=LSF= Operational Data Network

[Zertz]

CONFIDENTIAL

GALILEO SYSTEM
ANTI PIRACY OPERATION

1. MISSION: Respond to Interspace Commerce reports of pirate activity in the Galileo System.

2. SUMMARY: Mission partially successful. Liberty Rogue attacks were deterred along the Trade Lanes throughout the system but Interspace Commerce vessels were damaged directly after arriving in Kusari space. Doctrinal implications follow.

3. OPERATIONAL SUMMARY:

I responded to calls from Interspace Commerce regarding increased Liberty Rogue activity in the Colorado and Galileo systems yesterday evening. I arrived on site in Galileo and commenced aggressive patrolling around the trade lanes and into nearby clouds. My long range scanners detected several contacts: 2 x Sabre VHF squawking Rogue and 1 x cruiser sized vessel, presumably "Scylla-class", squawking Rogue in the vicinity of Leiden. I kept my distance while continually monitoring the situation. The VHFs began to patrol outward, potentially trying to intercept me while the cruiser disappeared from my scanners. Due to the VHF patrols I was unable to re-establish contact.

At this point the LNS Yukon came on station in the system and initiated communications with me. It was agreed that the Yukon would set up at the Raiden bend to protect commerce along the trade lane route. I returned to my patrol route and kept the Yukon informed of enemy contacts: additional Rogue fighters and light capital class vessels. Upon them making scanner contact with the Yukon they however exited via the variety of jumpholes in the "Northwestern" sector of the system.

With the security situation improved another Interspace Commerce shipment was attempted. They cleared the Galileo system successfully but the Yukon received word that the corporate vessels were attacked by Rogues and heavily damaged. The Yukon's operational staff and I discussed this occurence and we estimate the vessel was attacked in Kusari space - KNF was not available to liaise with us to confirm. Due to our relative positions it is possible that the vessel was engaged in Galileo immediately prior to jumping but as I immediately proceeded to investigate the gate once receiving the report from Interspace Commerce and found no sign of the Rogues I deem this unlikely. In the interest of avoiding an international incident I did not proceed into Shikoku to investigate further. Despite this, a number of tertiary commercial shipments were kept safe by this joint operation.

4. ANALYSIS:

The Liberty Navy's big guns once again proved to be an asset to detering a growing threat from military-grade piracy. While this stymied piracy within our area of operations Liberty still was subject to economic damage prior to our set up and once out of our jurisdiction. Suggestions are as follows.

On a regular basis secondary and 41st fleet capital ships remain in strategic reserve within the New York system, often in orbit of Manhattan. I suggest consideration be made by the Navy to deploy these assets into the outlying Liberty systems (Colorado, California, Texas) and the Independent Worlds to both increase response time but more importantly to act as a deterrent to piracy. As observed in this case, the very presence of a capital ship in system scared the Rogues off. Cooperation between reconnaissance snubs (LSF) on patrol and heavier assets (Gunboats, capital ships) at fixed locations is a formula to be replicated. I have noticed the Navy has taken to deploying capital ships without snub cover - this removes the eyes and ears of our big guns. I would recommend Planet Curacao and the Raiden Bend as Independent World security points for the Navy.

In addition, corporate trade convoys should be encouraged to seek direct assistance from the Liberty military where required. During a recent attack by the CGS I escourted a BAF Merchant Navy vessel in California via circuitous route to its destination. With Westpoint Academy under siege we looped around via California -> Ontario -> Colorado to their destination in Pittsburgh. Cooperation in this case enabled mission success for the Bretonians resulting in both strategic resupply for our allies and economic boon for Liberty industries. This is not what we saw in the Galileo system yesterday. Rather than seek escourt from the Yukon and I, the Interspace vessels decided not to wait for us to arrive resulting in their initial damage. Once they had repaired for another attempt the Rogues had already moved into ambush positions out of our juridiction. Had the merchants waited until we set up a cordon and then proceeded it is very likely they would have safely arrived at their destination in Kusari.

Should you consider these recommendations to hold water I can draft a more formal recommendation for the Navy doctrine cell or another outside entity.

<<electronically signed>>
Aaron Taam
Agent-in-Training

CONFIDENTIAL