Task Force Tusk
- Paul Harney
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
In War 116, the 1st Caoivish Imperial Marine Regiment (1CIMR) identified the need to cut components fields supplying enemy forces in the Eastern front. This required a large amphibious force, what was outside of the internal regiment capabilities. What was assembled was a Task Force comprising of 1CIMR, WMC, 19SSG, WD-40, FCF, and HWard in what would become known as "Task Force Tusk", named by YouTuber ISawABear in their video from the landing operations. Cutting components in The Fingers sector was a strategically important move for the Wardens, as they were supplying the advanced weaponry, artillery, and armor used to push along the faltering Eastern coastal areas. By eliminating these component fields and putting them in Warden hands, it would cause a collapse of the highly contested Eastern flank and allow forces to ush South, threatening enemy logistical hubs in the process. Furthermore, it would reduce the Colonial forces' overall ability to supply its forces with the necessary war materials over its entire frontline area. In order to breach into The Fingers, we needed to eliminate the enemy's ability to interdict the landings. Task Force Tusk was launched against an island controlled by the Colonial [Loot] regiment. Heavily fortified with barbed wire, concrete, artillery positions, redundant bunker bases, and overlapping fields of fire for automatic weapons, it would require extensive resources to take. Preparations began, briefings held on multiple allied discord channels, reconnaissance completed to identify the weakest sections of the enemy lines. Vessels, supplies, and equipment made ready and staged at the forward seaport of The Iris, Tempest Island. Then, on Saturday, 3 August 2024, the invasion fleet launched against The Tusk. Pre-landing bombardment was established by a Blacksteele-Class light frigate operated by 19SSG & WMC. HWard, directing their Longhook-Class base ship, parked it on the outward side of the smaller island adjacent to Tusk, shielding it from enemy fire and allowing its AI mortar to engage enemy gunships attempting to interdict the landing force. Targetting key concrete defenses, the bombardment created a gap in the enemy line within a blind spot for garrison coverage. At this point, the order was given to land the landing force. WD-40, FCF, 1CIMR, and a large group of random players seeing the assault and spawning on the Longhook headed for the beach. The first waves suffered heavy casualties, with over half the armored force and infantry being killed as they attempted to leave the landing craft. Luckily, with anti-tank fire focused on the Outlaws and Ironhides, the Chieftains successfully landed and began pouring 250mm mortar fire into the concrete, quickly chipping away at their garrisons and creating room for landing craft to hit the beach safely. At 50% shells remaining, WMC's Frigate began to target the relic base directly, allowing the Chieftains to crack the concrete defenses on the island. Infantry, swarming like ants and continually pouring ashore, fired RPG rockets from cutler launchers, exposing themselves from the husks of dead defenses to engage in mass volleys. Grenades, both friendly and enemy, landed in husks and trenches. Colonial defenders, desperately attempting to kill Marines assaulting towards the relic. Whether low on ammunition or just due to the proximity, much of the fighting turned hand-to-hand. In the chaos of battle, coordination was an extreme feat, and much came down to Marines stepping up to provide leadership and guidance in the moment. Command and control can have only minimal influence in such a predicament. After what seemed like an eternity but was only but about an hour of brutal fighting, the Marines successfully destroyed The Tusk's relic base. Swarming through the remaining defenses, they cut down any remaining defenders. Escorting the construction vehicle up the hill, Task Force Tusk successfully laid claim to the small island. But the worst of the fighting was yet to come. After a short speech from ISawABear, the Marines pressed on. This event was memorialized in ISawABear's video, Task Force Tusk. Many had fallen, success came at great cost, but we finally had our foothold in The Fingers, and the Marines intended to keep it.
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