An alternate Occupation of Darwin timeline.
This is a timeline inspired by the Indonesian invasion of Darwin thread by Black Mage.
December 2, 1979 – Emboldened by the non-reaction of the United States of America to the capture of the U.S.’ Tehran Embassy a month earlier, Indonesian President Suharto instructs his military commanders to begin quiet preparations to implement Operation Southern Sky. Southern Sky is nothing less than an all out surprise attack against Australia’s Northern Territory, including the port city of Darwin.
December 13, 1979 – His military commanders inform President Suharto that Southern Sky is now as ready as is possible without actual mobilization of forces.
December 24, 1979 – The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan.
January 7, 1980 – Judging the United States & other Western nations to be utterly preoccupied by events in Iran and Afghanistan Suharto orders mobilization of all Indonesian armed forces units. The Jakarta government issues statements that the actions are a precaution against possible threats to foreigners due to the current crisis conditions in the Moslem states of Afghanistan and Iran. Given events in the Persian Gulf area, virtually no notice is taken of the mobilization.
January 26, 1980 – Australia Day. Australian National Holiday
January 27, 1980 – Without any warning, and with total strategic & tactical surprise, Indonesian forces launch Southern Sky. In the first moments of the invasion Indonesian Special Operation units seize Darwin’s airport. These forces quickly seize the airport control tower & cut all communication lines out of the airport. Australia suffers its first casualties of the conflict when Constables Paul Jones and William Edwards are killed in the Darwin Airport Arrival terminal. As Indonesian commandos spread out from the Airport to secure police stations, radio stations, telephone exchanges, and most especially the Port facilities, follow-up forces begin to fly in to the captured airfield. By 08.00 local time the City of Darwin is effectively occupied & cut off from the rest of Australia. At 09.00 local time the first transport vessel arrives at Darwin’s docks; an LST, it unloads 3 tanks and supporting troops. Some twenty additional ships, both military & civilian begin to enter the harbor, carrying the better part of two Indonesian divisions.
January 28, 1980
00.25 hrs. Indonesian blocking forces defending approaches to Darwin region engage initial Australian recon patrols. After a series of sharp, brief engagements, reserve cavalry units withdraw without penetrating Indonesian defensive perimeter.
02.00 hrs. RAN P-3C Orion is shot down during attempted over flight of Darwin.
03.00 hrs. Defense Minister arrives at PM’s residence. Informs Prime Minister that situation is, if anything, worse that that reported by panicked Northern Territory ranchers. Prime Minister formally orders mobilization of all active duty & ready reserve military formations in Northern Territory.
09.00 hrs – Having finally identified invader as Indonesian regulars, Prime Minister addresses emergency session of Parliament. Chaos ensues.
10.00 hrs – President Suharto announces “peaceful annexation” of Northern Australian Peninsula. During this announcement Suharto notes that the region is closer to Jakarta than it is to Melbourne or Sidney & he invites Australian representatives to Jakarta to formalize transfer of territory. Within minutes of Suharto’s address streets of Jakarta fill with delighted revelers, street of all major Australian cities fill as well, mood here is considerably more somber.
10.40 hrs (00.40 Zulu, 23.40 EST (prior day) – President Carter is informed of Australian Crisis.
January 29, 1980
02.00 hrs - Indonesian scouting forces encounter Australian Light Horse platoon. In ensuing firefight one Indonesian scout vehicle is destroyed at cost of 3 Australian KIA. This is the first encounter between regular forces of both countries.
13.00 Zulu – National Security Advisor Brzezinski updates President Carter on Australian Crisis just before end of daily National Security Briefing. Secretary of State Vance is instructed by President to call for emergency meeting of UN Security Council and to have U.S. Ambassadors to Indonesia & Australia request urgent meetings with Heads of both governments. Secretary of Defense Brown is instructed to contact Australian Defense Minister for consultations.
January 30, 1980 – 13.00 ZULU UN Security Council meets to discuss Australian Crisis. Australian representative demands immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Australian soil. Indonesian representative replies to demand with statement from his government accusing Australia of responsibility for Crisis. Council meeting ends without resolution of Crisis.
23.95 ZULU - John Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister of Australia is connected, via secure phone, to POTUS James Carter & U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. PM Frasier formally asks both leaders for assistance under the terms of mutual defense treaties with both the U.S. & U.K. Having spoken earlier, both Carter & Thatcher, over the strenuous objections of their senior advisors, agree to mobilize forces immediately.
January 31, 1980
02.00 Zulu Commands are sent via the Office of the U.S joint Chiefs of Staff to Fort Bragg NC ordering a brigade of the 82nd Division (Airborne) to depart for Australia within 36 hours, a Brigade of the 101st division (Air Assault) was ordered to follow 12 hours later. Within 30 minutes of these orders reaching Fort Brag similar orders are received at the Division HQ of the 1st Marine Division & CINCPAC deploying two Marine Amphibious Units (MAU) to the Australian Region along with their support ships (including USS Tarawa & USS New Orleans). This same order calls for the redeployment of the Enterprise, Ranger, & Oriskany CBG to new operating areas in what is christened Operating Area Koala.
As these orders are circulated, massive movements of naval vessel around the world begin, as the various CINC’s begin to shuffle force to ensure that no “hot spot” is ignored and/or undefended.
08.00 Zulu – PM Thatcher inform HRM of the latest news from Australia.
11.00 ZULU – President Carter inform House & Senate Majority & Minority leaders of activation of the Australian/U.S. mutual defense treaty and his intentions to follow its requirements. Surprisingly, the greater protests are from his fellow Democrats.
15.00 ZULU – President Carter meets with Indonesian Ambassador to the U.S. Carter requests that the Ambassador inform his government of the United States concerns regarding the Australia Crisis and expresses the hopes of the United States that the matter can be concluded without further loss of life. Carter does NOT inform the Ambassador of the United States intentions to support Australia at this time.
February 1, 1980
05.00 hrs local time Indonesian armored forces approach the recently & hastily established Australian Main Line of Resistance (MLR) north of Katherine, NT. Scouting forces of both sides engage in skirmishing.
09.50 hrs local time – First significant air battle of campaign occurs 65 KM northeast of Katherine. Battle is a tactical draw, with 4 RAAF Mirage III & 4 Indonesian A-4’s lost. Battle is a strategic victory for Indonesian forces as planned air strike against Darwin unloading sites is thwarted.
11.00 – 16.00 hrs local time – Australian defensive sites outside of Katherine are targeted by all assembled Indonesian Artillery resulting in moderate, but noteworthy, damage to several sections of the MLR.
21.00 hrs local time – Just after sunset eight Indonesian A-4 Skyhawks strike left flank of MLR with napalm & 250 kg. Fragmentation bombs. As the A-4’s streak for safety, the main offensive blow of the second stage of the Indonesian invasion strikes the shattered remnants of the Australian left wing. Composed of almost all light forces, & possessing limited anti-tank capability the MLR’s left flank is rolled up by the advancing armor. Thanks to the leadership of a Light Horse colonel, surviving Australian forces successfully break contact with the Indonesian ground forces and fall back in reasonably good order through Katherine. Once through the City the surviving RAA forces attempt to reestablish a reasonable fighting position against the Indonesian forces that are sure to be in hot pursuit.
February 2, 1980
05.50 hrs local time – SAS patrols return from Katherine. To the surprise of the commanders on scene, the Indonesian forces are reported to be constructing a strong defensive position NORTH of Katherine, near what had been the Australian MLR. The scout units also report that numerous building in Katherine proper appear to being rigged for demolition/
18.00 hrs Local Time –First USAF C-141 lands in Brisbane. Aircraft contains Command & Control elements of both the 82nd & 101st divisions and supporting HQ forces. Behind them, at five-minute intervals, are the rest of both RDF brigades. Two hours behind the last Starlifter a flight of C-5 Galaxy heavy lift transports, carrying two platoons of Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the U.S. 7th Cavalry are lifting off from refueling stops in Panama.
February 3, 1980 20.00 ZULU – President Carter addresses the nation. In what is later called the best speech of his Presidency, Carter announces the movement of United States forces into the Australian Crisis. Calling on every good feeling that the American people have, had, or were likely to have in the future, Carter announces his support for the Australian nation. At the same time he asks that both nations involved in the “current tragedy” attempt to settle matters peacefully. He then offers himself as a go-between in negotiations between the South Pacific neighbors. Immediate post speech polling numbers show a 73% approval rating for Carter’s actions. Nearly one respondent in three, however, is found to wonder why the United States seems to be more willing to help in Australia than to get America’s hostages out of Iran.
HRM Elizabeth, Sovereign of (among other places) Australia releases an announcement that Her Government will immediately take steps to support her loyal Australian subjects.
Australian Prime Minister Fraser announces a total exclusion zone for the Timor Sea and a war notice to Mariners & Aviators for all sea and air spaces extending out 800 KM from Any Indonesian land area. Areas where the National Frontiers of neutral countries overlap the war zone are excluded from the War Warning. Both announcements are to take effect at 00.01 ZULU on February 6,1980.
February 4, 1980
08.00 hrs local time – Ten H-60 Black Hawks helicopters, escorted by 6 AH-64 Apaches, land at the Australian Army field HQ 15 KM south of Katherine. Four of the Black Hawks carrier slung fuel bladders while the remaining aircraft carry weapon reloads, mechanics & the C&C element of the 101st’s Apache Squadron. Their arrival marks the practical end of Indonesian armored superiority in the area.
09.00 hrs local time – Despite impassioned please from his advisors, President Suharto refuses to withdraw any forces from Australia. Convinced that the Americans will not dare to act against his regime due to his staunch anti-Communist positions. The Americans, he is convinced, are simply putting on a show for domestic consumption. After all, look at Iran, they have spit in America’s face and NOTHING has happened except bluster.
23.00 ZULU – Alpha-Three Six, flight of three B-52D’s arrives at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. 18 Additional B-52D’s arrive over the next two days.
February 6, 1980
07.00 ZULU – Completing a 54-hour speed run through the Indian Ocean during which the sub had only slowed for a total of four hours to check for possible trailing vessels (an excursion that no one on the boat wanted to repeat anytime soon), the USS Omaha, a Los Angeles Class Submarine, had reached her new operating area. She immediately began a slow search pattern with brief high-speed sprints, both above & below the themocline, in an effort to sanitize the area before the arrival of the Enterprise Battle group. The carrier & her escorts were two days behind the SSN, and it was the Omaha’s job to be sure than no surprises awaited her consorts If someone had bad intentions toward the “Big E” they would have to get through Omaha first. Since she was just about the best submarine ever dreamed of, much less built, that was not going to be an easy task. Thirty-five hundred miles away USS Tunny & USS Parche (Sturgeon Class SSN’s) began to perform much the same tasks after sorter runs through the Pacific. Unbeknownst to either side, the main body of the United States Navy had begun to arrive.
23.55 hrs local time – Streaking out of NORTH three RAAF FB-111 bombers roared across Darwin. In less than ninety seconds, the Airport control tower, two Indonesian C-130 transports, a F-5 fighter, and the local electric distribution hub were destroyed. As the lights went out and the bombs echoes were heard across the city, the Australian citizens still living in the city broke into cheers worthy of a football match. The 2 F-5’s on CAP were caught totally flat-footed by the Australian attack, as was the AAA units that had been placed along the expected Australian axis of attack. By the time any of them reacted the Aardvarks were already nearing Katherine. As the -111’s approached the city the trailing bomber loosed its final two bombs. Both weapons missed their intended target, the Indonesian divisional HQ; nevertheless, the message was clear. Indonesia was far from declaring victory, despite the speeches being delivered by President Suharto.
February 7, 1980
07.00 hrs local time – Australian defenders south of Katherine wipe out a probing attack by three Indonesian Armored cars, supported by a platoon of dismounted infantry. Another in a string of small unit action, it is noteworthy mainly because it is the first combat usage of Humvee mounted TOW missiles by Australian forces. The weapons system, part of the 101st’s equipment, had been “lent” to the Australian forces by their American partners. As the American ground troops had not yet been authorized to enter combat, the Major commanding one of the One-Oh-One’s companies had seen no reason not to allow his Australian counterpart the use of the “Hummer”, since they were, after all, allies. This generosity may, or may not, have been due to the fact that the two officers had first met some ten years earlier as fresh minted officers in the Viet Nam Central Highlands. Theirs was not the only old acquaintance being renewed among the two countries field grade officers & senior noncoms.
February 8, 1980
03.00 hrs local time – Looking to repay the Australians for their strike on Darwin, 12 Skyhawks headed toward the Australian defensive lines with the intention of destroying as much of the Australian supply dumps as possible. 150 KM north of Katherine, in what was assumed to be “safe’ airspace, the A-4 formation suddenly finds that safety is a relative thing. To the stunned astonishment of the Indonesian pilots, their formation is torn to pieces by Sidewinder missiles fired by Australian A-4’s. Only 5 of the Indonesian planes manage to survive the initial salvo, two of these quickly fall to a second missile shot. The three survivors jettison their bombs and break for home, any thought of pressing on driven from their minds by the sights of their fellow’s burning wreckage. As the Indonesians break off their incursion, the Air intercept controller aboard Seal-Zero Four, an American E-3 AWACS, smiles as he listens to the excited chatter of the Australian pilots, as they good naturedly argued over who had made the kills. As they run, the Indonesian pilots have no idea of just how lucky they are. Flying on each wing of the E-3 are two F-15A Eagles, they had been ready to act as back-up if any Indonesian bombers had gotten through the RAAF fighters.
February 10, 1980
08.00 ZULU - The USS Enterprise battle group arrives in the Koala AO. Her Air Wing instantly becomes the most powerful air force in the region. With her arrival in the AO all American force commanders are given local release for any and all non-special (i.e. Nuclear) weapons in Theater. Rules of Engagement allow full defensive and retaliatory strike actions. Offensive actions are held at the Level of the National Command Authority (President Carter).
11.00 ZULU – Hammerhead (flight of 6) arrives at Clark AFB Philippines. Hammerhead flight is the last of eight flights of USAF FB -111F bombers that have been forward deployed to the Philippines. The arrival of the last group of FB-111’s is shown live on Philippine & Australian television. The lack of secrecy for this, and numerous other, military deployments is deliberate. President Carter hopes that the arrival of so much American Muscle in the area will convince President Suharto to withdraw his forces.
19.15 ZULU – USS Oriskany arrives in Koala AO. USS Ranger’s Battle Group is only 24 hours behind the Oriskany BG. The marine Amphibious force is four steaming days behind the CBG’s.
February 11, 1980 –
20.00 ZULU – The Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, The Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations, The Ambassadors of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council (both to the United States & to the UN) and the Ambassadors of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, & the Philippines all receive the following message
THE NATION OF INDONESIA HAS UNTIL 20.00 ZULU ON FEBRUARY 13, 1980 TO AGREE TO REMOVE ALL MILITARY & PARA-MILITARY FORCES FROM AUSTRALIA. SAID EVACUATION OF FORCES IS TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 23, 1980. THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO AGREE TO HAVE ANY & ALL CLAIMS MADE AGAINST DUE TO ITS ACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA SINCE JANUARY 27, 1980 SUBMITTED TO BINDING ARBITRATION. SAID ARBITRATING AUTHORITY IS TO BE DETERMINED BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN & INDONESIAN BY 20.00 ZULU ON MARCH 30, 1980. IF NO ARBITRATION AUTHORITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THAT DATE ABBITRATOR SELECTION WILL BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
FAILURE TO ASSENT TO ALL CONDITIONS CONTAINED HEREIN BY THE FEBRUARY 13, 1980 DEADLINE WILL RESULT IN MILITARY ACTION BY THE FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST ALL LEGITIMATE MILITARY TARGETS POSSESSED OR CONTROLED BY THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.
21.30 ZULU – President Carter addresses the Nation.
This is a timeline inspired by the Indonesian invasion of Darwin thread by Black Mage.
December 2, 1979 – Emboldened by the non-reaction of the United States of America to the capture of the U.S.’ Tehran Embassy a month earlier, Indonesian President Suharto instructs his military commanders to begin quiet preparations to implement Operation Southern Sky. Southern Sky is nothing less than an all out surprise attack against Australia’s Northern Territory, including the port city of Darwin.
December 13, 1979 – His military commanders inform President Suharto that Southern Sky is now as ready as is possible without actual mobilization of forces.
December 24, 1979 – The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan.
January 7, 1980 – Judging the United States & other Western nations to be utterly preoccupied by events in Iran and Afghanistan Suharto orders mobilization of all Indonesian armed forces units. The Jakarta government issues statements that the actions are a precaution against possible threats to foreigners due to the current crisis conditions in the Moslem states of Afghanistan and Iran. Given events in the Persian Gulf area, virtually no notice is taken of the mobilization.
January 26, 1980 – Australia Day. Australian National Holiday
January 27, 1980 – Without any warning, and with total strategic & tactical surprise, Indonesian forces launch Southern Sky. In the first moments of the invasion Indonesian Special Operation units seize Darwin’s airport. These forces quickly seize the airport control tower & cut all communication lines out of the airport. Australia suffers its first casualties of the conflict when Constables Paul Jones and William Edwards are killed in the Darwin Airport Arrival terminal. As Indonesian commandos spread out from the Airport to secure police stations, radio stations, telephone exchanges, and most especially the Port facilities, follow-up forces begin to fly in to the captured airfield. By 08.00 local time the City of Darwin is effectively occupied & cut off from the rest of Australia. At 09.00 local time the first transport vessel arrives at Darwin’s docks; an LST, it unloads 3 tanks and supporting troops. Some twenty additional ships, both military & civilian begin to enter the harbor, carrying the better part of two Indonesian divisions.
January 28, 1980
00.25 hrs. Indonesian blocking forces defending approaches to Darwin region engage initial Australian recon patrols. After a series of sharp, brief engagements, reserve cavalry units withdraw without penetrating Indonesian defensive perimeter.
02.00 hrs. RAN P-3C Orion is shot down during attempted over flight of Darwin.
03.00 hrs. Defense Minister arrives at PM’s residence. Informs Prime Minister that situation is, if anything, worse that that reported by panicked Northern Territory ranchers. Prime Minister formally orders mobilization of all active duty & ready reserve military formations in Northern Territory.
09.00 hrs – Having finally identified invader as Indonesian regulars, Prime Minister addresses emergency session of Parliament. Chaos ensues.
10.00 hrs – President Suharto announces “peaceful annexation” of Northern Australian Peninsula. During this announcement Suharto notes that the region is closer to Jakarta than it is to Melbourne or Sidney & he invites Australian representatives to Jakarta to formalize transfer of territory. Within minutes of Suharto’s address streets of Jakarta fill with delighted revelers, street of all major Australian cities fill as well, mood here is considerably more somber.
10.40 hrs (00.40 Zulu, 23.40 EST (prior day) – President Carter is informed of Australian Crisis.
January 29, 1980
02.00 hrs - Indonesian scouting forces encounter Australian Light Horse platoon. In ensuing firefight one Indonesian scout vehicle is destroyed at cost of 3 Australian KIA. This is the first encounter between regular forces of both countries.
13.00 Zulu – National Security Advisor Brzezinski updates President Carter on Australian Crisis just before end of daily National Security Briefing. Secretary of State Vance is instructed by President to call for emergency meeting of UN Security Council and to have U.S. Ambassadors to Indonesia & Australia request urgent meetings with Heads of both governments. Secretary of Defense Brown is instructed to contact Australian Defense Minister for consultations.
January 30, 1980 – 13.00 ZULU UN Security Council meets to discuss Australian Crisis. Australian representative demands immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Australian soil. Indonesian representative replies to demand with statement from his government accusing Australia of responsibility for Crisis. Council meeting ends without resolution of Crisis.
23.95 ZULU - John Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister of Australia is connected, via secure phone, to POTUS James Carter & U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. PM Frasier formally asks both leaders for assistance under the terms of mutual defense treaties with both the U.S. & U.K. Having spoken earlier, both Carter & Thatcher, over the strenuous objections of their senior advisors, agree to mobilize forces immediately.
January 31, 1980
02.00 Zulu Commands are sent via the Office of the U.S joint Chiefs of Staff to Fort Bragg NC ordering a brigade of the 82nd Division (Airborne) to depart for Australia within 36 hours, a Brigade of the 101st division (Air Assault) was ordered to follow 12 hours later. Within 30 minutes of these orders reaching Fort Brag similar orders are received at the Division HQ of the 1st Marine Division & CINCPAC deploying two Marine Amphibious Units (MAU) to the Australian Region along with their support ships (including USS Tarawa & USS New Orleans). This same order calls for the redeployment of the Enterprise, Ranger, & Oriskany CBG to new operating areas in what is christened Operating Area Koala.
As these orders are circulated, massive movements of naval vessel around the world begin, as the various CINC’s begin to shuffle force to ensure that no “hot spot” is ignored and/or undefended.
08.00 Zulu – PM Thatcher inform HRM of the latest news from Australia.
11.00 ZULU – President Carter inform House & Senate Majority & Minority leaders of activation of the Australian/U.S. mutual defense treaty and his intentions to follow its requirements. Surprisingly, the greater protests are from his fellow Democrats.
15.00 ZULU – President Carter meets with Indonesian Ambassador to the U.S. Carter requests that the Ambassador inform his government of the United States concerns regarding the Australia Crisis and expresses the hopes of the United States that the matter can be concluded without further loss of life. Carter does NOT inform the Ambassador of the United States intentions to support Australia at this time.
February 1, 1980
05.00 hrs local time Indonesian armored forces approach the recently & hastily established Australian Main Line of Resistance (MLR) north of Katherine, NT. Scouting forces of both sides engage in skirmishing.
09.50 hrs local time – First significant air battle of campaign occurs 65 KM northeast of Katherine. Battle is a tactical draw, with 4 RAAF Mirage III & 4 Indonesian A-4’s lost. Battle is a strategic victory for Indonesian forces as planned air strike against Darwin unloading sites is thwarted.
11.00 – 16.00 hrs local time – Australian defensive sites outside of Katherine are targeted by all assembled Indonesian Artillery resulting in moderate, but noteworthy, damage to several sections of the MLR.
21.00 hrs local time – Just after sunset eight Indonesian A-4 Skyhawks strike left flank of MLR with napalm & 250 kg. Fragmentation bombs. As the A-4’s streak for safety, the main offensive blow of the second stage of the Indonesian invasion strikes the shattered remnants of the Australian left wing. Composed of almost all light forces, & possessing limited anti-tank capability the MLR’s left flank is rolled up by the advancing armor. Thanks to the leadership of a Light Horse colonel, surviving Australian forces successfully break contact with the Indonesian ground forces and fall back in reasonably good order through Katherine. Once through the City the surviving RAA forces attempt to reestablish a reasonable fighting position against the Indonesian forces that are sure to be in hot pursuit.
February 2, 1980
05.50 hrs local time – SAS patrols return from Katherine. To the surprise of the commanders on scene, the Indonesian forces are reported to be constructing a strong defensive position NORTH of Katherine, near what had been the Australian MLR. The scout units also report that numerous building in Katherine proper appear to being rigged for demolition/
18.00 hrs Local Time –First USAF C-141 lands in Brisbane. Aircraft contains Command & Control elements of both the 82nd & 101st divisions and supporting HQ forces. Behind them, at five-minute intervals, are the rest of both RDF brigades. Two hours behind the last Starlifter a flight of C-5 Galaxy heavy lift transports, carrying two platoons of Bradley Fighting Vehicles from the U.S. 7th Cavalry are lifting off from refueling stops in Panama.
February 3, 1980 20.00 ZULU – President Carter addresses the nation. In what is later called the best speech of his Presidency, Carter announces the movement of United States forces into the Australian Crisis. Calling on every good feeling that the American people have, had, or were likely to have in the future, Carter announces his support for the Australian nation. At the same time he asks that both nations involved in the “current tragedy” attempt to settle matters peacefully. He then offers himself as a go-between in negotiations between the South Pacific neighbors. Immediate post speech polling numbers show a 73% approval rating for Carter’s actions. Nearly one respondent in three, however, is found to wonder why the United States seems to be more willing to help in Australia than to get America’s hostages out of Iran.
HRM Elizabeth, Sovereign of (among other places) Australia releases an announcement that Her Government will immediately take steps to support her loyal Australian subjects.
Australian Prime Minister Fraser announces a total exclusion zone for the Timor Sea and a war notice to Mariners & Aviators for all sea and air spaces extending out 800 KM from Any Indonesian land area. Areas where the National Frontiers of neutral countries overlap the war zone are excluded from the War Warning. Both announcements are to take effect at 00.01 ZULU on February 6,1980.
February 4, 1980
08.00 hrs local time – Ten H-60 Black Hawks helicopters, escorted by 6 AH-64 Apaches, land at the Australian Army field HQ 15 KM south of Katherine. Four of the Black Hawks carrier slung fuel bladders while the remaining aircraft carry weapon reloads, mechanics & the C&C element of the 101st’s Apache Squadron. Their arrival marks the practical end of Indonesian armored superiority in the area.
09.00 hrs local time – Despite impassioned please from his advisors, President Suharto refuses to withdraw any forces from Australia. Convinced that the Americans will not dare to act against his regime due to his staunch anti-Communist positions. The Americans, he is convinced, are simply putting on a show for domestic consumption. After all, look at Iran, they have spit in America’s face and NOTHING has happened except bluster.
23.00 ZULU – Alpha-Three Six, flight of three B-52D’s arrives at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. 18 Additional B-52D’s arrive over the next two days.
February 6, 1980
07.00 ZULU – Completing a 54-hour speed run through the Indian Ocean during which the sub had only slowed for a total of four hours to check for possible trailing vessels (an excursion that no one on the boat wanted to repeat anytime soon), the USS Omaha, a Los Angeles Class Submarine, had reached her new operating area. She immediately began a slow search pattern with brief high-speed sprints, both above & below the themocline, in an effort to sanitize the area before the arrival of the Enterprise Battle group. The carrier & her escorts were two days behind the SSN, and it was the Omaha’s job to be sure than no surprises awaited her consorts If someone had bad intentions toward the “Big E” they would have to get through Omaha first. Since she was just about the best submarine ever dreamed of, much less built, that was not going to be an easy task. Thirty-five hundred miles away USS Tunny & USS Parche (Sturgeon Class SSN’s) began to perform much the same tasks after sorter runs through the Pacific. Unbeknownst to either side, the main body of the United States Navy had begun to arrive.
23.55 hrs local time – Streaking out of NORTH three RAAF FB-111 bombers roared across Darwin. In less than ninety seconds, the Airport control tower, two Indonesian C-130 transports, a F-5 fighter, and the local electric distribution hub were destroyed. As the lights went out and the bombs echoes were heard across the city, the Australian citizens still living in the city broke into cheers worthy of a football match. The 2 F-5’s on CAP were caught totally flat-footed by the Australian attack, as was the AAA units that had been placed along the expected Australian axis of attack. By the time any of them reacted the Aardvarks were already nearing Katherine. As the -111’s approached the city the trailing bomber loosed its final two bombs. Both weapons missed their intended target, the Indonesian divisional HQ; nevertheless, the message was clear. Indonesia was far from declaring victory, despite the speeches being delivered by President Suharto.
February 7, 1980
07.00 hrs local time – Australian defenders south of Katherine wipe out a probing attack by three Indonesian Armored cars, supported by a platoon of dismounted infantry. Another in a string of small unit action, it is noteworthy mainly because it is the first combat usage of Humvee mounted TOW missiles by Australian forces. The weapons system, part of the 101st’s equipment, had been “lent” to the Australian forces by their American partners. As the American ground troops had not yet been authorized to enter combat, the Major commanding one of the One-Oh-One’s companies had seen no reason not to allow his Australian counterpart the use of the “Hummer”, since they were, after all, allies. This generosity may, or may not, have been due to the fact that the two officers had first met some ten years earlier as fresh minted officers in the Viet Nam Central Highlands. Theirs was not the only old acquaintance being renewed among the two countries field grade officers & senior noncoms.
February 8, 1980
03.00 hrs local time – Looking to repay the Australians for their strike on Darwin, 12 Skyhawks headed toward the Australian defensive lines with the intention of destroying as much of the Australian supply dumps as possible. 150 KM north of Katherine, in what was assumed to be “safe’ airspace, the A-4 formation suddenly finds that safety is a relative thing. To the stunned astonishment of the Indonesian pilots, their formation is torn to pieces by Sidewinder missiles fired by Australian A-4’s. Only 5 of the Indonesian planes manage to survive the initial salvo, two of these quickly fall to a second missile shot. The three survivors jettison their bombs and break for home, any thought of pressing on driven from their minds by the sights of their fellow’s burning wreckage. As the Indonesians break off their incursion, the Air intercept controller aboard Seal-Zero Four, an American E-3 AWACS, smiles as he listens to the excited chatter of the Australian pilots, as they good naturedly argued over who had made the kills. As they run, the Indonesian pilots have no idea of just how lucky they are. Flying on each wing of the E-3 are two F-15A Eagles, they had been ready to act as back-up if any Indonesian bombers had gotten through the RAAF fighters.
February 10, 1980
08.00 ZULU - The USS Enterprise battle group arrives in the Koala AO. Her Air Wing instantly becomes the most powerful air force in the region. With her arrival in the AO all American force commanders are given local release for any and all non-special (i.e. Nuclear) weapons in Theater. Rules of Engagement allow full defensive and retaliatory strike actions. Offensive actions are held at the Level of the National Command Authority (President Carter).
11.00 ZULU – Hammerhead (flight of 6) arrives at Clark AFB Philippines. Hammerhead flight is the last of eight flights of USAF FB -111F bombers that have been forward deployed to the Philippines. The arrival of the last group of FB-111’s is shown live on Philippine & Australian television. The lack of secrecy for this, and numerous other, military deployments is deliberate. President Carter hopes that the arrival of so much American Muscle in the area will convince President Suharto to withdraw his forces.
19.15 ZULU – USS Oriskany arrives in Koala AO. USS Ranger’s Battle Group is only 24 hours behind the Oriskany BG. The marine Amphibious force is four steaming days behind the CBG’s.
February 11, 1980 –
20.00 ZULU – The Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, The Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations, The Ambassadors of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council (both to the United States & to the UN) and the Ambassadors of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, & the Philippines all receive the following message
THE NATION OF INDONESIA HAS UNTIL 20.00 ZULU ON FEBRUARY 13, 1980 TO AGREE TO REMOVE ALL MILITARY & PARA-MILITARY FORCES FROM AUSTRALIA. SAID EVACUATION OF FORCES IS TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 23, 1980. THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO AGREE TO HAVE ANY & ALL CLAIMS MADE AGAINST DUE TO ITS ACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA SINCE JANUARY 27, 1980 SUBMITTED TO BINDING ARBITRATION. SAID ARBITRATING AUTHORITY IS TO BE DETERMINED BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN & INDONESIAN BY 20.00 ZULU ON MARCH 30, 1980. IF NO ARBITRATION AUTHORITY HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THAT DATE ABBITRATOR SELECTION WILL BECOME THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
FAILURE TO ASSENT TO ALL CONDITIONS CONTAINED HEREIN BY THE FEBRUARY 13, 1980 DEADLINE WILL RESULT IN MILITARY ACTION BY THE FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAINST ALL LEGITIMATE MILITARY TARGETS POSSESSED OR CONTROLED BY THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.
21.30 ZULU – President Carter addresses the Nation.