Desert Storm: The Role of Naval Forces
Introduction
The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, was a conflict that occurred between 1990 and 1991. It involved a coalition of forces led by the United States, aimed at expelling Iraqi troops from Kuwait. While the war involved several branches of the military, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, the role of naval forces in the conflict cannot be overstated. In this article, we will explore the critical role of naval forces in Desert Storm.
The Importance of Naval Forces in Desert Storm
Naval forces played a vital role in Desert Storm, providing key support to ground troops and carrying out crucial missions. The Navys involvement in the conflict can be divided into two main categories: surface combatants and carrier-based aircraft.
Surface combatants, such as destroyers, cruisers, and frigates, were tasked with various missions, including enforcing the embargo on Iraq, conducting mine countermeasures, and providing fire support for ground troops. One of the most significant surface combatant operations during Desert Storm was the firing of Tomahawk cruise missiles at targets in Iraq. These missiles were launched from ships in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea and were used to destroy key Iraqi military assets.
Carrier-based aircraft, on the other hand, were responsible for providing air support to ground troops and conducting strike missions against Iraqi targets. Carrier-based aircraft, including F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets, and A-6 Intruders, flew over 40,000 sorties during the conflict, dropping bombs and firing missiles at Iraqi military installations.
One notable example of the effectiveness of carrier-based aircraft was the sinking of the Iraqi Navys Al Abid in the Persian Gulf. This was accomplished by F/A-18 Hornets from the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which dropped laser-guided bombs on the ship, causing it to sink.
The Role of Amphibious Forces
In addition to surface combatants and carrier-based aircraft, amphibious forces also played a crucial role in Desert Storm. These forces consisted of Marines and Navy sailors who were trained to operate in both land and sea environments.
During the conflict, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was deployed to the Persian Gulf, where they provided security for oil platforms and conducted raids on Iraqi military installations. In one notable operation, the MEU conducted a nighttime raid on an Iraqi airfield, destroying several aircraft and taking prisoners.
Amphibious forces were also responsible for conducting the largest naval amphibious operation since World War II. Known as Operation Desert Sabre, this operation involved the amphibious assault of Kuwaits Faylaka Island by U.S. Marines. The operation was a success, with the Marines securing the island and capturing several Iraqi prisoners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the role of naval forces in Desert Storm cannot be overstated. Surface combatants, carrier-based aircraft, and amphibious forces all played critical roles in the conflict, providing key support to ground troops and carrying out vital missions. The effectiveness of these naval forces was demonstrated time and time again during the conflict, highlighting the importance of naval power in modern warfare.
