Scenario: Operation blue bat - beirut 1958 (hypothetical)

[OpArt222]

SCENARIO: OPERATION BLUE BAT - BEIRUT 1958
(HYPOTHETICAL)
SLOT NUMBER: 550
SCENARIO DESIGNER: OPART222

BACKGROUND
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, reacting to the overthrow of King Faisal’s government in Iraq, alerted U.S. forces and deployed to Europe a tactical strike force from the Ninth Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and transport planes from Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina. A naval task force of 75 ships, including three aircraft carriers and two cruisers, and 45,000 men, 5,000 of whom were marines, was deployed to the Middle East from the Sixth Fleet in Italy.

The Government of Lebanon, faced with political turmoil, requested United States military intervention to prevent a collapse. With the situation deteriorating, President Eisenhower ordered U.S. forces to begin deploying on July 14th. The purpose of Operation Bluebat was to bolster the pro-Western government of President Camille Chamoun against internal opposition and threats from Syria and Egypt. The plan was to occupy and secure Beirut International Airport, a few miles south of the city, then secure the port of Beirut and the approaches to the city.

The Sixth Fleet consisted of 3 carriers, 2 cruisers, 22 destroyers, and approximately 50 other support vessels under the overall command of Vice Admiral Charles R. Brown. On this date, the 2d Provisional Marine Force (Task Force 62), consisting of three battalion landing teams (BLTs), under the command of Brigadier General Sidney S. Wade was the landing force of the Sixth Fleet.

PhibRon 6 consisted of five ships: the command ship (AGC), the USS TACONIC; an Attack transport (APA), the USS MONROVIA; an attack cargo ship (AKA), the USS CAPRICORNUS; and two LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank), the USS WALWORTH COUNTY and the USS TRAVERSE COUNTY. Off the coast of Lebanon they were joined by two destroyers, USS THE SULLIVANS and the USS WADLEIGH, which were to furnish direct fire support if the landing were opposed.

Besides authorizing the Navy's Sixth Fleet to conduct air operations and to land Marines in Beirut, the President ordered Tactical Air Command (TAC) Composite Air Strike Force Bravo to deploy from the US to Incirlik AB. The strike force, under command of Maj Gen Henry Viccellio, was in place by 20 July. It consisted of F-100s, B-57s, RF-101s, RB-66s, and WB-66s. The Air Force had no tactical controllers in Lebanon, therefore the Navy established procedures for all tactical aircraft involved in the operation.

SCENARIO 550:
This hypothetical scenario takes place on July 16, 1958 after the Marines have secured the airport. The USMC 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment are now preparing to advance on the port in support of the Chamoun government forces. Historically the Marines encountered only light resistance securing the port of Beirut, this scenario will provided the USMC player with a far more committed defense from the RED (INM, LCP, and PSP) opposition.

SCENARIO NOTES:
This scenario should be played from the USMC side.
The Off-map 203 MM Artillery Sections are used to represent direct fire support from USS THE SULLIVANS and the USS WADLEIGH.
Airstrikes are available from Tactical Air Command (TAC) Composite Air Strike Force Bravo stationed at Incirlik AB in Turkey.
PhibRon 6 is represented in an abstract manner, and is located at the west edge of the map.

BELLIGERENTS:
USMC: Lebanese Government & United States
RED: Lebanese Opposition - INM, LCP, and the PSP

MAP:
This scenario is staged on the "Beirut, Lebanon 1958 (200 x 160)" map created by OpArt222

SOURCES:
"Operation Blue Bat 1958" Globalsecurity.Org
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/blue_bat.htm

"1958 Lebanon Crisis" - Wikipedia.Org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_Lebanon_crisis

"Marines In Lebanon 1958" By Jack Shulimson - The Air University
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/...st/lebanon.txt

Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection - UT Library Online
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/

[Suhiir]

Havn't played yet but off the bat you missed the battalion 81mm mortar platoon (easy to do), the on-board artillery should be 105mm. I assume the 203's are suppose to represent naval gunfire, you should use naval guns as they have a LOT more ammo.

Being 1958 you may want to consider swapping out one of the infantry companies with amtracks for a vertical assault company with helos as by this time they'd been fairly well incorporated into the USMC.

[OpArt222]

Thanks Suhiir, for your great feedback and suggestions. I plan to make all of the corrections you outlined, but before I do I think it would very helpful to me if you could review the historic force structure (in bold) outlined below in comparison to the units I have selected (which are listed below each entry)

BTW: Yes, the 203mm Section is a stand in for naval gunfire. I agree with your suggestion however I could not find it in the list of USMC units. Where might I find/buy a naval gun support unit?

Thanks again for your help.

---------------------------------------

Tactical Air Command (TAC) Composite Air Strike Force Bravo
Location: Incirlik, AB (F-100s B-57s RF-101s RB-66s WB-66s)

F-100s (x4 Strike Sorties)
B-57s (x6 Level Bombing Strikes)

---------------------------------------

Landing Force Sixth Fleet
Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 2d Marines

2d Battalion, 2d Marines & Platoon, 3d Amphibian Tractor Battalion
USMC Rifle Company (LVTP5) (x3)

Battery B, 3d Battalion, 10th Marines
Howitzer Bty - 155mm M114 FH (x6) I plan to change these to 105's per your suggestion.

3d Platoon (Reinf), Company B, 2d Pioneer battalion
Marine Engineers Squad (LVTE1 MCV) (x3)

Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Demolition Platoon, 8th Engineer Battalion
Commando Engineers (x3)

Platoon (-) (Reinf), 1st Shore Party Team, Company A, 2d Shore Party Battalion
Recon Platoon - Recon Plt (x3 HUS-1 Sea Horse)

1st Platoon (Reinf), Company B, 2d Motor Transport Battalion
Med Truck (x16)

Detachment, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marines
Not represented in the game

Detachment, Anti-Tank Company, 2d Marines
Co Weapons Plt

Detachment, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division
MEU HQ + Jeep (x2)

Detachment, 2d Medical Battalion
Not represented in the game

Detachment, 2d Service Regiment
Not represented in the game

Detachment, Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
Not represented in the game

Detachment, 2d Force Service Regiment
Not represented in the game

Detachment, Ordnance Maintenance Company
Ammo Carrier (x 4)

Detachment, 8th Communication Battalion
Not represented in the game

Detachment, 2d ANGLICO
Jeep FO (x3)

Detachment, Marine Aircraft Group 26
HUS-1 Sea Horse (x4)
HOK-1 Huskie (x2)
AD6 Skyraider (x4 COIN Sorties)
A4D Sky Hawk II (x6 COIN Sorties)

------------------------------------------------

NOTE: These units were added for this scenarios hypothetical advance on the port, and were not part of the historic Battalion Landing Team that was tasked with securing the airport.

203mm Section
AA Gun Sec (W) 40mm AA Gun
Flame Tank Sec (x2)
Hw Motor Bty
Rifle Co (This is located on the on the landing ships on the west edge of the map.)
SP-RCL Plt (M50 Ontos)
SPAA Sec (Army) M42A1 Duster (x2)
Tank Plt (x2)

------------------------------------------------


Source: "MARINES IN LEBANON 1958" by Jack Shulimson
The Air University http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/...st/lebanon.txt

[Suhiir]

Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Demolition Platoon, 8th Engineer Battalion
Would not be full squads - EOD Detachment normally 2-4 men

Platoon (-) (Reinf), 1st Shore Party Team, Company A, 2d Shore Party Battalion
Shore Party is a logistic unit so no need to represent

1st Platoon (Reinf), Company B, 2d Motor Transport Battalion
Med Truck (x16)
Out of this comes the trucks used to tow artillery and such

Detachment, Anti-Tank Company, 2d Marines
This is the Ontos ... probably a platoon of 5

Detachment, Ordnance Maintenance Company
Just warm bodies, the trucks come from the above 16

Detachment, 2d ANGLICO
No jeeps usually, these are foot-mobile FO's, the naval gunfire and Forward Air Control specialists, often in observer helos or paradropped

There's normally a Tank Platoon as part of a battalion MEU

[OpArt222]

Thanks Suhiir, for reviewing the historic Battalion Landing Team force structure and for the game unit suggestions, that was all very helpful information.

I plan on making changes to the "OPERATION BLUE BAT - BEIRUT 1958" scenario, and posting the revision ASAP.

[Suhiir]

You're entirely welcome.
Since you're apparently trying for a historical set-up, even if the battle itself isn't, I assumed you'd like accurate formations/units.

[shahadi]

SCENARIO: OPERATION BLUEBAT - BEIRUT 1958
AUTHOR: OPART222

SCENARIO:

This hypothetical scenario takes place on July 16, 1958 after the Marines have secured the airport. They are now preparing to advance on the port in support of the Chamoun government forces. Historically the Marines encountered only light resistance securing the port of Beirut, this scenario will provided the USMC player with a far more committed defense from the Green (INM, LCP, and PSP) opposition.

Design Notes:

Excellent map.

Check “Making Your Scenario Introductory Text” in the Game Guide for introductory text formatting.

Victory Flags are set to 0 value except for one near the Petroleum Storage facility.

No damage to map although this action occurs after liberating airport.

CO not found in C1, LVTR-5 but in E6. Just an error in that company.

Give me boats for the Raiders.

These are my initial impressions. I may not play it for awhile as I popped open the Editor and poked around. Otherwise, it is a long scenario, might be fun to break it up and assign smaller battles (objectives) to individual companies and militia forces.

Thanks

[OpArt222]

Thank you Shahadi for the great feedback. I will incorporate corrections to the issues you presented along with Suhiir's in the updated version of the scenario ASAP. I very much appreciate you giving this scenario a good shakedown, and for taking the time to communicating your thoughts.

[OpArt222]

I have tweaked and reconsidered a few key objectives for this scenario. First, and foremost Syria has joined the Lebanese rebel forces in occupying areas of East Beirut and the port before the Marines completed their landing at Red Beach. Now the the Marines will be tasked with clearing the Syrians, and rebels from hastily prepared defensive positions in and around the port. I have also added a company of Marines assigned to defending the airport, in support of the Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 2d Marines advance on the city. So rather than paring down the scope of this scenario I have expanded it. There is also now a Marine Rifle Platoon tasked with defending the U.S Embassy.

I am currently play testing these changes, once I have fined tuned it I will post as scenario No. 555: "STREET CLEANING - BEIRUT 1958".

Below is the new force structure for the Marines and a few new notes on the scenario in general. Thanks again for all the great feedback and suggestions.

---------------------------

SCENARIO: STREET CLEANING - BEIRUT 1958
(HYPOTHETICAL)
SLOT NUMBER: 555
SCENARIO DESIGNER: OPART222

SCENARIO:
This hypothetical scenario takes place on July 26, 1958. Elements of the The Syrian First Army have occupied the port and sections of East Beirut. The Marines successfully landed at Red Beach and have secured Beirut International Airport. Now the USMC 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment is preparing to advance into the city to dismantle the Syrians along with various anti-government forces. Historically the Marines encountered only light resistance securing the Port of Beirut and the eastern approaches to the city. This scenario will provided the USMC player with a far more committed Syrian First Army, INM, LCP, and PSP opposition.


OBJECTIVES:
Secure the Port of Beirut, and the eastern approaches to the city.
Defend the American Embassy.


NOTE:
This scenario should be played from the USMC side.
Company A, 3d Battalion, 6th Marines should be used in defense of the airfield only.


BELLIGERENTS:
USMC: Lebanese Government & United States
SYRIAN: Lebanese Opposition - Syrian, INM, LCP, and the PSP


OPERATION BLUE BAT - HISTORIC BACKGROUND
President Dwight D. Eisenhower, reacting to the overthrow of King Faisal’s government in Iraq, alerted U.S. forces and deployed to Europe a tactical strike force from the Ninth Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and transport planes from Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina. A naval task force of 75 ships, including three aircraft carriers and two cruisers, and 45,000 men, 5,000 of whom were marines, was deployed to the Middle East from the Sixth Fleet in Italy.

The Government of Lebanon, faced with political turmoil, requested United States military intervention to prevent a collapse. With the situation deteriorating, President Eisenhower ordered U.S. forces to begin deploying on July 14th. The purpose of Operation Blue Bat was to bolster the pro-Western government of President Camille Chamoun against internal opposition and threats from Syria and Egypt.

The plan called for the simultaneous landing of two Marine BLTs, one coming ashore northeast of Beirut to secure the water supply systems, bridges, and the northeastern sector of the city and the other striking across the beaches south of Beirut to seize the airport. The objective of this plan was to support the legal Lebanese government against any foreign invasion, specifically against the Syrian First Army located between Damascus and the Israeli border and only a few hours march from Beirut

The Sixth Fleet consisted of 3 carriers, 2 cruisers, 22 destroyers, and approximately 50 other support vessels under the overall command of Vice Admiral Charles R. Brown. On this date, the 2d Provisional Marine Force (Task Force 62), consisting of three battalion landing teams (BLTs), under the command of Brigadier General Sidney S. Wade was the landing force of the Sixth Fleet.

The five tanks of BLT 3/6 on board the FORT SNELLING were then loaded onto the LCU, which carried them to them to the beach. Upon their arrival at the airfield, they were attached to BLT 2/2.

PhibRon 6 consisted of five ships: the command ship (AGC), the USS TACONIC; an Attack transport (APA), the USS MONROVIA; an attack cargo ship (AKA), the USS CAPRICORNUS; and two LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank), the USS WALWORTH COUNTY and the USS TRAVERSE COUNTY. Off the coast of Lebanon they were joined by two destroyers, USS THE SULLIVANS and the USS WADLEIGH, which were to furnish direct fire support if the landing were opposed.

---------------------------

Landing Force Sixth Fleet
Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 2d Marines

Detachment, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division
MEU HQ + Command Vehicle Jeep MMG (x1)

2d Battalion, 2d Marines & Platoon, + 3d Amphibian Tractor Battalion
USMC Rifle Company (Mec) (LVTP5) (x3)

Platoon (Reinf), Company C, 2d Tank Battalion
Tank Platoon (M48A1 Patton x4) (M48A1 Dozer x1)

Detachment, Anti-Tank Company, 2d Marines
SP-RCL Platoon (Ontos x5)

3d Platoon (Reinf), Company B, 2d Pioneer battalion
Marine Engineers Squad (x3) (LVTE1 MCV x1)

Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Demolition Platoon, 8th Engineer Battalion
USN UDT/Raider (x1)

1st Platoon (Reinf), Company B, 2d Motor Transport Battalion
Med Truck (x16)

Detachment, 2d ANGLICO
Forward Observation / (FAQ Marine FO x3)

Detachment, Battalion Mortar
Mortar Platoon (81mm Selection x4)

Battery B, 3d Battalion, 10th Marines
Howitzer Bty - (105mm M114 FH x6)

---------------------------

Detachment, Ordnance Maintenance Company
Location: Beirut International Airport

Ammo Carrier (x6)
Ammo Dump (x4)

---------------------------

Sixth Fleet - Destroyers - Naval GunFire Support
Location: Sixth Fleet, Mediterranean Sea (Off-map)

USS The Sullivans (DD-537) (5 inch Gun x4)
USS Wadleigh (DD-689) (5 inch Gun x4)

---------------------------

Detachment, Marine Aircraft Group 26
Location: Beirut International Airport

HUS-1 Seahorse (x4)
HOK-1 Huskie (x2)

Location: Sixth Fleet, Mediterranean Sea (Off-map)

AD6 Skyraider (COIN Sorties x4 )
A4D Sky Hawk II (COIN Sorties x6)

---------------------------

Tactical Air Command (TAC) Composite Air Strike Force Bravo
Location: Incirlik, AB Turkey (Off-map)

F-100s (Strike Sorties x4)
B-57s (Level Bombing Strikes x6)

---------------------------

Regional Headquarters Region 2, Marine Security Guards,
Location: American Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon

Rifle Platoon (USMC Rifle Squad x3) (MMG Sec x1)
Jeep MMG (x2) (Embassy Motor Pool)
Civilian Car (x2) (Embassy Motor Pool)

---------------------------

Beirut International Airport Airfield Security
Location: Beirut International Airport

Battalion Landing Team, 3d Battalion, 6th Marines
(Note: Company A, 3d Battalion, 6th Marines should be used in defense of the airfield
only)

Company A, 3d Battalion, 6th Marines
USMC Rifle Co

AA Gun Platoon (W)
AA Gun Sec (W) (40mm AA Gun X4)

---------------------------

U.S Navy's - Sixth Fleet, PhibRon 6
Location: Mediterranean Sea (Western edge of map)

Landing Support
LCM-6- LCF (x2)
LCM-6 (x5)
Zodiacs (x1)

---------------------------

Pro-Lebanese Government Forces
Location: Military Area North of Airport

Scout Car Pl Ferret Mk.1 (x4)
Truck Inf Co (x2)
Light Tank Staghound (x4)
Half-Trk APC (x8)
Tank Platoon Firefly (x4)
Light Trucks (x8)
M4 Dozer (x2)

---------------------------

These are historic Battalion Landing Team, 2d Battalion, 2d Marines assets not represented in this scenario.

Detachment, 2d Force Service Regiment
Detachment, 2d Medical Battalion
Detachment, 2d Service Regiment
Detachment, 8th Communication Battalion
Detachment, Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic
Detachment, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marines
Platoon (-) (Reinf), 1st Shore Party Team, Company A, 2d Shore Party Battalion

---------------------------

MAP:

This scenario is staged on the "Beirut, Lebanon 1958 W/ Phibron 6" (200 x 160)" map no.555 created by OpArt222

---------------------------

SOURCES:

"Operation Blue Bat 1958" Globalsecurity.Org
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/blue_bat.htm

"1958 Lebanon Crisis" - Wikipedia.Org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1958_Lebanon_crisis

"Marines In Lebanon 1958" By Jack Shulimson - The Air University
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/...st/lebanon.txt

Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection - UT Library Online
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/

[OpArt222]

Attached: Is a nice map illustrating the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines July 16th advance up the west side of the city, through the "Basta Rebel Area", and into the Port of Beirut.

MAP SOURCE:

"Not War But Like War: The American Intervention in Lebanon" by RJ Spiller - ‎1981 usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/download/csipubs/spiller2.pdf

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Another great source of images depicting the conflict can be found here - "1958 Lebanon Crisis: Operation Blue Bat" - Military In the Middle East (blog) -https://milinme.wordpress.com/2014/0...tion-blue-bat/