Start of Operation Desert Storm
January 17th, 1991
January 17th, 1991
How Long Ago?
34 years, 1 month, 26 days ago
Location
Iraq
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Gulf War
People
- LCDR Scott Speicher
Links & References
- Iraq
- Gulf War
- Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk
- McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
- VFA-81
- Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25
Tags
Start of Operation Desert Storm
Early in the morning, U.S. aircraft launched airstrikes across Iraq marking the beginning of Operation Desert Storm. This operation featured the first major combat sortie for the F-117 stealth aircraft. LCDR Scott Speicher's F/A-18C Hornet from VFA-81 was shot down by a Mig-25, making him the first American casualty of the conflict. Concurrently, Iraq fired eight Scud missiles into Israel, attempting to provoke an Israeli response, though this tactic was unsuccessful.
Operation Desert Storm began with extensive airstrikes.
LCDR Scott Speicher was the first U.S. casualty.
Iraq launched Scud missiles targeting Israel.
F-117 stealth aircraft debuted in combat.
What Happened?
Operation Desert Storm commenced early in the morning with a massive aerial assault on Iraqi targets, initiated by U.S. and coalition forces after the United Nations deadline for Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait had expired. This operation showcased advanced military technology, including the stealth capabilities of the F-117 Nighthawk, which made its combat debut in this campaign. The airstrikes targeted command and control centers, air defense systems, and infrastructure across Iraq, underlining the coalition's military strategy of achieving air superiority before launching a ground offensive.
Among the first actions of this operation was the downing of LCDR Scott Speicher's F/A-18C Hornet, which was shot down by a Mig-25 fighter. This incident marked a significant moment in the conflict as Speicher became the first American casualty of the Gulf War. The situation intensified when Iraq retaliated by launching eight Scud missiles aimed at Israel. This attempt to provoke a response from Israel aimed to unite the Arab world against the coalition forces, but ultimately did not elicit the intended reaction, as Israel refrained from retaliating, adhering to American urging.
The strategic objectives of Operation Desert Storm included not only liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation but also establishing a foothold for U.S. military presence in the region. This operation would be pivotal in shaping subsequent U.S.-Middle East relations and showcasing the effectiveness of modern military technology in combat. The coalition forces' remarkable success established a standard for future engagements and influenced military strategies worldwide.
Why Does it Matter?
Operation Desert Storm is notable for its demonstration of cutting-edge military technology, particularly the F-117's stealth capabilities which revolutionized aerial combat. The event also had lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy and military strategy in the Middle East, shaping future interactions in the region and establishing a precedent for international military coalitions.
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