In the wake of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the United States felt an urgent need to respond to the aggressive actions of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Recognizing the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia, particularly its vast oil reserves, President George H.W. Bush opted to send military forces to the region as part of Operation Desert Shield. On August 7, 1990, the first contingent of American soldiers arrived at Dhahran International Airport in Saudi Arabia. This marked an important escalation in the U.S. commitment to the Gulf region and signaled to Iraq that the United States would not tolerate further aggression. The arrival of the troops was a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, with Bush emphasizing the need for a coalition to restore peace and security in the region.

The deployment brought with it a significant military buildup that would include hundreds of thousands of troops over the coming months, alongside forces from various allied nations. The situation rapidly developed into a complex military and diplomatic endeavor, with the U.S. and coalition forces preparing for a January 1991 offensive to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. The presence of American troops in Saudi Arabia, however, became a point of contention in the region, influencing both U.S.-Middle Eastern relations and local sentiments toward American foreign policy.

This military mobilization not only served to safeguard Saudi territory but also aimed to protect crucial global oil supplies. As American soldiers settled in, the vast operation unfolded to ultimately set the stage for the Gulf War, marking a significant chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitics.