Western Pacific D+24 (2 August, 1987)

The time zone differences between Greenwich, UK (GMT/Zulu) and the Western Pacific in 1987 was 9-10 hours. This meant that as the NATO retaliatory chemical attacks were underway and GSFG headquarters at Wunsdorf was struck by an air-delivered nuclear gravity bomb in the opening moments of midnight D+24, it was mid-morning in Tokyo and Seoul. …

Western Pacific D+19 (28 July, 1987)

By the early hours of D+19 the military and geopolitical ramifications from the nuclear exchange had taken hold in the Western Pacific. The nuclear-capable forces in the region went to high alert and remained there as tensions ebbed and flowed through the day. The ballistic missile submarines assigned to the Soviet Red Banner Pacific Fleet …

The Western Pacific D+12 (21 July, 1987) Part I

Fighting on the Korean peninsula intensified throughout the day. The strategy for the North Korean offensive was quite apparent, and the same held true for the defensive plans of the Combined Forces Command (CFC). There was little room for subterfuge, or deceit on the ground. South Korea’s geography shaped the respective battle plans, and was …

The Western Pacific D+7-D+9 (16-18 July, 1987)

D+7 A series of skirmishes break out between ships, submarines, and aircraft of the Soviet Red Banner Pacific Fleet and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force throughout the day. Two Japanese destroyers, and an attack submarine are sunk, and at least four other ships of various classes damaged. Soviet losses are estimated to be three …

The Western Pacific D+1-D+6 (10 July-15 July, 1987)

D+1 (10 July, 1987) Skirmishes erupt on the DMZ in Korea between ROK and North Korean forces. The clashes are brief, and limited to exchanges of small arms fire.   US B-52 bombers based at Andersen AFB, Guam are dispersed to alternate airfields in the Northern Marianas.   North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung gives a …

Peripheries: Western Pacific D-1 (8 July, 1987) **

The Western Pacific was an area ripe with potential flashpoints in early July, 1987. For the past week the main concern for US commanders in the Pacific was attempting to outline what the Soviet strategy in the WestPac area would be in the event of war. Coming in a close second was deciphering the situation …