This week in 1991, Operation Desert Storm began

This week in 1991, Operation Desert Storm began

Though the long-running war between Iran and Iraq had ended in a United Nations-brokered ceasefire in August 1988, by mid-1990 the two states had yet to begin negotiating a permanent peace treaty. When their foreign ministers met in Geneva that July, prospects for peace seemed bright. Two weeks later, however, Saddam Hussein delivered a speech in which he accused neighboring Kuwait of siphoning crude oil from their common border, claiming that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were conspiring to keep oil prices low in an effort to pander to Western oil-buying nations.

In addition to Hussein’s incendiary speech, Iraq had begun amassing troops on Kuwait’s border. Alarmed by these actions, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt initiated negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait, but Hussein broke off the negotiations after only two hours, and on August 2, 1990 ordered the invasion of Kuwait. Hussein’s assumption that his fellow Arab states would stand by him proved to be a miscalculation. Alarmed by these actions, two-thirds of the 21 members of the Arab League condemned Iraq’s act of aggression, and Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd, along with Kuwait’s government-in-exile, turned to the United States and other members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for support.

U.S. President George H.W. Bush immediately condemned the invasion, as did the governments of Britain and the Soviet Union. On November 29, 1990, the U.N. Security Council authorized the use of “all necessary means” of force against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by the following January 15. Hussein defied the Security Council, and early on the morning of January 17, 1991 the Persian Gulf War began with a massive U.S.-led air offensive known as Operation Desert Storm. The U.S. was accompanied by troops sent by NATO allies as well as Egypt and several other Arab nations. The coalition effort benefited from the latest military technology, including Stealth bombers, Cruise missiles, so-called “Smart” bombs with laser-guidance systems and infrared night-bombing equipment. The Iraqi air force was either destroyed early on or opted out of combat under the relentless attack.

After 42 days of relentless attacks by the allied coalition in the air and on the ground, President Bush declared a cease-fire on February 28; by that time, most Iraqi forces in Kuwait had either surrendered or fled. Though the Persian Gulf War was initially considered an unqualified success for the international coalition, simmering conflict in the troubled region led to a second Gulf War–known as the Iraq War–that began in 2003.

Desert Storm Key Facts:

• More than 500,000 American troops deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield, in case Iraqi troops attacked Saudi Arabia.

• On Jan. 15, 1991, Operation Desert Shield became Operation Desert Storm, backed by public support after diplomacy failed.

• Desert Storm became the largest air campaign since the conflict in Southeast Asia.

• The U.S. and 40 allied nations, including several Arab nations, flew more than 18,000 air deployment missions, more than 116,000 combat air sorties and dropped 88,500 tons of bombs.

• After air attacks that lasted for six weeks, the ground campaign lasted only 100 hours before Kuwait was liberated.

• Iraq tried to split the coalition by launching Scud missiles at Israel, but Israel refrained from responding, thanks to its partnership with the United States.

• Desert Storm saw the first use of the MIM-104C Patriot missile system in combat, where it was used to intercept Scud missiles. It was also the first time the Air Force used stealth and space systems support capabilities against a modern, integrated air defense.

• About 697,000 U.S. troops took part in the war, with 299 losing their lives.

USSOCOM Completes Safety Certification and Purchase of SIG SAUER MG 338 Machine Guns, Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors

NEWINGTON, N.H., (January 15, 2020) – acording the SIG SAUER, Inc. the United States Special Operation Command (USSOCOM), working closely with SIG SAUER, has completed a safety certification of the new SIG SAUER MG 338 Machine Gun, SIG SAUER 338 Norma Mag Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors. Following this historic official safety certification, SIG SAUER has completed deliveries of multiple systems, comprised of the MG 338 Machine Guns, 338 Norma Mag Ammunition, and Next Generation Suppressors – all researched, designed, engineered, and manufactured by SIG SAUER in the U.S.A.

“The safety certification of the complete SIG SAUER MG 338 system and delivery of the system to USSOCOM is historically very significant. For the first time in decades the U.S. Military certified a new machine gun, ammunition, and suppressor at the same time, bringing new innovation, portability, and increased lethality to our ground forces, with all components coming from one company,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This certification was achieved following the outstanding performance of the complete MG 338 system through the rigors of the extensive function, durability, and safety tests set forth by USSOCOM.”

The SIG MG 338 bridges the gap between the current machine guns currently in use with the U.S. Military. In comparison to the current M240 (7.62x51cal) machine gun, which has been in service with the U.S. Military for 60 years, the SIG MG 338, is noticeably lighter, weighing only 20 pounds, and provides significantly more range and lethality. In comparison to the M2 (.50cal), which has been in service with the U.S. Military for 110 years, the MG 338 is approximately one-quarter the weight, and in a historic first, offers a man-portable solution with similar effective-range. Making this system even more desirable is the new SIG SAUER Next Generation Suppressors which drastically reduces the impact of harmful toxic fumes and signature, making the operator less vulnerable.

The SIG SAUER MG 338 machine gun is a belt-fed, lightweight medium machine gun weighing under 20lbs., chambered in 338 Norma Mag. The MG 338 features a short-stroke gas piston system and a proprietary recoil mitigation system, with a free-floating, quick-change barrel, ambidextrous controls, switchable feed tray, charging handle that can be alternated to either side depending on operator preference, and as a modern, multi-caliber, modular system the new SIG MG 338 is easily convertible to 7.62x51cal.

“We are incredibly proud of this historical accomplishment and honored to have received this safety certification by USSOCOM for the performance of the complete MG 338 system,” concluded Cohen.

B-52H bombers are no longer authorized to carry nuclear gravity bombs

According the official document (Air Force Instruction 91-111): B-52 bombers are no longer authorized to carry nuclear gravity bombs. New Air Force instruction describes “removal of B61-7 and B83-1 from B-52H approved weapons configuration.” 

A U.S. Air Force manual has confirmed previous reports that the service's iconic B-52H bombers are no longer authorized to carry nuclear gravity bombs. The only nuclear weapon these aircraft are presently certified to carry is the AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile, which is set to eventually get replaced by a new stealthy missile under development now under the Long Range Stand Off program, or LSRO.

Hans Kristensen, who is Director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists was first to spot the updated information about the B-52H's nuclear loadouts in the latest version of Air Force Instruction 91-111, which is dated September 2019. This manual, titled "Safety Rules for U.S. Strategic Bomber Aircraft," is unclassified and also includes basic information on approved weapons for the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber.

USAF Year in Photos

USAF Year in Photos

An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flightline as the sun sets, Nov. 20, 2019, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The Reaper provides dominant, persistent attack and reconnaissance 24/7/365. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado)

An Air Force F-22 Raptor is parked on the flightline at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Feb. 11, 2019. Jets were staged on the flightline as part of a routine night-flying training mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Bryan Myhr)

A KC-10 Extender from the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis AFB, Calif., refuels a CV-22 Osprey from the 20th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., during an aerial refueling training mission over New Mexico, March 11, 2019. Travis AFB Airmen fly training missions regularly to stay current and be prepared for future mobility operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Swafford)

U.S. and Italian Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons and a B-52 Stratofortress, fly in formation over the Adriatic Sea during exercise Astral Knight 19, June 4, 2019. Astral Knight takes place throughout various locations in Europe, involves more than 900 Airmen and supports the collective defense and security of NATO allies and U.S. forces in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry)

Tech. Sgt. Hai Spletstoser, a security forces specialist with the Georgia Air National Guard, walks the flightline at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., July 22, 2019, during exercise Northern Strike 19. Northern Strike is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting service members from more than 20 states, multiple service branches and seven coalition countries. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Scott Thompson)

Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, flies a twilight demonstration during aviation celebration, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., July 28, 2019. Founded in 2007, the F-22 demo team showcases the unique capabilities of the world's premier fifth-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm)

Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, performs during the Chicago Air and Water Show, Aug. 17, 2019. Founded in 2007, the F-22 Demo Team showcases the unique capabilities of the world's premier fifth-generation fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm)

A 509th Bomb Wing B-2 Spirit flies over the United Kingdom during the Bomber Task Force training exercise, Aug. 29, 2019. Training with partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to global readiness and strengthens enduring and strategic relationships. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Castelan)

An HC-130J Combat King II is parked on the flightline at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., Aug. 30, 2019. The aircraft was used to transport personnel and equipment to Little Rock AFB in support of Hurricane Dorian aircraft relocation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Alder)

An F-15C Eagle and two F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, painted with their respective squadron heritage color scheme, rendezvous with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refuelling Wing during a flypast over the MSPO Expo in Kielce, Poland, Sept. 3, 2019. The MSPO Expo is an international defense industry exhibition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

A C-130 Hercules from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, fires off flares over Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center, Wyo., during a training mission, Sept. 24, 2019. The 153rd Airlift Wing's primary mission is to provide combat airlift to the state of Wyoming and the nation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Alderman)

An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship assigned to the 73rd Special Operations Squadron takes off from Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 26, 2019. The Ghostrider, the newest, most advanced gunship in the world, is used for close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance missions to support special operations forces worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph P. Leveille)

A UH-1N Iroquois with the 1st Helicopter Squadron sits on the flightline at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 1, 2019. The 1st HS provides support to the Washington, D.C., area and JB Andrews. The 1st HS conducts high-priority airlift missions and provides contingency response in the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Sudolcan)

Egypt large scale exercise Qader 2020

MiG-29M/M2

Ka-52

AH-64D

Mi-24

2nd Fleet Declares Full Operational Capability

NORFOLK, Virginia (NNS) -- Seven months after reaching initial operational capability, U.S. 2nd Fleet achieved full operational capability Dec. 31.

Since its reestablishment in August 2018, Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis, 2nd Fleet (C2F) commander, has led the resurgence of the Navy’s newest numbered Fleet, amid a return to great power competition as outlined in the National Defense Strategy.

“Within an increasingly complex global security environment, our allies and competitors alike are well aware that many of the world’s most active shipping lanes lie within the North Atlantic,” Lewis said. “Combined with the opening of waterways in the Arctic, this competitive space will only grow, and 2nd Fleet’s devotion to the development and employment of capable forces will ensure that our nation is both present and ready to fight in the region if and when called upon.”

Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, C2F exercises operational authorities over assigned ships, aircraft and landing forces on the East Coast and the North Atlantic.

The achievement of FOC signifies 2nd Fleet has reached sufficient capacity to sustain command and control over assigned forces using the operational functions and processes of the Maritime Operations Center and Maritime Headquarters, in accordance with Navy Doctrine. 

C2F will primarily focus on forward operations and the employment of combat ready naval forces in the Atlantic and Arctic, and to a smaller extent, on force generation and the final training and certification of forces preparing for operations around the globe.

“Our involvement in force generation is limited to the integrated phase – the final stages of the training cycle when our ships are operating at the high-end in aggregate,” Lewis said. “This is an important distinction from the previous 2nd Fleet that disestablished in 2011 in that it aligns us with all other OCONUS numbered fleets.”

In June, C2F led exercise Baltic Operations on behalf of Naval Forces Europe, marking it the first time the Fleet operated in the European theater since its reestablishment, leveraging increased lethality, interoperability and integrated warfighting capability with regional allies and partners.

Building its expeditionary capability, C2F established a Maritime Operations Center (MOC) this past September in Keflavik, Iceland. This forward operating MOC, made up of approximately 30 members of C2F staff, possessed the ability to command and control forces, provide basic indicators and warnings for situational awareness, and issue orders while maintaining reach-back capability to C2F headquarters.

Additionally, C2F has a trans-Atlantic outlook and understanding that it is intrinsically linked with allies and partners – both up toward the Arctic as well as across the Atlantic.

“We tirelessly work with our partner and NATO alliances to strengthen our deterrence and defense efforts throughout the Atlantic to improve upon our readiness and responsiveness,” Lewis said. “This critical relationship will continue to grow throughout the future, as we work together to ensure there is no seam in the Atlantic for our adversaries to exploit.”

By focusing on strengthening our partnerships with our Allies in the Atlantic and high-end training and employment of assigned assets, the new C2F is now fully postured to support the employment of forces, whether that is on the western or eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, or further north into the Arctic Ocean.

Source - 2nd Fleet Declares Full Operational Capability

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