Just a heads up, there is an issue with the F-18 Dire Straits mission. Upon takeoff from the carrier, your wingman cannot achieve a positive rate of climb and ends up going for an unplanned swim. I've tried changing the catapult he takes off from as well as reducing his fuel and ordinance weight, but despite using full burner, he ends up in the drink. I'm guessing it has something to do with prerecorded AI takeoffs, but I can't be sure.
Event occurred on DCS (Steam) 2.7.4.9847 Open beta