144 units F/A-18E/F Super Hornet,

24 units E/A-18G Growler

96 units AV-8B Harrier II

Special Mission (60 units):

36 units P-8 Poseidon

16 units EV-22D Grey Osprey

4 units E-737D Seraph

4 units RC-737E Spyhawk

Transport (98 units):

56 units C-130J Hercules (26 units will be on reserve status when all Osprey in service)

20 units C-17 Globemaster III (Intercontinental)

8 units US-2 ShinMaywa (Amphibious)

6 units C-27 Executive (VIP)

8 units B-737 Express (Business)

Air Refueling (20 units):

14 units KC-130J

6 units KC-737

Tilt-rotor (98 units):

60 units MV-22 Osprey (along with kit for Basic Medevac and Tanker)

32 units AV-22 Black Osprey (Air Assault, Air Insertion, C-SAR)

6 units HV-22 Blue Osprey (Dedicated Medevac)

Rotorcraft (306 units):

36 units AH-1Z Viper

64 units OH-58H Kiowa Warrior

24 units UH-1Y Venom

54 units CH-47H Chinook,

12 units CH-53K King Stallion

32 units MH-60K Knighthawk (Air Assault, Air Insertion, C-SAR)

84 units SH-60H Seahawk

UAV (152 units):

32 units MQ-9 Reaper

18 Units MQ-9B Sea Dragon (STOVL, Maritime Operation)

84 units MQ-8C Fire Scout

18 units MQ-4C Triton (Broad Area Maritime Surveillance)

After studying the list for a moment Admiral Mendel said, “We will station 48 Super Hornet on aircraft carrier. Are the remaining units enough to secure the home sky?”

“Colonel Patricia said 96 units are enough to cover two continents. Moreover, ACG also have Harrier to carry combat air patrol.”

Admiral Mendel nodded and said, “Okay. We will become the third largest F-18 user after Canada and US Navy then.”

“Mr. Vex,” Heiko asked, “Instead of old Harrier, why don’t we choose F-35B?”

“ACG put emphasized on high rate of availability, reliability, and maintainability. It’s very hard to meet those parameters if ACG use F-35B when we don’t operate on earth.”

“Harrier is old but not bad, actually.” Major General Ingram casually added, “In Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, it was the only tactical fighter that could provide close air support day and night for 24/7.”

“Well, a flying Harrier is a hundred times deadlier than F-35B on the ground,” Admiral Mendel calmly said.

“I see,” Heiko replied and slightly nodded.

After a moment of silence Admiral Reed asked another question, “Vex, do we really need VIP and Business airlifter?”

“One day, ACG has to airlift around 16.000 children. After that airlift become popular among local nobles. We received a lot of request to provide it, and ACG decide to separate it between civilian and military airlifter.”

“I see.”

After sipping his coffee Major General Ingram asked, “The assault Osprey, is it the same bird that was developed for USMC?”

“No, we developed our own.” As he projected a close up picture of Black Osprey on the white board Vex continued, “It had under-nose M230 30 mm. The shoulder-doors are being replaced with shoulder-windows and stub wings are installed below it, two hardpoints each.

It can carry guided and un-guided rocket, Mini-gun M134 7.62 mm, Longbow Hellfire, Air-launched Stinger, or external fuel tank. The cabin also can accommodate a fully equipped 9-man infantry squad.”

“I see. It’s pretty similar to Russian’s Hind.”

“Yes, it is.” After a moment of silence Vex asked, “Any other question?”

“…”

“No? Let’s continue with ground combatant then.”

“…”

In a casual tone Vex explained, “In summary, GCG will increase the number of combatant from 12.000 to 85.000. Their special mission units are Surveillance and Target Acquisition Company, CQB Company, and Tunnel Rat Company.

As for spear tips, GCG will have a few combat brigade. Their doctrine, tactic, and equipment are combination of Green Beret and Airborne Ranger. This is the map for their home base.”

Wasting no time, Vex projected Amstell Continent’s map to the white board, and some information were written on a few specific locations.

White Blank, snowfield on north coast of Amstell Continent. Homebase for 2nd Marine Arctic Brigade, main airlifter is Chinook, along with airfield, docking port, and three-in one depot (fuel, ammunition, logistic) to prompt the operation of naval and aerial assets.

Brone Desert, west coast of Amstell Continent. Homebase for 4th Mechanized Brigade and their fleet of M113, along with airfield, docking port, and three-in one depot to prompt the operation of naval and aerial assets.

Herron Mountains, 30 km south of Magwurt City. Homebase for 3rd Mountain Brigade, the average peaks are 4600 meters above sea level, even in summer snow can appear at any time on elevation 3200 meters above sea level, main airlifter is Chinook as only Chinook can operate well in extreme altitude.

MCG will build mega hydropower plant and water purification facility in one of its peaks, while Agriculture Development Group will build their HQ and research center in one of its valley.

Harley Quinn, middle of Amstell Continent. Homebase for 1st Airborne Brigade and special mission unit under command of GCG.

Bluefin Naval Station, south coast of Amstell Continent. HQ and homeport for Amphibious Strike Group, along with homebase for Frogman Company.

Lagra City, Sandhur Region, south coast of Amstell Continent. Homebase for 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade

After people in the room studied the map for a while, Vex put Buriek Continent’s map on the white board and said, “And because we don’t have Tomahawk for long-range land attack, we will have to form 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

It will be stationed in Buriek Continent, along with 2nd Air Assault Brigade. They will have 75% of Osprey fleet to support their mobility.”

Major General Ingram immediately said, “I will make sure 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade is ready in two months.”

“Very good,” Vex replied in cheerful tone.

“How about Air Combat Group? Do they have combat unit on the ground?” Heiko asked in a curious tone.

“They have Base Security Regiment, Pararescue Regiment, and Combat Control Team. Their numbers are few, but those three are Tier One and Tier Two. Their strength lay on mobility, element of surprise, and fire power.”

Heiko slightly nodded. “I see.”

“I will stay on earth for the next few months. If you have other question or input, don’t hesitate to send it to me.” Vex enjoyed a mouthful of his lemon tea before continuing, “Now, let’s talk about the shipment.”

Without delay Admiral Reed explained, “We can start it from tomorrow. Once Logistic and Support Group received more LCAC, we can conduct unloading in three spots around Antarctica simultaneously.”

A question mark immediately popped up in Vex’s forehead. “Do you mean in southern tip of Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean.”

“Yes,” Admiral Reed firmly replied.

Vex nodded before asking again, “Can we include intelligence analyst in the first shipment, IDG is in a dire need for them?”

“We can.”

“Good.” Vex immediately smiled in satisfaction.

After some small talk, Vex then ended the meeting and made some preparation before his meeting with Andrew Fox. He had to immediately take care of the delay of first purchase, along with putting the list for second purchase.

*****