1989 - 1990 Operations, Part 2

01 Oct 90 USMC Amphibious Training Exercise on the Arabian Peninsula starts.

Congress passes a joint resolution supporting Bush's plan. Independence

BG in-chops into the Gulf through Hormuz as Minesweepers arrive in Bahrain.

The 1880th Comm Sqdn joins the 37th TFW, becomes the 37th Comm Sqdn. and

sets up the world wide command links to the unit.

02 Oct 90 President Bush provides a linkage to the Israeli-Arab problems if Iraq

agrees to pull out of Kuwait, appears to be a final call for the peaceful

approach. Meanwhile, throughout all the major capitals in Europe there

"war" predicted. Voice of America directs programming at trapped citizens.

Soviet emissary Primakov visits Bagdad, Amman, and PLO HQ. Midway BG

deploys from Yokuska, Japan.

03 Oct 90 37th TFW undertakes a limited Ops Readiness Exercise "Sneaky Sultan I" as

HRH Prince Sultan Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud, Saudi Defense Minister, visits the Wing.

04 Oct 90 Independence BG exits Gulf proving that big decks can operate there.

05 Oct 90 PLO and Others promise Terror if Iraq is attacked. The 37th TFW relocates

to the Tonopah Test Range, Nevada to take up their role as the only Stealth Unit.

Previous combat experience with Panama at Rio Hato (21Dec89) and during

Operation JUST CAUSE, required its night bombing capabilities, not stealth.

07 Oct 90 230,000 American Troops in place. Multinational force numbers over

300,000 men from 25 countries. Under Operation Scimitar, the Canadian

Air Force deploys 12 x CF-18's of No. 409 Squadron from Germany to Qatar.

Like the British Tornado fleet sent over the SHIELD, the Canadian F-18's will be shuffled back and forth until the force there is made up of good shooters. The Canadian forces in NATO were not prepared logistically for any emergency and arrived in the Gulf short of weapons, software, and ECM/DECM equipment. At

the end if the War a Canadian post-conflict review will embarrass their MoD.

08 Oct 90 USAF losses 1 x RF-4C (64-1044) from the 106th TRS, Alabama ANG

near Abu Dhabi. Both crewmen were with the 117th TRW and were KIA's.

Maj Barry K. Henderson and Stephen G. Schramm were killed. The

Marines also loose 2 x UH-1N Huey helicopters with eight men onboard off of

Oman. All eight from HMLA-267 opcon to HMM-164 / USS Okinawa (160178

/ 160622) were killed. Israeli police kill 19 x Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Israeli military begins distributing gas masks to the Jewish population.

09 Oct 90 Saddam Hussein again emphasizes that he has missiles that can reach US.

Mass executions are starting in Kuwait by occupying Iraqi Troops.

10 Oct 90 1 x F-111F Fighter-Bomber from the 48th TFW crashes inside Saudi

Arabia returning to Taif AB from a night training mission, the aircraft hit

the ground around 0530 in an area 5 miles SE of the airfield, killing both

pilots. No ejection was attempted from the capsule. Night CFIT during recovery,

but estimates were that it could have been using Pave Tack on self contained

approach. USAF reacted with a full 10 hour safety stand-down. This brought the

total US accident deaths to 31.

v 1 x F-111F from the 45th TFS / 48th TFW

- 74-0183, both pilots were KIA's

- pilot: Capt Thomas R. Caldwell

- WSO: Capt Frederick Art Reid

American women who escaped from Kuwait testify on atrocities committed.

Bagdad radio announced that Iraq had now the "Al Hijara" ("stone") that has

several hundred miles range. It appears to be the improved SCUD with a new name to impress the PLO. CENTCOM's "One Corps" Plan is presented to the Whitehouse. JCS Chairman Powell is doubtful of Tomahawk capabilities.

11 Oct 90 USAF completes a 24 hour safety stand-down after three crashes and six

deaths. Tanks from the US Army's 1st Calvary Division, Tiger Brigade of

the 2nd Armored Division, and the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment were

unloading in Saudi Arabia. Iraq transferred the control of the Rumeila Oil

Field and the Islands of Bubiyan & Warba to Basra Province.

12 Oct 90 Gunmen in Cairo kill the Egyptian Parliament Speaker (Rafat al-Mahgoup) and three security men on a main road outside the Hilton in the central city. The gunmen excaped. On the 14th several suspects were captured at Cairo airport, one was an American. An Iraqi cargo vessel was boarded by UK Royal Marines in the Gulf. Iraq threatened to keep 500 Soviets in Iraq if the Soviets shared Iraqi secrets with the US. Oil at $36.69

13 Oct 90 USMC conducts amphibious landing exercise on Oman'a coastline, called "Camel

Sand". 15,000 troops took part with 18 x amphib vessels of Task Force 2 in

conjunction with 90 x aircraft and helicopters. Elements of the 4th MEB, 2nd

MARDIV, 2nd MAW, and 2nd FSS. King Hassan II of Morocco asserts that there is

a "moral linkage" between the Gulf crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and

that the two should be linked. Sounded more like he was trying to keep the Iraq sponsored terrorists from visiting his government as they did in Egypt. Egypt was the target, and if the crisis ever ends and Saddam Hussein still lives he will bleed all of the countries that turned on him during this exercise.

15 Oct 90 US Marines conduct their first amphibious lands. Iraq has begun to move

around various air defense resources and turn off radar’s to avoid

intelligence collection efforts. Iraq and Iran restore diplomatic relations,

Western countries start considering a joint effort. 1500th ship intercept.

16 Oct 90 Iraqi Airways re-started flight between Bagdad and Kuwait City

17 Oct 90 Baker tells Senate that Whitehouse will consult Congress but not seek

its prior approval before military action is taken.

18 Oct 90 Tornado GR-1 receives Cat-4 damage during a landing accident at Tabuk.

The aircraft is dismantled and returned to the UK. US troops at 209,000.

Col Whitley returns to Tonopah to re-qual in the F-117. Deputy Commander

for Ops, Col Klaus J. Klause, assumes command at Khamis Mushait.

v UK Tornado GR-1, ZA466/"FH"

No. 16 Squadron stationed at Tabuk AB, Saudi Arabia

Arrest barrier was incorrectly raised at the approach end

and caught the MLG forcing the a/c sharply down to hard landing.

Aircraft was shipped back to the UK as parts for spares.

... Sqd Ldr Ivor Walker, pilot, ejected, minor injuries

... Sqd Ldr Bobby Anderson, WSO, ejected, minor injuries

v Aircraft was replaced by ZA460/"FD"

19 Oct 90 All foreigners in Kuwait are ordered to register with Iraqi authorities.

Iraq starts gas rationing. Oil at $33.79

20 Oct 90 US Destroyer O'Brien fired 40 rounds in front of the Iraqi Freighter "Al

Bahar Al Arabi", it was searched and found to be carrying contraband. But

did not turn away after warnings. 7th Armored Brigade arrives.

21 Oct 90 UAE Hawk Combat Trainer crashed in the Gulf, pilot status unknown.

Palestinians kill 3 Israeli's in retaliation in Jerusalem. Gen Colin Powell flies

to Riyadh to discuss Offensive Game Plan with CENTCOM and the Saudi's.

23 Oct 90 7 x UK Jaguars leave Coltishall, followed by 5 x more on 2 Nov, to

replace the original detachment of aircraft at Muharraq, Bahrain.

28 Oct 90 Saddam reverses an earlier decision to ration fuel, stating that his oil minister, since sacked, has miscalculated the supplies. Mitterrand & Gorbachev meet

in Paris to discuss the Gulf crisis.

29 Oct 90 UN passes Resolution 674 calling for the release of Hostages

30 Oct 90 10 x US sailors Killed during steam line rupture on USS Iwo Jima. Saddam

puts his armed forces on "maximum extreme alert".

01 Nov 90 President & SecDef announce the plan to deploy another 100,000 to the

Gulf in order that force ratios be more compatible for offensive operations. This would double forces. Decision kept Secret until 4Nov90.

3 x "Pink" Puma HC1's leave Brize Norton via C-5 Galaxy,

followed by 8 x more on the 2nd and 3rd to create No 230 (Composite) Squadron at Ras Al Ghar RAF Base in Saudi Arabia. The Base Commander is GrpCapt Sam Hunt. These Puma's are fitted with IR Jammers, chaff/flare dispensers, and enhanced navigation equipment. Baker starts

information tour of the Middle East. Midway Battle Group relieves the

Independence Battle Group in the Gulf. Schwarzkopf cautions that the total destruction of Iraq's military may not be in the long term interests of the US and

that a regional power balance must be maintained after the crisis is resolved.

02 Nov 90 The Iraqi installed governor of occupied Kuwait, Ali Hassan Al-Majeed,

has been replaced by President Saddam Hussein's half brother, Barzan

Al-Tikriti. Saudi Arabia and Iran hold high level meetings and resume diplomatic relations severed during the 1st Gulf War. Kuwait's Prime Minister

says that sanctions are not working and the coalition needs to attack or all Kuwait

will die. Kuwait's Ambassador to the UK requests immediate military action.

03 Nov 90 Baker puts the skids on the "military immediate action" momentum growing

within the coalition. Many say he is jealous of the "visibility" that Cheney has. But he starts an eight-day trip to the Middle East, Soviet Union, and Europe for one last check on support. Coalition is actually not as prepared as Cheney would let the American public think. The Iraqi's respond with an offer to free hostages. Latvia demands that the Soviets expel all Iraqi's under military training

in their territories.

04 Nov 90 Lead elements of Syria's 9th Armored Division start arriving in Saudi.

05 Nov 90 Baker and King Fahd agree on Command and Control for the Joint Military Command with CENTCOM, the Saudi Armed Forces, coalition members, and other Arab Forces. It formally sets up the "Joint Command". US troops under US

officers in all circumstances. US and Saudi's must agree on War, but the US is free to conduct its own operations outside Saudi territory. Ozal of Turkey rules

out a "Second Front" for now. Willie Brandt meets with Saddam privately to seek hostage releases.

06 Nov 90 Now China agrees not to block a UN resolution on the use of force.

07 Nov 90 Margaret Thatcher says to Saddam, "Move it or we will remove you"

08 Nov 90 President Bush orders the US VII Corps HQ from Stuttgart, FRG to Saudi Arabia

along with 3 x Armored Divisions Based in Germany: the 1st Armored Division (Ansbach), 2nd Armored Division Forward (Garlstedt), 3rd Armored Division

(Frankfurt). Also the 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) from Ft Riley,

Kansas, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Nuremberg (FRG), and the 2nd

Corps Support Command (Stuttgart). Three Army Reserve Mech-Inf Brigades are

also called up. This brings an additional 150,000 troops to augment the

230,000 there. Saddam Hussein relieves Gen Nazir Khazaraji as Army CofS

and installs LtGen Hussein Rashid. During the past few days F-14, F-15,

F/A-18, and Tornado F3 Air Defense Aircraft executed numerous high speed

probes into the Iraqi Air Defense system with AWACS and Rivet Joint aircraft watching for the reaction and results. After a while, however, the Iraqi's just

ignored the provocation’s and kept their systems turned off and a/c on the deck.

10 Nov 90 Baker back from the Middle East. Europeans want more time for sanctions.

11 Nov 90 1st RAF fatality of Operation Granby: FltLt Keith Collister lost in a GR1A

Jaguar during a training flight out of Muharraq, Bahrain

12 Nov 90 Word has leaked out of Iraq from a defector that Saddam Hussein has

sacked his Army Chief of Staff. In fact several generals and over one

hundred officers have been "purged" since the start of the Kuwaiti

Campaign. Saddam favors his family over those most qualified. Col Klause,

acting CO 37th TFW, initiates "Sneaky Sultan II", a limited Ops Readiness

Exercise testing short-notice D-Day build-up.

13 Nov 90 Yevgeny Primakov, Gorbachev's special envoy to Iraq confirmed that the

Soviets would support a UN resolution on "use of military force". A

National Guard soldier files a suit challenging Bush's right to send troops

to the Gulf. Congress wants a debate over the war issues. USS Missouri BG

deploys to the Gulf from Long Beach. RAF lost a Jaguar:

v Jaguar GR Mk1A, XX754

No 54 Squadron, stationed at Marraqua AB, Bahrain

FltLt Keith Collister, KIA

Crashed on a low level training mission over Qatar. Pilot

deployed 2Nov90 from Coltishall via night stop at Akrotiri

14 Nov 90 The US is preparing to send another 100,000 troops to the Gulf. The

"rotation" program is virtually stopped. Army and Marines are straining

for combat ready units and equipment. Authorization is made to extend

Reserves from 90 to 180 day call up. A Saudian Arabian F-15 pilot

defects to Sudan with his aircraft. The aircraft is returned.

15 Nov 90 Marine and Saudi Troops make a amphibious assault on beaches 40 miles

south of the Kuwaiti border. Operation "Imminent Thunder". 1000

Marines and 1100 aircraft were reported to be involved. The third

"landing" since 2 Aug. Iraqi News announced that President Bush will go

"on trial", in Algeria, for "inhumane planning and policies against the

people of Iraq". Regional forces now number: US Army 120,000, USMC

45,000 (57% of total), Saudi 38,000, Egypt 30,000, Syria 15,000,

Kuwait 7,000, GCC 10,000, Morocco 1700 (Islamic has 34%), British

9,000 with 14,000 coming, France 5,000, Pakistan 5,000, Bangladesh

6,000, and Senegal 500. Iran announced that it would hold a 50 ship Naval

Exercise in the Gulf during December, the largest since the Iran-Iraq War.

v (2) Egyptian Air Force F-16C's

Mid-Air Collision during BFM Training Mission

One pilot injured in ejection, one pilot KIA

16 Nov 90 President Bush starts his European trip that will end up in Saudi

over Thanksgiving (Paris, Prague, Berlin, Riyadh). Congressional

critics are calling for a "debate" on the War Option. Mrs. Thatcher is

facing off with Hazeltine for the leadership of the Conservative Party and

the PM post. The appearance of "strength" is weakening for this week. A

21,000 pound secret satellite was launched from the Shuttle Atlantis to

spy on Iraq. PLO Chief Arafat is quoted by the Tunisian newspaper "Al

Sabah", that the first blows in any Gulf conflict will be made by Iraq on

Israel using missiles to deliver binary chemical weapons and anthrax

biological weapons. Jimmy Carter criticizes deployment of more troops.

Oil price easing downward to $29.78, DOW at 2550

17 Nov 90 UK Air Power in the Gulf Command shifted to AVM William Wratten who

succeeded AVM R.A.F. "Sandy" Wilson. AVM Wratten's title is Air

Commander British Forces Middle East and is a deputy to LtGen Sir Peter

de la Billiere who is the Commander British Forces Middle East.

18 Nov 90 The Military Sealift Command announced that it has 40 ships ready to

transport the second wave of 150,000 reinforcements to Desert Shield.

Most of the men and material will be coming from Europe. Since the 15th, the

37th TFW flew 32 x sorties in support of Imminent Thunder as the HQ Centcom

tasked coalition air to attack "mirror image" targets in Kuwait & SE Iraq.

19 Nov 90 Saddam Hussein announced that he was also sending more troops into the

region. 250,000 would be moved to the Southern Theater Command. No

data on where they would put them was given. In Europe, NATO and the

Warsaw Pact signed a non-aggression agreement ending the period of

tension between them. 75 x American Hostages arrive in the US.

20 Nov 90 American troop strengths by 01 Jan 91 are expected to be 392,000

troops, 1300 tanks, 80 warships, and 1000 aircraft. Following Willie Brandt's visit, Saddam agrees to release German hostages. 45 Members

of the House file suit to force Bush to seek Congressional approval to attack.

21 Nov 90 Imminent Thunder ends.

22 Nov 90 President Bush and half of the Washington Press Corps are in Saudi

Arabia for Thanksgiving with the troops. UK sending 14,000 more

bringing the total to over 30,000 and Mrs. Thatcher resigns as PM

23 Nov 90 Cheney announces a world wide extension of foreign service tours, extends

training over the Holidays for military schools, and stops retirements.

24 Nov 90 President Bush returns from the Gulf and talks with Arab leaders more

confident that the US has the latitude it needs for Military Action and that

the UN will be forthcoming with a War Resolution. Marine Corps announced that it had lost a CH-53E to unknown causes:

v USMC CH-53E, 161393, HMH-465

25 Nov 90 The USG announced that it was considering a 01Jan91 deadline for Saddam

Hussein to clear out of Kuwait. This "ultimatum" will basically pull the

region into war. The US still has great confidence that Saddam Hussein is

not willing to lose it all for an issue that does not have him holding the

"honor" card within Islam. Egyptian ambushes Israeli bus, kills 4.

24 Nov 90 Multi-national naval forces have intercepted 3592 ships since the beginning

of the blockade in August. There have been 412 boardings and 16 diverted.

26 Nov 90 Cheney in Moscow: "I have been persuaded...the Soviets are no longer a

Threat". But he also predicted that Gorbi would not survive. Meanwhile,

Gorbachev warns Saddam of the consequences of his course of action and

that the Soviets would not pull out of the coalition.

27 Nov 90 UN Resolution is applied to a 15 January deadline for Iraq to

unconditionally pull out of Kuwait. 4162 ships under surveillance in the

region from the naval blockade, 500 investigated and 19 turned back.

John Major becomes British PM. The Saudi's loan the Soviets a $1 billion.

28 Nov 90 The UN Resolutions 677 passed, giving Iraq until 15Jan to comply.

29 Nov 90 UN Resolution 678, allowing the use of "all means necessary", officially makes 15 January 1991, the deadline for Iraq.

30 Nov 90 Bush offers to send Baker anywhere between 13Dec & 15Jan to talk with

Saddam or his representative. SHARP EDGE ends off of Liberia.

01 Dec 90 Cheney authorizes the call up of 63,000 more (total to 188,000). VAdm

Stanley R. Arthur relieves Henry H. Mauz as COMUSNAVCENTCOM

02 Dec 90 Iraq test fired two SCUD variants assumed to be "Al Hussain" missile that

both launched and landed inside Iraqi territory. The last time such

firings occurred was in April 1990. Baker says sanctions may never work.

2nd contingent of F-117's depart for the Gulf.

03 Dec 90 At 1903, the 416th CC, LtCol Gregory T. Gonyea, departs Langley AFB with

6 x F-117's enroute to Khamis Mushait. The second six leave in 30 min,

followed by two successive cells of four (20 total). The third group was led

by Col Whitney returning to assume command. All arrive on the 4th.

04 Dec 90 CJCS Gen Colin Powell meets with British Chief of the Defense Staff,

Marshal of the RAF Sir Peter Craig in London. First US troops depart

from European Commands to the Gulf. Iraq will let Soviets leave if they

agree to reimburse money for all uncompleted contracts.

05 Dec 90 Central Command Air Forces undergoes internal restructure with the creation

of the 14th and 15th Air Divisions. The 37th TFW comes under the 14th AD.

06 Dec 90 The US and Iraq agree to have Baker visit. MAWTS-1 prepares (40)

Instructors for a deployment to the "Sand Box". British start to arrive in

Saudi with 4th Brigade, and form their 1st Armored Division (Heavy)

with around 25,000 men. British units are attached to I MEF. Marine

2nd MAW will be moving its Headquarters more "forward". IRS extends

military personnel's filing dates. US proposes a Middle East Peace Conference

Saddam Hussein has announced that all hostages will be allowed to leave. The

first ship carrying VII Corps equipment arrives in Saudi from Germany.

07 Dec 90 US announces that Kuwait Embassy staff will all come home

08 Dec 90 There were references to "proper visa's", and things that would lead one

to believe that it would be another propaganda ploy, but early attempt to

get people out were not deliberately made difficult. USS Ranger BG

deploys to the Gulf. 4th MEB does 10 days of amphib training off Oman.

10 Dec 90 II MEF deploys with 24,000 Marines from Camp Lejune, North Carolina.

11 Dec 90 Saddam fires Defense Minister Gen Abdel-Jabbar Shanshal with MajGen

Saad Tuma Abbas. Gen Charles A. Horner, Commander Central Air Forces,

meets with 37th TFW pilots and maintenance crews.

12 Dec 90 First freed American's arrive in Frankfurt, Germany. The French increase

their troops by 400 and send aircraft. Saddam replaces his Defense Minister

with MajGen Abbas, hero of the Iran-Iraq War.

13 Dec 90 VII Corps Headquarters deploys to Saudi Arabia. Cruise ship "Cunard

Princess" is rented to be an R&R Center in the Gulf. The Pentagon announces that total US forces include: (but more coming)

v 750 main battle tanks

v 90 x F-14 and F-15 Air Superiority Fighters

v 335 Attack Aircraft of A-6, AV-8B, A-10, F-111, & F-117's

v 220 dual-role aircraft of F-15E, F-16, and F/A-18

14 Dec 90 The last US diplomats leave Kuwait City, last US Hostages leave Iraq. House

Representatives Dave McCurdy (D-Okl) joins with LtGen Charles Glossen,

17th Air Division (Prov) Commander reviews the 37th TFW.

15 Dec 90 The Bob Hope Christmas Show starts playing for the troops. Hope

began to undertake these shows over 50 years ago.

16 Dec 90 2300 Soviet technicians are told they cannot leave Iraq, services essential.

17 Dec 90 Still no confirmed meeting between the US and Iraqi Foreign Ministers.

Newsweek reported that there was a security compromise on the War

Plans for Desert Shield. Evidently, WngCmdr David Farquhar, aide to Air

Chief Marshal Sir Patrick Hine, Commander in Chief of British Forces

Middle East, was transporting the Top Secret Briefing from 10 Downing

Street to High Wychomb and had them stolen from his car during a short

stop. The computer contained details of the Deception Plan for the Allied

assault on Kuwait. Much of the paper was recovered but the laptop computer was not. After the war ended a RAF board on inquiry ruled that Farquyhar will have to face a Court-Marshal over the incident. The UN declares that Iraq must leave Kuwait by 15Jan91 at 2100 hrs.

The "D-Day" Option outlined on the laptop was continued up until two days

prior to the war starting, then an entirely new plan was introduced.

18 Dec 90 Saddam again turns down talks for peace. UN votes 144:1 to condemn

the human rights violations in Kuwait.

19 Dec 90 LtGen Calvin Waller, Deputy CENTCOM, said that "Every Unit will not

be combat ready until after 1 February". Remarks touch off readiness debate.

Soviet Foreign Minister Edward Shevardnadze resigns. RF-4C's deployed to the UAE reposition to Sheik Isa Air Base in Bahrain.

20 Dec 90 Central Command redesignates all deployed Wings to be Provisional Wings

with Combat Support Groups established with each wing. Soviet Foreign

Minister Shevardnadze resigned in a fiery speech before the Soviet Parliament

denouncing the "hard line" swing of Gorbachev. Gorbechev has made "deals"

with the Russian General Staff and the KGB in an attempt to preserve the

new "union" and to keep law and order. The mainstream Russian population

is demanding it. Shevardnadze's support for the US & UN action against Iraq

might be in jeopardy. President Bush said that the US would "kick Saddam's

ass" if a war started. Deputy Desert Shield Commander LtGen Calvin A.H. Waller said that: "US Forces might not be ready for combat", it caused a Washington stir. Cheney and Powell went on a four day visit to check and reprimanded Waller. Waller was speaking as he saw it.

21 Dec 90 Cheney says there will be "no restrictions" on the military in event of War.

Israeli charter ferry capsizes off Haifa killing 20 Saratoga seamen.

22 Dec 90 The Bob Hope Show arrives in Theater

23 Dec 90 The Atlantic Conveyor leaves Southampton with 4 x Puma's and 8 x Chinooks along with 12 x Sea Kings for UK ground and naval forces. Arrives in Jabail on 8Jan91. Liberty truck from Midway overturns

and kills 2 sailors during UAE import. HQ Central Air Forces initiates Threat

Condition "CHARLIE" to heighten the command's security posture during the

Christmas Holiday Period. Col Whitley runs "Sneaky Sultan III" to check the

Wings ability to react to the D-Day Air Tasking Order (ATO) under rehearsal.

24 Dec 90 SecDef Cheney returns from a five day visit to the Gulf and Egypt. 21

crewmembers from the Saratoga drown returning from Liberty in Haifa.

Another soldier died in truck accident in Saudi. Iraq recalls diplomats from

coalition countries for consultations.

25 Dec 90 Christmas comes to Desert Shield and no Iraqi attack. Saddam did again

emphasize that his first rockets will land on Israel. Cheney and Powell

tell Bush that troops will not be ready until 15 Jan91. Pope speaks out.

26 Dec 90 Iraq test fires another SCUD which lands in Iraq. CENTCOM holds its first

media briefing. US troops exceed 300,000.

27 Dec 90 Jordan conducts military maneuvers in the Western regions of Jordan.

Israel goes on full alert but does not call up reserves.

28 Dec 90 USS T.R. Roosevelt and America Battle Groups depart Norfolk. The Iraqi

Army fires its 5th SCUD test rocket inside of Iraq.

29 Dec 90 In Beirut, 15 Iraqi opposition groups met and announced they will join

forces to overthrow Saddam Hussein and his government. The also

condemned the invasion and sacking of Kuwait. Among the group were

pro-Iranian (Shiite), pro-Soviet Communist, nationalist, three Kurdish,

factions, pro-Syrian, etc. who all were joined by their singular desire of

bringing down Saddam. Democrats threaten to cut off SHIELD funds unless

the President agrees to seek approval for War. Poland sends medical aid.

Iraq starts a build up of forces along the Turkish border.

30 Dec 90 UK Def Sec announces that a 3rd Tornado Squadron will deploy to the Gulf

31 Dec 90 US has sustained 98 casualties thus far......

Total US casualties to date were 98 with 52 killed in the Gulf and 41

elsewhere. The UK had 2, France 2, and Spain 1.

Gulf War 1991 Chronology

1989 - 1990 Operations, Part 2