Operational Navigation
Naval Aviation Mission Requirements
NAVAL AVIATION MISSION REQUIREMENTS
Mission planning varies in complexity. At the lower end is the single-plane cross-country navigation
that you will do in the training command. At a higher level, there may be a coordinated strike of more
than fifty planes with different combat roles launched from multiple bases and/or carriers. Staffs,
operations officers, and air intelligence personnel contribute to defining and assigning missions and
weapons, but it is generally left to the squadron or air wing to supply the tactics. Following are some
missions similar to ones you may be required to plan and fly:
SPECIAL WEAPONS
A single aircraft launches from a carrier, navigates over water, accomplishes coastal orientation,
penetrates enemy defenses, navigates over land to target, executes the attack, and egresses to
friendly territory. Alert time is minimum. Timing and attack positioning must be precise.
COORDINATED STRIKE
Many aircraft coordinate in various types of missions. Aircraft may include attack, fighter, electronic
countermeasures, tanker and reconnaissance. Elements may launch from more than one point, and
aircraft of different types fly at different speeds, so timing and coordination must be precise. Tactics
must be disciplined. Such tactics are constantly evolving to keep up with such scenarios as war-at-
sea, and may vary between air wings. As a fleet pilot, you must be prepared to plan and fly such
coordinated missions.
DIVISION STRIKE
Four aircraft attack a planned target. Fighter cover may be employed, tanker aircraft may be needed
at one end or the other of the flight, photo reconnaissance may precede or follow the attackers, or
both.
RECONNAISSANCE
Two aircraft reconnoiter assigned area (land or water) for targets of opportunity or some specific
reported target. Tactics are determined by enemy defenses, difficulties anticipated in locating
targets, and ordnance load.
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
Multiple aircraft attack targets assigned by forward air control (FAC). Accuracy is paramount due to
proximity of friendly forces, and precise timing is mandatory.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE
A single aircraft flies over a targeted area and collects radar and/or photographic imagery.
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