ADVENT | History
Operation: Ecnomus
"If this is to be our chance to show the Collective what we can do, let's make it a good one."
- Grand Admiral Kamila Malone
Zar'Chon,
While I am pleased to hear of the successes taking place around the globe from the many fronts the Collective is now engaged in, I regret to inform you that we have suffered a setback in Africa in regards to repelling ADVENT's advance deeper into the continent and towards the Sovereign African States.
This is, unfortunately, on two fronts. While many of the exterior defenses of the SAS are improperly prepared, they will experience stiffer resistance as they proceed further. The second front is naval, which was not a front we expected to be a significant factor. We knew the fleet ADVENT controlled was coming, and we expected to be able to easily repel it.
Unfortunately, our assumptions were used against us.
PRELIMINARY NAVAL OBSERVATIONS: Our first indication that ADVENT was gathering a massive naval fleet was the movement of multiple ADVENT carriers into a singular location. This was shortly followed by a gathering of warships of all types, with the accompanying submarines. In total, there were nearly one hundred ships gathered – one of the largest fleets in recent Human history.
We knew – and you were likely aware – that this fleet was going to be utilized against a specific target, and there were only a few likely targets to consider. The SAS was the most obvious, as there is a direct naval point of invasion. Sure enough, the fleet began moving in that direction and we made preparations.
The Andromedon Aquatic Forces were the best suited for this kind of combat operation, and we acquired nearly a fifth of their fleet – a number which we believed would be more than sufficient for defeating this fleet and dealing a significant blow to ADVENT naval projection. In addition, we were supported by air forces which would provide bombing and missile harassment.
ADVENT had taken some obvious measures to prevent an outright slaughter. Some of their warships were augmented with alloy plating on critical sections, their weapons had been upgraded with ETC, laser, and gauss technology, and sported some degree of anti-missile and anti-aircraft defenses. There were some psions who were stationed, as well as ADVENT Special Forces on various ships.
All of this was taken into account, and we still believed that it was more than sufficient. There was no indication of abnormal nuclear levels of the fleet, signaling that ADVENT was unlikely to utilize them in this battle. If this had been all we were facing, I am confident that we would have emerged victorious.
CONFLICT RECAP: ADVENT was well-prepared for our attack. Everything we used against them, they had anticipated. Additional AA defenses had been covertly hidden on supply barges, which further mitigated air support. Psions – particularly telepaths – were hindering boarding parties and air support to some degree, and several Andromedons experienced some difficulties in boarding, due to the compartment size of ADVENT ships.
Nonetheless, the battle was certainly winnable. However, we failed to divine that ADVENT had secretly been compiling a submarine fleet which they had also brought to the site of the battle. They lured our fleet into range, whereupon this submarine fleet opened fire and took out a substantial portion of our Aquatic Forces in a short period.
A retreat was called soon after this revelation, though ADVENT had anticipated this as well, and fired an unknown type of nuclear torpedo at the retreating fleet, which decimated the few surviving submarines which remained.
IMMEDIATE STRATEGIC RAMIFICATIONS: ADVENT has an unrestricted naval path to the SAS, and while the coastal cities are well-prepared to defend themselves, the sheer numbers of this fleet risk overwhelming the current defenses. Furthermore, it opens up another front which will further drain SAS (and Collective) resources – one which had not previously been anticipated.
We have also lost a significant amount of naval projection power around Earth, and ADVENT will doubtless exploit this in the future. The SAS has no more navy to properly contest the ADVENT fleet, and will consequently provide ADVENT with another avenue to act against the SAS.
COST ASSESSMENT: Costly.
This is not the most costly conflict in the war – not by any numerical estimate. However, it should be noted that ADVENT has often been fighting units which either have deep reserves or can be replaced with relative ease. Mutons, drones, Runianarch, each of these are numerous and almost outnumber the fighting forces of Humanity several times over.
The Andromedon Aquatic Forces are already a niche division, and the only true naval unit in the Collective outside of the Sar'Manda, who are not reliable alternatives. ADVENT took out a substantial number of their ships, ones which cannot be so easily replaced, and the specialists themselves even more so.
Numerically, the Aquatic Forces suffered close to a twenty percent loss in equipment and personnel. This is, notably, a far larger cost on any division basis than ADVENT has extracted before. The Aquatic Forces are understandably surprised and hesitant to devote significant resources to a future conflict – not until they have been assured there are no more intelligence failures.
The Aquatic Forces do not consider it sustainable to potentially risk a fifth or more of their entire fleet per battle – we will need to work without their services for the immediate future.
FURTHER PREPARATIONS: We are expecting that ADVENT will begin a concerted effort against the coasts of the SAS, and allied forces are moving into position to be able to defend. We are awaiting future ADVENT movements before providing a timeline of when to expect amphibious assaults. We estimate between one to two weeks.
We have also made it a priority to ensure that we are aware of major ADVENT submarine movements. This is going to be potentially troublesome due to the current lack of Andromedon Aquatic Forces, and the ability of submarines to remain invisible without submarines of our own. However, we will not be engaging in a naval conflict with ADVENT until we are certain there are no more surprises awaiting us.
This was a defeat, but one we will learn from. ADVENT will not be able to rely on surprise a second time.
- Macula
ADVENT Military After-Action Report 2118
Operation: Ecnomus
Author: Grand Admiral Kamila Malone
Recipients: Commander Laura Christiaens; Chancellor Saudia Vyandar; Chief of Lancer Operations Helion Weekes; Chief of ADVENT Engineering and Development Feng Mercado; Chief Diplomat Firdaus Hassan; Director of ADVENT Intelligence Ian Powell
I am pleased to report that Operation Ecnomus was a complete success, greater, in fact, than we could have estimated. The result was a near-total annihilation of enemy aquatic craft, and an undisputed route to the shores of SAS territory. It is not completely certain, but it appears very unlikely that the Collective or SAS will be able to mobilize a fleet of similar size and firepower before our amphibious assault of SAS territory begins in earnest.
Overview of Naval Effectiveness: Prior to the attack, there were several expectations for what could be expected, based on previous naval encounters with the Collective. The first was that it was almost certain that we would be primarily facing Andromedon Aquatic Forces, who have acted as the primary naval forces of the Collective.
Florida showed their capabilities in terms of weaponry and boarding capabilities. This was accounted for properly this time, with warships stacked with ADVENT soldiers, PRIESTs, and Special Forces including Lancers. An analysis of their boarding patterns allowed us to reinforce doorways, hatches, and otherwise limit the mobility of the boarders. Liberal usages of Symbiote Grenades were critical in halting deeper penetration of surface boardings. We believe this can be replicated in the future.
The usage of modernized missiles, laser defenses, and gauss cannons was extremely effective, primarily in deterring air support for the Collective. We anticipated that there would be a significant aerial component to their defense, and this proved to be correct. This was handled both by our own aircraft, and AA defenses on our fleet. It proved to be sufficient against the mobilized aerial defenses.
Our undersea torpedoes were slightly less effective than we anticipated. In theory, we believed the force of modern torpedoes would be enough to damage or crack the hulls of Aquatic Craft, which could take out the whole ship. Unfortunately, Andromedon craft are far more durable and redundant than even we anticipated. These are far more advanced than our own submarines, and could take significantly more damage. It should be noted that the supercavitating torpedoes performed closer to our necessary thresholds, and moving forward we should consider using supercavitating torpedoes as standard aquatic armament.
This is not to say that it was not sufficient; the overwhelming firepower was enough to damage and destroy the fleet, though usage of the Poseidon Spear was authorized, which was necessary to finish off the retreating enemy. It should be noted that the Poseidon Spear performed exceptionally, and it is recommended that each submarine pod have at least one prepared to deploy.
Cost Extracted: The Collective lost a significant amount of Andromedon Aquatic Forces – all of which were sent to combat the fleet. While we do not have exact numbers on how many exist, we know that the Aquatic Forces are relatively limited in number, and this was no small showing on their part. This will likely be a blow to their capabilities, and they will likely be more hesitant to engage us in the future.
This is not to say that our fleet emerged unscathed. We suffered losses of multiple warships, personnel, and air forces. Nearly half of the deployed carriers sustained surface damage, rendering their runways inoperable until they can be repaired. The fleet is still capable of transport, but they require resupply and repair to bring them to full effectiveness.
Strategic Ramifications: With the largest naval force the Collective had mustered thus far destroyed, we have a window of opportunity where we have uncontested control of the seas. This does not give us impunity to go where we wish, but it does open up the potential for additional points of attack and invasion, which the Collective would be ill-prepared to stop.
It is recommended that we take advantage of this opportunity before the Collective moves to close this loophole. It is also not out of the question that they will begin relying primarily on air forces or Cleanser Ships to harass or attack our fleets instead of a naval unit. Ensuring our warships are continually prepared for this possibility is advised.
In the near term, we have unrestricted access to the shores of the Sovereign African States, and license for immediate amphibious invasions and sustained long-term bombardment of their territory.
Replication Likelihood: Truthfully, it is unlikely that we will have another situation like this for the duration of the war. While we have proven the viability of independent movement and coordination between a surface and submarine fleet, it is unlikely that a similar operation would be as effective.
The Collective may decide against engaging in similar conflicts, or at least conflicts with a fleet of similar size – not without taking precautions to ensure they are not caught off guard like they were this time. This is not to say that there will be no naval conflicts, but it is unlikely that they will be of this scale and with this complete of a victory.
The good news is this will allow for greater flexibility in our naval operations, and we can exploit this and dictate the rules of engagement to Collective forces depending on the composition of our fleet. But we should not become overconfident as a result of this victory. This is the kind of tactic which will work once, but replicating it with similar results should not be expected.
Expected Retaliation: We do not expect a significant retaliation for this victory. While this may not be an expected assessment, the only viable option for the Collective to take is directly targeting the fleet, and, as established, there are multiple reasons why they will not do so, or will only retaliate in a limited capacity.
They will also be focused on protecting the SAS, and, thus, any retaliation will likely be taken care of by the defending SAS forces, making retaliation redundant. If the Collective is given an opportunity to directly and grievously damage the fleet, they would take it, but there are no feasible ways they could make that happen.
A potential concern is that certain individuals involved in the operation may be subject to focused targeting and assassination by Zararch operatives. Due to the many assassinations that have taken place around the world, this is a feasible response, and we recommend that essential personnel be placed under enhanced monitoring and security.
Notation | Admiral Grady Review: Of particular note is Vice Admiral James Grady, whose command of the fleet was instrumental in leading ADVENT to victory, and his input into the surface aspects of the mission – despite his ignorance of the submarine fleet – were essential to creating a situation that was favorable. His capability to adapt his plans upon learning of the submarine fleet was also exceptional, and he deserves to be commended for his role.
While I am hesitant to recommend a reorganization, his talents as a naval officer are hindered in his current position. Unfortunately, as has been considered, it is very unlikely that a similar operation will happen on such a scale, and men like Admiral Grady will be preparing and ready for a battle which simply is unlikely to happen.
However, I do believe he is a suitable candidate for Project Endgame, and recommend that he be approached with this offer. He has been a pragmatic voice in the navy, and understands that it is of secondary importance in ADVENT's grand strategy. Involving him deeper in the Atlantis Division and participation in Project Endgame would be a boon to both, and puts to use someone whose talents would be stifled elsewhere.
I will be submitting his name for review, along with several others. We will need all of them when the time comes.
Analysis Record: James Grady
Current Role: Vice Admiral of the ADVENT Navy
Current Interference Level: Medium
Threat Level: Medium - High
Usage Level: Low
Brief Assessment: Considering that we suffered an unexpected defeat in the Gulf of Guinea against the ADVENT navy, it is prudent to examine some of the principle actors which took part in the conflict. One which had the largest tactical impact was Vice Admiral James Grady, who had assumed control of the fleet several weeks prior to the assembling of the wider fleet.
His background is quite extensive, and we were able to acquire a comprehensive overview of this particular individual – one which certainly shows why ADVENT put him in charge of such a large fleet and in command of an operation of this importance. An American, Grady has been in the United States Navy for decades, rising through the ranks with good conduct and professionalism.
He appears to have joined during the Cold War, though at the latter end before the USSR collapsed fully; following this, his service was primarily in looking after United States interests in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. While he never saw actual ship-to-ship combat, he was heavily involved in anti-terror operations against the Caliphate during the War on Terror, which gave him a degree of combat experience many equivalent officers did not have.
It is this background which led to him being given a larger role than potentially expected when ADVENT took over and began reorganizing the naval forces. Grady was heavily involved in discussions regarding the role of the navy and the degree of modernization which should be acquired.
Notably, he's rather critical of ADVENT significantly expanding a wet navy. He is on record in several places giving a blunt assessment that the wet navy is unlikely to be significantly relevant in the future, and while ADVENT should ensure the fleet they have is properly modernized, resources would be better served investing in spacecraft or technology which can be universally applied instead of creating a larger wet navy.
A deeper analysis of his background indicates this is not necessarily something that Grady wants, but has resigned himself to the fact that surface navies are slowly fading into irrelevance, and his pragmatism does not let him lie about their usefulness in the future. He very much enjoys his job and role – but is aware that the era of surface navies is nearing its end.
What is interesting is that it appears that Grady – despite being very involved in the planning of the surface fleet as far as personnel, equipment, and weaponry went – was apparently not aware of the second submarine fleet which caught us by surprise until hours before the battle – which would explain why we never received any sign that there was something more than met the eye. The fleet didn't know they were receiving reinforcements, almost all the way to the top.
An extremely risky plan, which a lesser commander would not have been able to properly manage and account for with only hours of prior knowledge, but one which Grady was able to take in stride, and use to successfully emerge victorious. This was likely aided by Grady's solid grasp of organization and logistics, which was one reason ADVENT cited for why he was chosen to lead the fleet against other similarly-ranking admirals.
Currently, Grady remains in command of the ADVENT fleet, and appears to be coordinating the likely amphibious invasions of SAS territory, though it is unclear if he is in charge, or is just advising. While he did emerge victorious, the fleet took significant damage, and is not operating at full effectiveness. He is working to facilitate repairs on the carriers in particular, so they can provide direct air support to the invasion forces.
Assuming he emerges from this operation intact, we are uncertain as to what role he will play. There is speculation that he will be moved to a primarily logistical role, or that he will remain at his post as-is, but it is unlikely that ADVENT will keep someone like this in a role with diminishing relevance. He is too useful to be kept on the fleet.
It would be prudent to mark this individual for termination. The fewer of these types of individuals ADVENT has at their disposal, the better.
- Zar'Chon'ravarian'vitiary