support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Serving inspecialties from medicine to mine warfare, reservistsworked alongside their active duty counterparts in thePersian Gulf. Others filled critical vacancies on thehome front.Saddam Hussein’s rejection of diplomatic efforts tosolve the crisis led to the final decision to restoreKuwait’s sovereignty by military force. The ensuing airwar and the effects of the economic embargo decimatedIraq’s military infrastructure, severed communicationand supply lines, smashed weapons arsenals, anddestroyed morale. Some of the first shots fired werefrom Navy ships in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, asthey launched salvos of Tomahawk cruise missilesagainst pre-programmed targets in Iraq.After an impressive 38-day air campaign, theground offensive began with allied forces sweepingthrough Iraqi defenses in blitzkrieg fashion. The alliedpush into Kuwait and southern Iraq was made easier bythe amphibious forces on station in the Persian Gulf.The threat they posed forced tens of thousands of Iraqitroops to maintain positions along the Kuwaiti coastlineto defend against attack from the sea. The Iraqi armywas crushed after a mere 100 hours. Iraqi troops—tired,hungry and war-weary from 6 months of economicblockade and more than a month of relentless alliedbombing—surrendered by the thousands. Less than 7months after the Iraqi invasion, Kuwait was once againfree.It is likely that Navy ships will continue to representand protect U.S. interests in the region for theforeseeable future.REVIEW 6 QUESTIONSQ1. List some of the Navy’s roles during the KoreanConflict.a.b.c.d.Q2. List some of the Navy’s missions during theVietnam Police Action.a.b.c.Q3. What are other actions the Navy was involvedwith during the same timeframe as the VietnamPolice Action?a.b.Q4. What service did the Navy provide during theIraq – Iran War?Q5. List the Navy’s contributions during OperationDesert Shield/Desert Storm.a.b.c.SUMMARYThe United States Navy began more than 200 yearsago with two ships, but today we are the finest navalforce in history. The history of the Navy is a big storyand an exciting one. We’ve only rippled the surfacehere, but maybe we’ve stimulated your curiosity enoughthat you will want to take a closer look at your Navy’spast. If so, visit your ship or station library. You will findmany fine books on naval history there.From Flamborough Head to the Persian Gulf, theU.S. Navy has always been “on station” in time oftrouble. The U.S. Navy’s mission of preparedness toconduct prompt and sustained combat operations at seameans the U.S. Navy will be present at the first sign ofconflict.5-35Student Notes:
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