Chapter 10 F - 4 Preparing to Launch

The Fifth Air Force is one of the four air forces under the United States Pacific Air Forces Command. It originated from the United States Army Air Forces Command in the Philippines, established in August 1941, and was renamed the United States Far East Air Force in October. In January 1942, the Army's Fifth Air Force was formed on this basis, with Major General Brereton as its first commander. After the island nation instigated the Pacific War, this air force participated in numerous battles, including those in the Marshall Islands, New Guinea, Palau, the Mariana Islands, and the Philippines. In 1944, it was assigned to the reestablished United States Far East Air Force. In July 1945, it was stationed in the island nation of Okinawa to support the landing operations on the island's mainland. Following the outbreak of the Korean War, this air force participated in the conflict, engaging in multiple battles with the Chinese Volunteer Army. Even after the smoke of battle had cleared from the Korean front, the Fifth Air Force remained stationed in the island nation.

Plan No. 3! The greatest threat to the current U.S. forces stationed in Japan is the Soviet Union. In order to counter the Soviet Union, the U.S. forces in Japan have long formulated various plans. The current Plan No. 3 is a scheme for conducting deterrent actions against the Soviet Union in the Vladivostok region.

The pilots are full of fighting spirit; they are already aware that an EP-3 electronic reconnaissance aircraft that took off from this base has been coerced by Soviet planes and has flown to a Soviet air force base

At this time, the third-generation aircraft of the United States Air Force were still in their early stages. The F-15, which would later become renowned, had only just delivered a few initial units to the U.S. Air Force and could not possibly be equipped to the U.S. forces stationed in Japan. Meanwhile, the F-16, which had the highest production volume, had not yet conducted its prototype test flights, making it far from being ready for deployment. The mainstay of the U.S. Air Force at that time was still the F-4 aircraft.

If it were a forced landing on the sea, our air force and navy could quickly mobilize to rescue the stranded personnel! However, if it fell into the hands of the Soviets, the situation would be different

When he received this message, General Paul slammed his fist on the table, damn it, are the flight crew on the plane all fools? Even if it meant making an emergency landing in the sea, it would be better than landing at a Soviet base

An EP-3 electronic reconnaissance aircraft from our side encountered two Soviet MiG-25 fighter jets in the northern part of the Sea of Japan, near the waters close to Vladivostok. During the mutual confrontation, an aerial collision occurred, resulting in severe damage to the EP-3 electronic reconnaissance aircraft, which had to make an emergency landing at a Soviet Air Force base near Chuguevka

On one hand, there is diplomatic pressure urging the Soviets to quickly hand over the aircraft and personnel, while on the other hand, there is military pressure

At that moment, the phone on the table rang. Paul picked up the phone, and a voice from across the ocean came through: "General Paul, diplomatic progress is unfavorable. The President has ordered to apply pressure on the Soviet Union starting tomorrow! Be advised, do not initiate fire!"

Following the authorization of the President, the war machinery of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan swiftly commenced operations

Now, the sky has darkened, and it is evident that this day is coming to an end, yet we have remained silent and have done nothing!

The entire base has been mobilized, and the flight preparation room is brightly lit, as American pilots are conducting tactical analyses in preparation for tomorrow morning's strike

The尖尖的机头 has a slight droop, with a tandem dual-seat cabin at the rear. The large air intakes on both sides extend almost all the way to the back, transforming into two chrysanthemum shapes. Above the chrysanthemums, the tail wing extends backward, particularly the horizontal tail wings on both sides, which are folded downward, while the vertical tail is surprisingly wide, giving it an appearance devoid of any aesthetic appeal, resembling more of a clown.

"Yes!" Paul hung up the phone and issued his orders: "Mizawa Base, prepare for war. Starting tomorrow, large formations will take off immediately, Plan No. 3!"

Currently, these aircraft, belonging to the 13th Fighter Squadron of the 35th Fighter Wing stationed at Misawa Air Base under the United States' 5th Air Force, are preparing for deployment. The hangar is brightly lit, and munitions trucks are moving missiles back and forth. In accordance with air superiority configuration, four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles and a drop tank will be mounted under the fuselage, while four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles will be mounted on each wing. This is also the standard air combat loadout. The hangar is brightly lit, and munitions trucks are moving missiles back and forth. In accordance with air superiority configuration, four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles and a drop tank will be mounted under the fuselage, while four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles will be mounted on each wing. This is also the standard air combat loadout.

644 kilometers northeast of Tokyo, Misawa City in Aomori Prefecture at the northern tip of Honshu Island, Misawa Air Base

"Attention, we must exert maximum pressure on the Soviets, but we cannot fire the first shot," the battalion commander said to his subordinates.

In later generations, in order to contain the emerging Huaxia, the main forces of the Fifth Air Force were deployed in Okinawa to prevent Huaxia's military from breaking through the First Island Chain. Now, during the height of the Cold War, the main forces of the Fifth Air Force are deployed in Misawa, guarding against the invasion of the Arctic Bear

Apply pressure on the Soviet Union! We are now at the peak of the Cold War, and any misstep could potentially trigger a world war. Therefore, upon receiving the news of the EP-3 being collided with, General Paul did not immediately issue an order to strike, but instead waited for instructions. Now, having received the President's orders, Paul can finally take action!

This air wing comprises 3 squadrons. The 18th Squadron is stationed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa; the 35th Fighter Squadron is located in Misawa, Japan; and the 374th Airlift Squadron is based at Yokota Air Base in Japan

The headquarters of the Fifth Air Force is located in Yokota. At this time, the commander of the Fifth Air Force, who is also the commander of the U.S. Forces in Japan, Major General Paul James, is frowning deeply

This type of fighter aircraft is the mainstay of the United States' second-generation fighters, the F-4 Phantom II. Initially designed as a carrier-based aircraft, all variants of this fighter are two-seaters. Later, the United States Air Force found it to be quite effective and equipped it in large numbers, making it one of the most renowned second-generation fighters in the United States

This filled them with righteous indignation; during the height of the Cold War, they harbored extreme disdain for the Soviets, viewing them as devils from the Arctic.

Even Americans find this fighter jet rather unattractive, which is why it has been given a rather grotesque nickname

Originally, this was merely a remote and underdeveloped village. Before World War II, the island nation constructed a coastal railway and established a station here, marking the beginning of Misawa's journey towards modern civilization. Subsequently, the island nation's navy built a military base here, gradually developing it into a significant military stronghold in the northern region of the island nation. After World War II, the United States established the Misawa Base here. Due to its advantageous geographical location, it became the most important military base for the United States to counterbalance the Soviet Union in the Far East, as well as a military base for electronic intelligence reconnaissance of the Soviet Union, from which the EP-3 aircraft took off.

Inside the hangar, fighter jets are undergoing maintenance prior to their sorties