S3 Series

The 4th based at L26 with 20 pilots and 1 GCI for the brginning of the frame.
We launched eastward towards the front line to cover T34,35,36 and 42 area.
As we approached TGT area, saw a fight SE of us and sent 2 flights to check it out.
Turned out the 23rd needed no help as they dispatched the LW handily, so we turned
back to cover the north area of our responsibility. Shortly GCi called bandits near our shipping
North of L26 and we headed there post haste. I sent 335th and 336th Squadrons to
the area while letting down from their high positions, figuring they'd get there sooner
due to higher speed. We chased some radar dots around for a while, but had to rtb L26
in order to meet the buffs on time.
Ponies reconfigured with full internal and drop tanks,we launched to the east and set out to meet
the buffs at the RP, NW of Antwerp.
We arrived at the RP as the buffs orbited L19 climbing, so we turned SW
to meet them as they came NE to the RP. Once we joined the buffs, we took positions and
continued to climb. Met the 352nd before the turn to tgt and LW was called out attacking.
Continued to slap attackers off the buff group and 352nd got a number of kills in the process
all the way to the third target, by which time the attackers had thinned out to a trickle.
Robert got a kill from one he had damaged earlier and the rest of the trip to friendly territory
was mostly uneventful. All being quiet, as we past T36, I called the 4th to RTB L26 and waved goodbye to the buffs.
We landed at L26 and lost one trying to descend too fast , as he snapped a wing and had to bail.
We took our Kodak moment at L26 and stood down.
<S> Jabo and Roan for another exciting Sunday night.
Thanks Darryl for an excellent and successful plan.

Nice Job of staying with the buffs 4th! Swatting away = success. Think of it as the offensive line for the running back of the year...without you he couldn't be famous:) <S>

Thanks, PAPPYB, for a fantastic ride. As you said, last night, it's gonna get rougher from this point forward. I expect some desperation moves. They'll be sending more fighters into the buff box to get those kills. The 23rd isn't letting them get near the ground targets. You fellas and the 352nd are slapping them around near the bomber group. They're about to become ferocious, I think. We'll have to do things they won't expect. Anyway, thanks for the great job you've been doing.

Darryl <S>

It will definitely be fangs full out for the axis at this point - hope all of our squads have been getting practice - the 4th has now dedicated two nights a week to training for each S3 frame - it makes a HUGE difference!