The Battle of Kerch

This flow traces the final military contest over access to the Kerch area, from the Russian attack on a vulnerable carrier to the eventual breaking of the opposing force.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Leaker Finds the Carrier

A Leaker Finds the Carrier A low approach Yevgenni Sergeivich Ivanov slips through the defensive screen in a MiG-27 and spots the carrier refueling near Arsincevo. He intends to exploit the ship's exposed position and strike before its defenses can recover. A compressed decision The carrier is only minutes from danger. Dixie and Cat must decide whether to pursue the attacker or intercept the missiles, with almost no time to weigh the alternatives.

Phoenixes Stop the Strike

Phoenixes Stop the Strike The target changes Ivanov fires two AS-7 missiles at the refueling carrier. Cat immediately shifts the Tomcat's radar and weapons from the attacker to the incoming missiles, abandoning the chance to shoot down the MiG first. Catastrophe narrowly averted The AIM-54 Phoenix intercepts the missiles before they can hit the carrier's flight deck and fuel-transfer area. The encounter demonstrates how one fast, disciplined decision can prevent a strike from becoming a fleet-wide disaster.

Tomboy's Close Fight

Tomboy's Close Fight A duel at close range Joyce Flynn pursues Ivanov after the missile attack, using the F-14's remaining weaponry in a close aerial engagement. The Russian pilot, an experienced carrier aviator, sees the American pilot's name and initially assumes he faces a man. Skill overturns prejudice Flynn outmaneuvers Ivanov and destroys his aircraft with the Tomcat's cannon. Her victory exposes the gap between his sexist assumptions and the demonstrated ability of the pilot who defeats him.

The Ridge Is Blocked

The Ridge Is Blocked Russian marines attack Boychenko's troops meet determined resistance from the Russian Naval Infantry near the ridge. Tanks and armored vehicles prevent the retreating column from reaching the landing area. Air support becomes essential Magruder cannot solve the impasse from the ground, and the Marines' position does not yet guarantee extraction. He calls Joyce Flynn through an improvised communications link and directs her to the threat on the ridge.

The Column Gets Through

The Column Gets Through The attack breaks Joyce Flynn strafes Russian tanks and disrupts the forces blocking the ridge, though antiaircraft fire damages her aircraft. Her intervention opens a brief opportunity for Boychenko's people to move toward safety. Extraction becomes possible Marine helicopters reach the area and take the endangered group out. The Battle of Kerch gives the carrier group fuel and helps resolve the immediate crisis, although it does not settle Crimea's future.

Saturday, November 7, shortly before 0907

Saturday, November 7, at 0907

Saturday, November 7, just after the missile interception

Saturday, November 7, during the ground battle near Arsincevo

Saturday, November 7, after Flynn's strafing attacks