Episode 88

101st Airborne Division

Phúc Yên Air Base, Vietnam

Generals Tran and Greene were carefully not interfering with the ongoing evolution of the 101st. While the Generals were very much in charge, a smart general knew that the key to leadership is to allow your people to do their work. Overall, things were going very well, despite the aggressive timelines set by operation Long Snap.

Command Sergeant Major Juarez came trotting over to the two generals and issued a crisp salute. “Sirs, we are on schedule. I have been informed by the ops shack that phase two is ready to commence. The major is asking for permission to green light the next wave.”

“How far are they?”

“About two hours, sir.”

“Very well, phase 2 is green. Tell them to proceed.”

“Yes, sir!” Juarez jogged off to the operations shack which was currently housed in a shipping container which had been unloaded by one of the early C-5 arrivals.

Tran had a thoughtful look on his face as he turned to Greene. “I have to admit I am very interested in the next steps.”

“It will be impressive, that’s for sure. We need to get all these heavy lifters out of here to make room.”

Tran’s gaze wandered over the six C-RAM close-in weapons systems arrayed around the airfield and the two Patriot batteries emplaced a bit farther to the south, but visible by their radar dishes. “And do you feel confident we can hold off a Chinese assault?”

“Can we fight off the whole red army? No, we cannot. However, we can keep them from plinking us with missiles. The goal here is to keep your country safe while making the Chinese realize that it would be better to negotiate.”

Tran took off his hat and scratched his short hair. “And if they do invade?”

“Then my men and I get a PHD in jungle warfare from the best jungle fighters in the world.”

“You AND your men?”

“Me AND mine.” Greene gave Tran a hard look. “The Admiral made it clear in my orders that we are here until you ask us to leave. One way or another.”

“Come back with your shield, or on it.”

“Indeed.”

VMFA-121 (The Green Knights)

Angels 12, Ten Miles Southeast Phúc Yên Air Base, Vietnam

“Zulu Xray this is Romeo Flight with you at Angels twelve at ten miles. Requesting permission to land.”

Captain Charles had been sitting in his F-35B for a very long time. While the F-35B was an excellent aircraft, it wasn’t designed with comfort in mind. Long ferry flights were always tiring. Having to tank multiple times over the South China Sea just added to the wear and tear.

“Roger Romeo Flight. Altimeter Two Nine Four Two. Cleared to land, VFR on runway two niner right.”

As Charles approached the base, he could see the civilian traffic operating out of Noi Bai airport. Hopefully, the planned operation would not result in the Chinese attacking the civilian facility. Further to the north, Charles could see a row of C-17’s preparing to lift off.

After landing, Charles and his wingman were directed to a revetment made from Hesco barriers. Although it was clearly hastily put together, Charles appreciated the forethought. His biggest fear was attack while he was on the ground damaging his plane enough that he couldn’t get into the air.

Charles was pleased to see Corporal Lucas waving him into his final parking spot. Getting out, he greeted his plane captain with a traditional fist bump. “Good to see you Lucas!”

“Good tah be here sir!” Lucas’ very strong Kentucky accent always got deeper when he was under stress or excited. “That thar airport over yonder has some saawheeeet lookin’ flight attendants, I am here tah tell yah.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Oh yeah! It turns out these Vietnam fellers are real nice when you get tah know them up close and personal like.”

“Fellers?”

“Well, the ladies at any rate, sir.”

“Just don’t get arrested.”

“Oh, no sir. The whole squad is on their best behavior. Gentlemen like. We were told to maintain good local relations, so I figgured we was just doin our bit, sir.”

“Good local relations?”

“Yes sir. In a manner a speakin’.”

Charles shook his head. Trust Lucas to find out where the local flight attendants liked to drink after work. “Are we all set for spares and reloads?”

“Ah, yes sir. All come down with us in the herky bird from Fiery Cross.”

“From Fiery Cross?” Lucas nodded vigorously. “Weren’t those reloads supposed to be for the Air Force?”

“Ah, yes sir. Tah be honest, it turns out there ain’t much to do on that there island. Their supply sergeant ain’t real good at poker. Sir.”

“Um, you played poker for spare missiles for the squadron?”

“Ah. Well. I ‘spose that’s right true, sir. Sorry if I done wrong.”

Charles punched the young Corporal on the shoulder. “As long as you’re not selling the proceeds on the black market, I’m not going to say anything.”

“Ah, yes sir. Ah I mean no sir. Them thar missiles are for your birds, sir.” Lucas gestured to the rest of the squadron pulling into their places. “Welcome to Vietnam, sir.”

As Charles and Lucas began to check in on the rest of the squadron, they could hear additional jets coming in to land. Charles turned to watch just as two F-15’s with Oregon Air National Guard markings touched down. Charles counted as they continued to land in pairs on the long runway. A full wing. This wasn’t a minor operation.

Lucas’ mouth dropped open as the next wave of aircraft came in. “What tah hell?”

Charles had to think for a bit before identifying the large drone leading the wave. It looked like a Predator, but was much larger and was jet-powered. Then, he remembered. The drones were Avengers, the Predator’s stealthy cousin. One at a time, twelve of them came into land. Charles was pretty surprised by this. He had thought there was only a half dozen total in inventory. “I think those are Avengers.”

“This here mission is going to be interesting sir.”

“I think you can say that Larry. I think you can say that.”