Desert zone war

The United States Navy's Crucial Role in the Gulf War: Desert Zone War

When Saddam Hussein's Iraqi army invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the international community was shocked by the brutality of his aggression. In response to this crisis, a multination coalition was formed to stop the invasion and restore peace to the region. The United States Navy played a pivotal role in this endeavor, providing sea control and maritime superiority that paved the way for the introduction of US and allied air and ground forces.

At the time of the invasion, the US Navy had already been stationed in the region, with ships from Joint Task Force Middle East placed on alert immediately. Battle groups led by USS Independence (CV-62) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) sped to take up positions in the Gulf of Oman and Red Sea, ready to commence sustained combat operations.

As President George H.W. Bush ordered the deployment of troops and equipment to defend Saudi Arabia, over 240 ships carrying approximately 18.3 million pounds of equipment and supplies were facilitated. United Nations trade sanctions were also imposed against Iraq to sever its economy.

The US Marines arrived in Saudi Arabia, with their supplies and equipment close at hand due to low-key military ties with friendly Arab states. Over 21,000 naval reservists were called to active duty in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Hussein's repeated refusal to abandon the invasion and leave Kuwait led to the commencement of combat operations on January 18, 1991. The subsequent bombardment by air assets and the effects of the economic embargo decimated Iraq's military infrastructure and morale, degraded communications and supplies, and devastated weapons arsenals.

During the early stages of the war, Navy ships launched salvos of Tomahawk cruise missiles against military targets in Iraq to "soften" the battlefield for ground troops. After a 38-day air campaign, ground troops began sweeping through Kuwait in blitzkrieg fashion. In just 100 hours, the Iraqi army was crushed, with Iraqi soldiers surrendering by the thousands.

Kuwait was finally free again, thanks to the bravery and sacrifice of coalition forces, including the United States Navy. The Navy's crucial role in the Gulf War is a testament to its enduring commitment to defending freedom and protecting international peace and security.