Gulf War 1991 - Operation Desert Storm in real time

[lordroel]

Gulf War 1991 - Operation Desert Storm in real time



Links used to make Gulf War 1991 - Operation Desert Storm in real time

US Navy in Desert Shield/Desert Storm » Appendix A: Chronology - January 1991

1991 GULF WAR CHRONOLOGY

US Army - OPERATION DESERT STORM: 17 JANUARY to 28 FEBRUARY 1991

Recap of events

On the morning of August 2nd 1990 the mechanized infantry, armor, and tank units of the Iraqi Republican Guard invaded Kuwait and seized control of that country. The invasion triggered a United States response, Operation DESERT SHIELD, to deter any invasion of Kuwait's oil rich neighbor, Saudi Arabia. On August 7th, deployment of U.S. forces began. United Nations Security Council Resolutions 660 and 662 condemned Iraq's invasion and annexation and called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces. On August 20 President Bush signed National Security Directive 45, "U.S. Policy in Response to the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait," outlining U.S. objectives - which included the "immediate, complete, and unconditional withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait," and the "restoration of Kuwait's legitimate government to replace the puppet regime installed by Iraq."1

A U.N. ultimatum, Security Council Resolution 678, followed on November 29th 1990. It stipulated that if Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein did not remove his troops from Kuwait by January 15, 1991 a U.S.-led coalition was authorized to drive them out.

On Wednesday January 16th  (January 17th in Iraq) Operation Desert Storm began.

DAY 1 of operation Desert Storm, Wednesday January 16th 1991

At their weekly briefing, CINCCENTCOM announces new U.S. troop strength at about 425,000 (60,000 USN, 75,000 USMC); 19 countries have deployed ground forces; 14 nations are participating in naval efforts (U.S., 100 ships [80 combatants]/50 multinational ships); updates numbers of intercepts - 6960; boardings - 832; diversions - 36. Completion of two naval exercises announced; Operation CANDID HAMMER: communication techniques/mine warfare drills in central Arabian Gulf (Participants: USN, Royal Saudi, French, British, Canadian, and Australian naval forces); Operation CAMELOT: personnel and equipment trained in various areas, to include anti-air warfare/vertical replenishment in central Red Sea (Participants: USN, Royal Saudi naval forces).

Foreign Minister of Iraq Tariq Aziz meets President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev in Moscow where they discuss the Soviet peace plan.

At 1900 (EST), the White House announced that "the liberation of Kuwait has begun!" The offensive action against Iraq, code named OPERATION DESERT STORM, is being carried out under provisions of 12 U.N. Security Council resolutions and resolutions of both houses of the U.S. Congress. Following President Bush's address to the nation, SECDEF Dick Cheney and CJCS General Colin Powell announce at Pentagon briefing hundreds of U.S./coalition airstrikes on missile and anti-aircraft targets in Iraq and Kuwait to "destroy Saddam Hussein's offensive military capabilities;" Cheney reports initial attack appears to have gone very, very well; no casualty reports provided.

YouTube (President George H.W. Bush Announces begging of operations against Iraq)

[lordroel]

DAY 2 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, January 17th 1991

Front page of New York Times on January 17th 1991




Events of the day

Oil prices plunge to $21.44 dollars per barrel.

Polls show 3/4 of Americans support decision to start military action.

Turkey authorizes use of bases for attacks on Iraq, also authorizes Turkish troops to enter Iraq, if necessary.

Japan pledges more financial support.

PLO and Jordan strongly denounce United States action, other nations are strongly supportive.

Iran says it may join war if provoked by Iraq.

Spate of anti-American incidents occurs worldwide

Iraqi President Saddam Hussein declares: "The great showdown has begun! The mother of all battles is under way.''

Political events

After almost a day of partisan arguing, the Senate voted without dissent to commend President Bush and support United States troops in the Gulf- The resolution stated that "Congress commends and supports the efforts and leadership of the president as commander-in-chief in the Persian Gulf hostilities" and that "Congress unequivocally supports the men and women of our armed forces who are carrying out their mission with professional excellence, dedicated patriotism and exemplary bravery."

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

At 2:38 am, Baghdad time, Task Force Normandy consisting of 8 US Army AH-64 Apache helicopters led by 2 US Air Force MH-53 Pave Low helicopters blast Iraqi radar sites that would warn the Iraqis of an impending air strike. By identifying and knocking the radar sites along the Saudi Arabian border, the coalition had a narrow corridor to fly in. As the choppers finished their destruction of the radar sites, the pilots reported seeing an almost traffic jam of coalition jets pouring thru the gap.

YouTube (Task Force Normandy Actual Footage)



Seven B-52s from the 2d Bomb Wing, 8th Air Force, launched 35 modified air launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) at 8 high-priority Iraqi targets, including power generation and transmission facilities, and military communication sites. The ALCMS' success rate, determined through bomb damage assessment, was approximately 85 percent. The bombers departed Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, at 0635 on January 16th, making them the first aircraft launched in the operation. They flew a total of 14,000 miles and remained in the air for over thirty-five hours with four aerial refueling. 

100 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles are launched at pre-programmed targets by 9 U.S. Navy ships in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea. USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56) fired the first TOMAHAWK missile from the Red Sea between 0100-0200 Gulf Time; moments later, USS BUNKER HILL (CG-52) fired the first TOMAHAWK missile from the Arabian Gulf.[/span]

Photo: A BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack missile (TLAM) is fired toward an Iraqi target from the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) at the start of Operation Desert Storm.



A total of 1,000 aircraft sorties (E2- Cs/AWACs-controlled) were flown by A-6s, A-7s, AV-8s, A-10s, B-52s, EA-6Bs, EF111s, F-4s, F-14s, F-15s, F-16s, F/A-18s, F-111s, F-117As, AH- 64s, Saudi/British Tornados, French Jaguars, Kuwaiti A-4s. The United States Navy will launch a total of 228 combat sorties on the first day from six aircraft carriers in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

CJCS General Colin Powell reports TOMAHAWK cruise missiles "were extremely effective" (against precision targets where Iraqi air defenses threatened manned aircraft); of all sorties, 80% were effective, 20% ineffective due to mechanical/weather problems; Iraqi SCUD missile fixed-sites destroyed, targeting SCUD launchers; Iraqi planes destroyed, but "Iraqi Air Force is still intact"; United States engaged in air-to-air battles with Iraqi aircraft; Iraq fired multiple SAMs and anti-aircraft artillery, little or no effect; Iraqi elite Republican Guard units attacked in Iraq and Kuwait; did not target President Hussein, focused on disrupting/destroying command/control network.

An F/A-18 is shot down, the first United States Navy aircraft loss in combat. The F/A-18 crewman, LCDR Michael Speicher of USS SARATOGA's Strike Fighter Squadron 81, is listed as missing.

Iraqi aircraft did not mount effective defensive counter air operations, nor did they attempt to fly offensive counter air or interdiction operations against coalition targets. It was believed that the purpose of their limited  activity (noted were MiC-25/Foxbat, MiG-29/Fulcrum, and Mirage F1 flights) was to allow maximum use of free fire zones for antiaircraft artillery. Also, analysts believed that Iraq did not want to engage coalition aircraft in aerial combat. A maximum of fifty-four Iraqi combat air patrols were flown while 31 intercepts against coalition aircraft were attempted by Iraqi fighters. Iraqi aircraft were staying clear of the own surface-to-air missile (SAM) envelops. The SAM radars were active, but the Iraqis demonstrated little discipline in SAM fire control.

Iraq fires 12 SCUDS at the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, killing 12 people. The United States tells Israel to not retaliate, out of fear that it will escalate the war and trigger the collapse of the Arab Coalition. Also SCUDS are fired at Saudi Arabia, but is downed by United States Patriot missile - first anti- missile missile fired in combat.

Photo: A RF-4C Phantom II from the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing sits on an airfield during Operation Desert Storm

[stevep]

Jan 17, 2020 9:48:21 GMT lordroel said:

DAY 2 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, January 17th 1991



Oil prices plunge to $21.44 dollars per barrel.

  Suspect its not often that the start of a major military conflict in the Gulf causes oil prices to drop.

[lordroel]

Jan 17, 2020 13:59:49 GMT stevep said:

Jan 17, 2020 9:48:21 GMT lordroel said:

DAY 2 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, January 17th 1991



Oil prices plunge to $21.44 dollars per barrel.

  Suspect its not often that the start of a major military conflict in the Gulf causes oil prices to drop.

IMPACT OF THE GULF WAR : Crude Plunges; Gasoline Prices to Dealers Cut : Energy: The movement defies predictions. But analysts warn that negative news could quickly reverse the market’s course.

[lordroel]

DAY 3 of operation Desert Storm, Friday January 18th 1991

New York Times, January 18th 1991



Events of the day

Amid retaliation speculation, President Bush says Israel has promised not to respond to Iraq's attack.

Bush and other leaders caution against euphoria of early success, warning that war is liable to be long.

United States undertakes "the darndest search and destroy mission ever undertaken" against SCUDS and promises Patriot missiles to Israel in an effort to avert Israeli retaliation.

Oil falls to $19.25 per barrel.

World leaders condemn missile attack on Israel.

Syria appears to indicate it would tolerate retaliatory strike by Israel. Egypt say it would tolerate retaliation.

Jordanian Parliament labels United States a "great Satan."

Antiwar protests continue worldwide, with large anti-American marches in Pakistan and Algeria.

ABC poll says 71% of Americans disapprove of domestic protesters and 83% support the war.

Political events

Defense Secretary Cheney declared an "airlift emergency" and activated Stage II of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet plan. This authorized the government to contact with civil air carriers to use up to 181 aircraft to help ferry United States war supplies to the Middle East. Domestic airlines had hauled 65% of the troops and 22% of the cargo destined for the United States buildup in Saudi Arabia.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

196 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles have been launched. Additionally, 2,107 attack sorties have been flown by USN, USMC, USAF, USA and coalition forces; assessed as 80% effective.

In air-to-air engagements, 8 Iraqi MIG-29s and Mirage F-1s are destroyed; 2 by 2 USN F/A-18s of USS SARATOGA-based Strike Fighter Squadron-81 (directed by E-2Cs from Carrier Air Wing-17).

First Navy combat "kills". F/A-18s then transitioned, and bombed targets. United States Navy has lost 2 additional aircraft, both A-6s. The crewmen, LT Jeffrey Zaun and LT Robert Wetzel of the USS SARATOGA's Attack Squadron 35, and LT Charles Turner and LT William Costen of USS RANGER's Attack Squadron 155 are missing.

Two F-16Cs from 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Torrejon AB) shot down by surface-to-air missiles; pilots taken prisoner.

Photo: F/A-18 Hornet and A-6E Intruder aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) conduct an in-flight refueling with a pair of U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft while en route to their target during Operation Desert Storm. A Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft, also from CVW-1, is in the foreground. CVW-1 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66).



A USMC OV-10 is downed, the first Marine combat aircraft loss. The two aircrewmen, LtCol Clifford Acree and CWO Guy Hunter are missing.

USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47), operating with embarked Helicopter Anti- Submarine Squadron (Light) 44, Det. 8/USA helos and a Kuwaiti patrol boat, engaged and neutralized Iraqi forces firing on coalition aircraft with antiaircraft artillery and shoulder-fired SAMs from eleven Kuwaiti oil platforms in northern Arabian Gulf In the first combined helicopter missile and surface ship gun engagement, 5 Iraqis are killed, 3 wounded and 23 Iraqis, the first enemy prisoners of war, are taken board USS NICHOLAS for transfer to USMC holding facility and Saudi Arabian EPW camp.

USS MOOSBRUGGER (DD-980) SEALs board Sudanese vessel EL OBEID, the first boarding by a Navy ship since commencement of hostilities.

Baghdad is without electricity. Iraq's strategic air defense system is severely disrupted. Several intelligence and sector operations centers are damaged or destroyed. Poor antiaircraft and surface to-air missile fire discipline was exhibited by Iraqi forces, no communications are detected in the southern early warning radar networks. Iraqi defense are described as "stunned." Except for limited artillery action along the coast and in the tri-border area, no other Iraqi ground activity is noted. Analysts believed that Iraqi ground forces were staying in defensive positions for protection from United States and coalition air attacks. Unconfirmed reports from Kuwaiti resistance elements stated that Iraq is to begin destroying Kuwaiti oil rigs.

Photo: Baghdad skies erupt with anti-aircraft fire as U.S. warplanes strike targets in the Iraqi capital in the early morning

[lordroel]

DAY 4 of operation Desert Storm, Saturday, January 19th 1991

Events of the day

Saddam said to remain "defiant, dangerous and unpredictable."

Iran's parliament reaffirms neutral stance in conflict.

25,000 anti-war protesters march in DC.

Iraq says 70 have been killed in air raids so far, offers a cash reward for downed allied pilots. Claims civilians and religious shrines have been targeted.

Soviets, Indians and Algerians offer peace proposals to Iraq.

Political events

United States State Department announces transfer of diplomatic notes with Iraq reaffirming United States intention to abide by its legal obligations under the 1940 Geneva Convention relative to the protection of POWs, and expects Iraq (a signatory) to reciprocate; second note affirms legal protection from attack on United States military hospital ships in regional waters.

President Bush signs Executive Order 12743 extending the call-up of up to one million National Guard/Reserves for up to two years; Department of Defense will implement incrementally raising ceiling on 161,887 National Guard/Reserves currently called up to 360,000. The Navy's authorization ceiling was raised from 30,000 to 44,000, USMC from 23,000 to 44,000.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

United States troop strength is 460,000 and over 100 ships in AOR. 216 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles have been launched and over 4,000 sorties (bombing, combat, attack suppression, refueling) have been flown.

Air campaign is satisfactory, causing Iraq to move aircraft north. United states Navy A-6s and A-7s f operating from USS JOHN F. KENNEDY and USS SARATOGA successfully launch a Stand off Land Attack Missile (SLAM) against an Iraqi target for the first time. USS LOUISVILLE (SSN-724) fires the first submarine- launched TOMAHAWK cruise missile in combat history while submerged in the Red Sea.

10 Iraqi aircraft (6 MIG-29s, 3 Mirage F-1s, 1 MIG-23) have been destroyed in air-to-air engagements.

Allied air forces prosecuted an intensive offensive air campaign against targets in Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait with 30 strike Packages flown. Iraqi targets receiving emphasis are SCUD fixed and mobile launch systems, the Republican Guard, military headquarters, and nuclear-biologic chemical facilities. 4 strike packages and all F117 missions are aborted due to area weather.

A B-52 that flew a mission from Diego Garcia sustained battle damage and was recovered at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The tail of the aircraft was severely damaged aft of the parachute door by a surface-to-air missile. There was no major damage to the vertical or horizontal stabilizers, and flight characteristics were not noticeably impaired. The aircraft flew to Andersen AFB. Guam, where a G model with a cracked wing spar was on station and could be cannibalized.

An MC-130 leaflet drop is conducted, disseminating over a million leaflets into the KTO with "surrender, defect, and abandon equipment" messages.

At least three SCUDS explode in Tel Aviv, Israel. Israel vows to defend itself but refrains. United States rushes in Patriots, making Army crews first United States soldiers to defend Israel.

Coalition forces begin to position ground units, but ground contact is minimal.

United States forces capture 9 Kuwaiti oil platforms, 12 POWs.

First Purple Heart of war awarded to Navy corpsman hit by shrapnel January 17th while on Marine patrol near Kuwaiti border.

Two Patriot antimissile batteries were delivered by the United States to Israel. Israel had previously received two Patriot systems, but the batteries were not operational because Israel did not want American technicians to operate them. Due to the Scud missile attacks. Israel accepted the additional Patriot systems and allowed Americans technicians to operate them.

Photo: A Tornado GR.1 returning to Muharraq after attacking a target



The Package Q Strike ore also known as “Package Q,” happened, the strike group consisted of 56 F-16Cs from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing and 401st Tactical Fighter Wing, along with some F-4Gs from the 561st Fighter Squadron and Boeing F-15Cs from the 53d Fighter Squadron. 

Lockheed-Martin F-16Cs from the 401 TFW (Provisional) at Torrejon Air Base in Spain, were tasked with destroying three targets in Baghdad: the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, the Republican Guard Headquarters, and a large oil refinery. Vipers from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base in Utah would be spearheading the strike, assigned to a nuclear research facility on the outskirts of the capital.

As Package Q approached the initial point, anti-aircraft artillery (Triple-A, or AAA) opened up on them, hurling a staggering amount of lead into the sky. Most of the flack was between ten and twelve thousand feet, but some of the large-caliber rounds were detonating as high as 27,000ft (8,230m). The low altitude Triple-A became so thick it appeared to form its own cloud layer. There were thousands of anti-aircraft guns alerted to their presence, as well as hundreds of SAM emplacements along their route and around Baghdad itself.

The Wild Weasels left the fray early, either because they were “Arizona” and fired all of their HARMs, or because they experienced critical fuel states and needed to leave in order to get back safely. Warnings about the departure of the Weasels went unheard. The Boeing F-15C Eagles providing the Offensive Counter Air pre-strike sweep also departed as the first wave of the strikes peeled off their target. Again, a warning about their departure went unheard. Unbeknownst to the Viper drivers from the 401 TFW, they were all pretty much flying straight into hell’s mouth with no air cover, no electronic warfare support, and no SEAD assets available to assist them.

A low overcast deck mostly obscured the Iraqi Air Force Headquarters and the Republican Guard Headquarters, so the package commander called a weather abort for those two targets. The southern portion of the city was clear, and the oil refinery was clearly visible. As they approached the action point to roll in on the refinery, a SAM launch warning was received.

Major Emmett “ET” Tullia, flying under the mission callsign of “Stroke 3,” received additional SA-2 and SA-3 acquisition warnings that went unheeded as he rolled in on the towers. The high angle diving delivery prevented the electronic countermeasures pod from detecting the SAM acquisition until he pulled off the target and turned south. As the missiles closed, a nightmare falsetto of the radar warning receiver announced the missile launches. The SAMs overshot and harmlessly detonated above his aircraft, and he turned back to the egress heading.

Tullia became separated from the rest of the package because of his missile defense. As he evaded the initial SAMs coming off the target, more missiles launched, this time from both rear quadrants of his aircraft. Training for SAM launches up to this point had been more or less book learning, recommending violent turns approximately shortly prior to missile impact, forcing the missile to overshoot and create enough distance to negate the effects of the detonating warhead. The hard part is to see the missile early enough to make all the mental calculations and not get smashed into bits.

Tullia continued to unload and accelerate, watching the missiles as they closed on his aircraft. As he reefed his Viper into yet another series of gut-wrenching turns, one missile passed so close that Tullia heard the roar of the rocket motor as it went by. Finally, as he reached the outskirts of the city, an optically guided missile of unknown type is fired at the F-16. There is no radar warning of the launch, Tullia forced the missile to overshoot and it exploded harmlessly out of range.

Major Tullia came back to the 401st’s Forward Operating Base in Doha, Qatar squawking “Code 1,” meaning the jet was in perfect working order and required no significant attention from maintenance. After walking around the jet post-flight, he changed it to Code 2 because he discovered all of his missile countermeasures–the chaff and flare modules–were still full. His crew chief was absolutely astonished at the discovery. The countermeasures never fired off, so Tullia successfully defeated seven SAMs of one flavor or other…on flying skill alone.

YouTube (F-16 dodging 6 Iraqi SAM launches on January 19th 1991)



However while Major Tullia was lucky to get home safely, two other F-16s were shot down, with two pilots becoming POWs.

Photo: Remains of F-16C #87-0257 from the 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron 'Lucky Devils', shot down over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The wreckage was discovered by US forces during Desert Storm and the canopy was found by US forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

[stevep]

Jan 19, 2020 8:27:38 GMT lordroel said:

DAY 4 of operation Desert Storm, Saturday, January 19th 1991


Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Air campaign is satisfactory, causing Iraq to move aircraft north. United states Navy A-6s and A-7s f operating from USS JOHN F. KENNEDY and USS SARATOGA successfully launch a Stand off Land Attack Missile (SLAM) against an Iraqi target for the first time. USS LOUISVILLE (SSN-724) fires the first submarine- launched TOMAHAWK cruise missile in combat history while submerged in the Red Sea.

.....


The Wild Weasels left the fray early, either because they were “Arizona” and fired all of their HARMs, or because they experienced critical fuel states and needed to leave in order to get back safely. Warnings about the departure of the Weasels went unheard. The Boeing F-15C Eagles providing the Offensive Counter Air pre-strike sweep also departed as the first wave of the strikes peeled off their target. Again, a warning about their departure went unheard. Unbeknownst to the Viper drivers from the 401 TFW, they were all pretty much flying straight into hell’s mouth with no air cover, no electronic warfare support, and no SEAD assets available to assist them.

.....

Major Tullia came back to the 401st’s Forward Operating Base in Doha, Qatar squawking “Code 1,” meaning the jet was in perfect working order and required no significant attention from maintenance. After walking around the jet post-flight, he changed it to Code 2 because he discovered all of his missile countermeasures–the chaff and flare modules–were still full. His crew chief was absolutely astonished at the discovery. The countermeasures never fired off, so Tullia successfully defeated seven SAMs of one flavor or other…on flying skill alone.

  lordroel,

a) Do you know does this mean it was the 1st sub launched cruiser missile or the 1st launched while submerged?  I suspect the former but wondering.  Since its in the Red Sea, which should be pretty safe from Iraqi attack possibly it could have surfaced for the launch or was that totally unnecessary.

b)  Do you know what Arizona means here?  Guessing since they were on anti-radar missions they detected targets and fired all their missiles, hence there was no significant point in them staying around.

c)  Tullia was both very skilled and very lucky given the failure of his countermeasure systems.  Wonder if that was a one off or happened with other a/c but hopefully they investigated and found out why as otherwise could cause other losses and not good for moral.

  Thanks again for the details your putting into all this.

  Steve

[lordroel]

Jan 19, 2020 13:42:18 GMT stevep said:

a) Do you know does this mean it was the 1st sub launched cruiser missile or the 1st launched while submerged?  I suspect the former but wondering.  Since its in the Red Sea, which should be pretty safe from Iraqi attack possibly it could have surfaced for the launch or was that totally unnecessary.

b)  Do you know what Arizona means here?  Guessing since they were on anti-radar missions they detected targets and fired all their missiles, hence there was no significant point in them staying around.

c)  Tullia was both very skilled and very lucky given the failure of his countermeasure systems.  Wonder if that was a one off or happened with other a/c but hopefully they investigated and found out why as otherwise could cause other losses and not good for moral.

  Thanks again for the details your putting into all this.

Answer to question A is according to Wikipedia: Shortly after noon on 19 January, she launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq, becoming the first submarine to launch Tomahawks in combat.

Answer to question B is according to this Wikipedia page, check out the A in alphabet,  “Arizona” means: No anti-radiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.


I do my best stevep, still 40 days to come.

[stevep]

Jan 19, 2020 14:03:41 GMT lordroel said:

Jan 19, 2020 13:42:18 GMT stevep said:

a) Do you know does this mean it was the 1st sub launched cruiser missile or the 1st launched while submerged?  I suspect the former but wondering.  Since its in the Red Sea, which should be pretty safe from Iraqi attack possibly it could have surfaced for the launch or was that totally unnecessary.

b)  Do you know what Arizona means here?  Guessing since they were on anti-radar missions they detected targets and fired all their missiles, hence there was no significant point in them staying around.

c)  Tullia was both very skilled and very lucky given the failure of his countermeasure systems.  Wonder if that was a one off or happened with other a/c but hopefully they investigated and found out why as otherwise could cause other losses and not good for moral.

  Thanks again for the details your putting into all this.

Answer to question A is according to Wikipedia: Shortly after noon on 19 January, she launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq, becoming the first submarine to launch Tomahawks in combat.

Answer to question B is according to this Wikipedia page, check out the A in alphabet,  “Arizona” means: No anti-radiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.


I do my best stevep , still 40 days to come.

lordroel,

  Many thanks for the quick and detailed response.

  Steve

[lordroel]

Jan 19, 2020 15:05:55 GMT stevep said:

Jan 19, 2020 14:03:41 GMT lordroel said:

Answer to question A is according to Wikipedia: Shortly after noon on 19 January, she launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against targets in Iraq, becoming the first submarine to launch Tomahawks in combat.

Answer to question B is according to this Wikipedia page, check out the A in alphabet,  “Arizona” means: No anti-radiation missile (ARM) ordnance remaining.


I do my best stevep , still 40 days to come.

lordroel,

  Many thanks for the quick and detailed response.

  Steve

I do my best to answer any question that might appear.

[lordroel]

DAY 5 of operation Desert Storm, Sunday, January 20th 1991

Events of the day

Iraqi TV broadcasts pictures of three US, two British, one Italian, one Kuwaiti airmen captured after their airplanes are hit by Iraqi ground fire.

Saddam says only a fraction of his arsenal has been used, and calls for holy war, for all Arabs to target allied interests "wherever they may be."

Iraqis parade POWs blindfolded through Baghdad streets, claim to have shot down 154 allied planes.

Assad says Syria will stay out of war, even if Israel retaliates.

United States increases pressure on Japan and Germany to contribute more money to Desert Storm. Large anti-war crowds march in Libya, Germany. Pro-administration demonstrations at several United States cities.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

More than 7,000 sorties have been flown. Iraq launches 9 SCUD missiles against Saudi Arabia. 2 SCUDs aimed at Dharhan and 6 aimed at Riyadh are intercepted by United States Patriot missiles. One SCUD lands in Gulf waters off Dhahran.

Photo: While en route from the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) to targets in Iraq and Kuwait during "Operation Desert Storm", five LTV A-7E Corsair aircraft from attack squadron VA-72 Blue Hawks and a Grumman A-6E Intruder aircraft from attack squadron VA-75 Sunday Punchers rendezvous with a U.S. Air National Guard Boeing KC-135E Stratotanker for in-flight refueling. The A-7E third from the top is carrying AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles; the others carry Mark 83 454 kg (1.000 lbs) bombs and AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles.



5 additional Iraqi aircraft have been destroyed in air-to-air engagements for a total of 15(10 MIG-29s, 4 Mirage F-1s, 1 MIG-23). the USAF losses 1 F-15 and 2 USAF F-16s.  4 additional personnel listed as missing. United States has lost 8 aircraft and has 11 personnel listed as missing.

As of this day, Coalition naval forces have found 19 anti-ship mines and destroyed in the northern Arabian Gulf. 

A Iraqi artillery battery is destroyed by USN A-6 and USAF A-10 aircraft. USMC and United States troops continue in defensive mode in forward positions and there has been no direct ground confrontations. 

Photo: U.S. Army Military Police guard their checkpoint along a convoy route in the Saudi desert, Jan. 20, 1991. The MP's said they wrote the name of their favorite record album on the cinder block wall.



Special Operations Forces conducted one combat search and rescue (CSAR) mission to recover a downed pilot who reportedly had voice contact with AWACS. Voice contact was lost prior to arrival of the CSAR forces, and although the mission penetrated 10 nautical miles inside Iraq, no contact was made.

Psychological operation (PSYOPS) leaflets are dispersed along the Kuwaiti and Iraqi borders. PSYOPS in support of combat operations began with the broadcast of news and surrender and abandon equipment appeals to Iraqi forces in the KTO. An F-16 leaflet bomb drop was conducted over Baghdad with "world is united against Saddam" and "abandon weapons" messages.

Iraq's defenses were assessed to be "largely disrupted" and airfields damaged "but usable"; the Iraqi Air Force was described as "still dangerous." Major damage was done to many nuclear-chemical-biological facilities. The country's infrastructure was "battered," and government facilities were "damaged" by the air war. The main objectives of the air campaign were to find and destroy Scuds, attack Iraq's integrated air defense system and command-control communication centers, destroy chemical and biological weapon storage and production facilities, attack airfields, destroy military supply and production facilities and attack Republican Guard forces.

There was no change in Iraqi air operations for the preceding forty-eight hours. Limited defensive counter air operations were conducted but there was no indication that Iraq prepared to attempt any type of offensive counter air campaign. Analysts believed that the degradation of air command and control nodes contributed to the lack of air activity. Iraq was using a system of human spotters along the Saudi-Iraqi border to provide early waning.

Limited bomb damage imagery made assessment of results difficult. There were limited operations at several Iraqi airfields, but all appeared usable. Some aircraft shelters and runways were hit. Iraqi antiaircraft and surface to-air missile units were using barrage fire without radar control. Some backup early warning radars were restored by Iraqi technicians. Moderate damage was done to the Baghdad Nuclear Research Center; the Isis reactor was breached and spewing steam, but no radiation. Several government buildings in Baghdad were severely damaged; three or four appeared destroyed. Heavy damage was done to the telephone system.

2 of Iraq's estimated 30 fixed Scud launchers were confirmed destroyed. 10 of estimated 36 mobile Scud launchers were listed as unconfirmed losses.

Photo: A U.S. Navy Grumman F-14B Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74) Be-Devilers rolls down the No. 2 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) as it is launched during "Operation Desert Storm".

[lordroel]

DAY 6 of operation Desert Storm, Monday, January 21st 1991

Events of the day

Foreign Minister of Iraq Tariq Aziz accepts the Soviet peace plan. President Bush refuses the peace plan as unrealistic for the coalition.

Egypt pushing peace plan for cease fire with Iraqi withdrawal.

Israel says it would coordinate any retaliation with the United States.

Japan says it will raise Gulf contribution to $10B.

Syrians indicate they will not quit alliance if Israel retaliates

Many nations take anti-terrorism steps, several expelling Iraqi diplomats.

NATO said to have no consensus on entering war in event of missile attack on Turkey.

Syrian Foreign Minister Charaa says the United States agreed to international conference after Iraqi withdrawal.

Oil at $21.30 per barrel.

Political events

The Iraqi military announced that it had placed captured allied airmen "among scientific and economic targets as well as among other selected targets." The statement was intended to deter allied air attacks against vital targets. President Bush condemned the act and said it would not alter American strategy in the Persian Gulf War.

President Bush officially designated the Persian Gulf area and surrounding waters a combat zone, a move that exempted the armed forces serving there from income tax on their military pay. The president's executive order also gave the military in the war zone more time to file their income taxes' They were not required to file their Form 1040s until 180 days after they departed the Gulf.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 8,000 sorties have been flown; air operations focus continues on neutralizing fixed/mobile SCUD launch sites and troop concentrations.

Photo: An air-to-air view of two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft from the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and a Royal Saudi Air Force F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft during a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.



The airlift of Patriot missile batteries to Israel is completed using a total of 35 C-5s and 9 C-141s who transported the Patriot missile batteries to Israel to counter the SCUD threat comming from Iraq.

A USN F-14 is downed by surface-to-air missile over Iraq. Pilot, LT Devon Jones and Radar Intercept Officer, LT Lawrence Slade of USS SARATOGA's Fighter Squadron 103 are missing.

United States has lost 10 aircraft and has 13 personnel listed as missing.

United States ships have conducted nearly 7,000 maritime interceptions operations in regional waters. No direct ground confrontation.

6 Iraqi SCUD missiles fired into Saudi Arabia in three attacks over 12 hours. United States Patriot missiles intercept 2 SCUDs, 1 landed in the sea northwest of Al Jubayl, 2 others fell into the desert. No injuries.

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) Carrier Battle Group arrives on station in the Persian Gulf region.

Photo: A port bow view of the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS MISSISSIPPI (CGN-40) underway during Operation Desert Storm.



Targeting Iraqi SCUD capability remained the first priority of the allied air campaign, taking a significant portion of the coalition air effort. Suspected and confirmed Scud positions were attacked by using prepared and airborne alert missions. Other targets were airfields, military and industrial production and storage facilities, command-control-communication centers, Republican Guard forces, and ground controlled intercept sites. Thirty-three packages attacked enemy targets. Three package were canceled due to weather in the target area- Weather hindered precise targeting and caused air crews to shift to alternate targets or radar bombing with limited success. Thirty-one A-10 sorties attacked Iraqi Army forces and mobile Scuds along the Saudi border. MARCENT reported the rapid response of USCENTCOM and CENTAF to shift JSTARS surveillance areas to a real-time threat followed by rapid interdiction response.

Psychological operations included daily radio broadcasts and Volant Solo nightly broadcasts into the KTO. An MC-130 leaflet drop disseminated a million "surrender appeal" leaflets into the KTO, while a bomb drop (F-15) spread 90,000 leaflets.

The Iraqi Air Force is still considered "dangerous." "Good Progress" is made in destroying Iraq s nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) warfare capabilities. Some NBC facilities are severely damaged. "Fair progress" is made against Iraq's offensive potential; however, SCUDS still remain a threat, and the Republican Guard remains strong. "Heavy damage" to government buildings is accomplished and telecommunication and electrical power are disrupted.

Antiaircraft artillery is Iraq's most effective air defense threat. Barrage fire, from 57-mm or smaller artillery, is firing to an altitude of 10,000 to 15,000 feet. Iraq is making a major effort to reconstitute its integrated air defense system.

Photo: A U.S. Air Force F-111F fighter aircraft from the 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, takes off for a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with laser-guided bombs.

[lordroel]

DAY 7 of operation Desert Storm, Tuesday, January 22nd 1991

Events of the day

Iraq set fires at two Kuwaiti oil refineries and the al-Wafra oil field near Kuwait's border with Saudi Arabia. In doing so; Saddam Hussein carried out his threat to destroy oil installations in the Persian Gulf if Iraq's occupation of Kuwait was challenged.

Iraq says civilian casualties to date are 41 killed, 191 wounded. Gives credence to allied claims of selective bombing.

Baghdad said to be a city without utilities, food and fuel.

Saddam's strategy said to be keeping might in reserve, prolonging war.

Mubarak ridicules Saddam's SCUD attacks on Saudi.

Syria says Saddam is pushing his people & nation to suicide.

UN Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar called for Iraq to indicate its readiness to withdraw from Kuwait. Additionally, the Secretary General stated:'There are some countries which are trying to obtain a cease'fire or a pause in hostilities, but we have to think first of a withdrawal if we are consistent with the the Security Council resolutions."

Soviet General says 90% of United States strikes are missing targets.

Israel seeks $13B more in aid, $108 for settling Soviet Jews and $3B war damages.

United States says so far total cost of war less than $500M/day.

Pope issues encyclical calling for new push for converts in Islamic world.

Oil jumps $2.88 to $24.18 per barrel.

Turkish terrorists set off 3 bombs in Istanbul in United States MTMC terminal.

German magazine publishes plans, pictures of Saddam's "nuclear-proof bunker" in Baghdad.

Kuwaiti exiled government urges citizens to stay home, not to provoke Iraqis.

Iraqi deserters said to number over 500.

2 Kuwaiti hospitals. 1000 beds. said to be filled with Iraqi wounded soldiers.

Political events

As the Soviet Union continued to try to broker peace in the Persian Gulf, President Bush demanded that Saddam Hussein withdraw from Kuwait by noon (Eastern Standard Time) on January 23rd. Analysts believed that President Bush was hurrying into the land offensive rather than being forced to accept any compromise worked out between Iraq and the Soviet Union.

Iraq showed two captured American airmen, Major Jeffrey Scott Tice and Captain Harry Michael Roberts on Baghdad television. The parading of downed allied airmen caused fierce protest h the United States as a violation of the Geneva Convention on the treatment of war prisoners.

Sixty-two protesters of the Persian Gulf War were arrested at the White House after kneeling in front of the north fountain and singing hymns. Those arrested were part of Pax Christi USA, a Roman Catholic peace organization.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 10,000 sorties have been flown, no United States aircraft lost in air-to-air engagements. Oil storage tank fires started by Iraqis in Wafra, Shuaiba and Mina Abdullah, Kuwait having little effect on air operations.

Iraq fires 6 Scud missiles at Saudi Arabia, 1 is destroyed by Patriot, others fall harmlessly.

Photo: A U.S. soldier and Saudi police officers examine the wreckage of a missile, believed to be a Soviet-made Scud, which landed in downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when Iraq launched a missile attack on the Saudi capital



USAF special operations forces recovered one crew member of F-14 downed on January 21st, LT Devon Jones. Second aircrew member is missing.

4 USN A-6s attacked and disabled an Iraqi T-43 class ship--capable of laying 20 mines--in the northern Arabian Gulf. Vessel was seen sinking. United States ships attacked 3 Iraqi patrol boats, disabling one, and chasing off two others. 3 additional mines were found and destroyed.

Iraqi launches SCUD missile against Israel. United States Patriot missile crew had a generator problem, Israeli Defense Forces fired a Patriot missile. SCUD impacted in Tel Aviv killing 3 and wounding nearly 100.

United States troop strength has increased to 474,000 (Iraqi - 545,000) and there are 165,797 Reserves/National Guard recalled.

E-8A Joint STARS, orbiting over Saudi Arabia, detects large convoy moving toward Kuwait, vectors AC-130 gunship and two A-10s to attack. They destroy 58 of 71 vehicles in convoy

Photo: Three F-111 Aardvark and one EF-111 Raven in flight over the desert

[lordroel]

DAY 8 of operation Desert Storm, Wednesday, January 23rd 1991

Events of the Day

United States officials deny Saddam Hussein's claim that allies bombed baby-formula plant, saying plant was a chemical factory.

Intense attack against Iraqi aircraft shelters begins.

Public opinion in Egypt said to be shifting to Iraq.

Israel says it will not retaliate for now, sets 4 conditions for its retaliation.

Japanese government runs into storm of domestic criticism over its proposal of $9B more aid.

United States and Iraqi forces skirmish near border.

Iraq halts domestic distribution of gasoline.

Iraq says 60 more civilians have been killed.

Fear of terrorism cuts United States air travel.

Germany will give Israel $170M in emergency humanitarian aid.

2,000 to 3,000 Kurds in Northern Iraq are ready to strike against Iraqi forces.

Political events

In an hour-long news conference, Defense Secretary Dick Cheney and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell said that if Iraq did not surrender, a ground attack would begin when President Saddam Hussein's army had been damaged badly enough to keep coalition casualties to a minimum. General Powell also stated that the efforts to smash Iraqi communications and air defenses during the previous week had been largely successful. Cheney and Powell also warn that there will be setbacks, sacrifices and surprises ahead.

President Bush urges Saddam Hussein be brought to "justice," suggesting removal of Iraqi president could be a goal.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 12,000 sorties have been flown (6,000 attack, 6,000 support).

Only five Iraqi air bases remain functional after week of bombing.

A USAF F-16 downed by artillery fire over Kuwait; pilot ejected over Persian Gulf, rescued by Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light)44, Detachment Eight, embarked on USS NICHOLAS, first over-water combat search and rescue.

2 noncombat-related aircraft losses happen, a USMC AV-8 in a training accident with its pilot killed and a AH-64 Apache helicopter in ground mishap, suffering no injuries to its 2 crew. 14 total aircraft lost: 11 fixed wing (9 from hostile ground- fire), 3 helos (non-combat).

Photo: Laser-guided bombs line the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in preparation for air strikes against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The A-6E Intruder aircraft in the background is armed with laser-guided bombs.



USN A-6s disable an Al Qaddisiyah-class Iraqi tanker that had been collecting and reporting intelligence data, setting off three explosions, and killing 3. A-6s also attacked and sank a Winchester-class hovercraft being re-fueled by the tanker, and a Zhuk patrol boat.

5 Iraqi SCUD missiles fired at Saudi Arabia (2 Riyadh, 2 Dhahran, 1 at King Khalid Military Center). Patriot missiles successfully intercepted 4, 1 fell into gulf waters. No injuries. In second attack, 1 SCUD is intercepted over Israel by United States/Israeli Patriot missiles. No injuries.

Photo: A Royal Air Force SEPECAT Jaguar GR1 aircraft (s/n XZ396) from No. 41 Squadron, RAF, is serviced on the flight line (probably in Bahrain) as a U.S. Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15E-44-MC Strike Eagle aircraft (s/n 87-0198) from the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing taxis in the background

[lordroel]

DAY 9 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, January 24th 1991

Events of the day

Iraq continues to burn Kuwaiti oil fields and dumps the oil into the Persian Gulf.

Saudi officials report two oil slicks moving south of Kuwait. Allies say Iraq released oil; Iraq blames allied bombs.

Coalition forces capture the small Kuwaiti island of Qaruh.

White House continues campaign to dampen expectations that war will be short and bloodless.

United States forces take small island near Kuwait.

Air strike against Saddam is reportedly foiled by storm.

Maghreb states fail in attempts to get UNSC meeting to consider cease fire to allow pullout to begin. U.S. says Saddam shows no interest in pullout.

Yemeni president accuses United States of trying to destroy Iraq.

United States says it does not foresee any critical shortages of bombs or missiles to continue air campaign.

German firms reported to have illegally provided technology which helped Iraq increase the range of its SCUDS.

Prime Minister of Japan Toshiki Kaifu offers to send 5 military aircraft to evacuate refugees from Gulf, in addition to $9B in aid, draws firestorm of domestic controversy.

Iraq reported to close border with Jordan to refugees.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 15,000 sorties (8,000 combat, 7,000 support) have been flown and more than 220 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles have been launched at Iraqi targets. Air strikes are directed at SCUD missile launchers, lines of transportation and communication, control sites and airfields.

Photo: A Tornado GR1 returning to Muharraq after an attack against an Iraqi target.



At Al Quara West airfield, 3 Soviet-built TU-16 Badger heavy bombers are caught on the ground, ready to take off, and destroyed. Coalition has been joined by forces from Qatar and Bahrain. The UK has lost a Tornado. Two crew members are missing.

United States Navy A-6s attacked and destroy an Iraqi Spasilac rninelayer. An A-6 sank an Iraqi Zhuk-class patrolboat and another Iraqi minesweeper hit an Iraqi mine while attempting to evade the A-6 fire. Twenty-two survivors were taken from the sea by a helo from USS CURTS (FFG-38), near the island of Jazirat Qurah. During rescue, helo comes under attack, returned fire from Iraqi forces on the island, killing 3. 29 additional Iraqis subsequently surrendered. 51 enemy prisoners of war were taken into custody by SEAL Platoon from Naval Special Warfare Group One on Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 12 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 9 helos from USS LEFTWICH (DD-984) and USS NICHOLAS, and the island is reclaimed, the first liberated Kuwaiti territory. Also, A-6s and F/A-18s attacked the Umm Qasr Naval Base, hitting four Iraqi ships. In first air-to-air engagement between Saudi Arabian and Iraqi aircraft, a Royal Saudi F-15 downed 2 Iraqi F-1s (armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles and bombs). USS WORDEN (CG-18) vectored aircraft for shootdown. To-date, 19 Iraqi aircraft have been destroyed in air to-air engagements, with no U.S. or coalition losses.

United States ships continue multiple operations including locating and destroying 25 mines to-date in the northern Arabian Gulf. Using Harpoon anti-ship missile, Royal Saudi vessel sinks an Iraqi minelayer in northern Persian Gulf. No survivors reported.

United States ground forces continue to be attacked by sporadic Iraqi artillery fire, but no injuries or damage. No direct ground confrontations. Troops continue maneuvering for any possible engagement at Saudi-Kuwaiti border. DOD announces U.S. troop strength has increased to 475,000 (75,000 Navy, 90,000 USMC). Elements of IV and V Marine Expeditionary Brigades, and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, embarked on ships from Amphibious Task Groups Two and Three, are conducting amphibious exercise Operation Sea Soldier IV, the largest amphibious force assembled since the 1950 landing at Inchon, Republic of South Korea.

Photo: A starboard bow view of the amphibious assault ship USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH-11) as it lies at anchor with several MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters and AH-1 Sea Cobra helicopters on its flight deck. The NEW ORLEANS is serving as a platform for mine-clearing operations in the Gulf.