The Wardog Squadron escorts OFS Kestrel and two other carriers from the Osean 3rd Naval Fleet, OFS Buzzard and OFS Vulture, as they relocate into the inland Bannion Sea. Shortly before the end of the mission, they are attacked by the Yuktobanian Air Force but fend them off. However, two burst missiles are then launched from the Yuktobanian submarine carrier Scinfaxi, which wipe out most of the VFA-206 and sink the Buzzard and Vulture. Wardog manages to climb to a safe altitude in time and survives, along with Captain Snow. With two carriers gone, Wardog is temporarily transferred to Heierlark Air Base for repairs and refueling and is tasked with escorting all available nuggets from Heierlark back to Sand Island with them.