APPENDIX

OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS

2 August 90-11 April 91

2 August 90 Iraq invades Kuwait. Kuwaiti air defense units equipped with U.S. HAWK antiaircraft missiles down about 22 Iraqi aircraft & one combat helicopter during the invasion. Iraqi forces capture U.S.-made HAWK & TOW missiles in Kuwait. U.N. Security Council Resolution 660 condemns the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The Chief of the MICOM Plans & Operation Office extends operation of the MICOM EOC to 14 hours while planning a full 24-hour manning level. William Hollingsworth, a MICOM civilian technical specialist assigned to Kuwait, and his wife Nancy are detained by the Iraqi Army.

3 August 90 The PATRIOT PM directs the prime contractor & other program subcontractors to surge production to support anticipated needs in SWA.

6 August 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 661 imposes economic sanctions against Iraq. Saudi Arabia requests U.S. assistance in its defense. The MICOM EOC goes to full 24-hour operation. The acceleration of PATRIOT PAC 2 missile production receives formal approval.

7 August 90 Operation Desert Shield begins (C-Day). BG Larry R. Capps, MICOM DCG, formally orders the activation of the MICOM EOC, with operations to continue on a 24-hour basis until further notice. Contractors begin the accelerated delivery schedule for PATRIOT PAC 2 missiles.

8 August 90 The first U.S. forces arrive in Saudi Arabia. AMC tasks its subordinate commands for critical items lists for surge possibilities.

9 August 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 662 declares the Iraqi annexation of Kuwait null & void. Lead Army elements from the 82d Airborne Division arrive in theater. The TOW Project Office receives word that the 82d, 101st, & 24th Divisions will deploy immediately to SWA. The 1st Cavalry Division, elements of the 2d Armored Division, & the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment would follow shortly. Analysis shows that only the 82d has the latest version of the TOW 2 missile guidance set with new software for improved tracking in a desert environment.

10 August 90 Coalition military activities in SWA are designated Operation Desert Shield. HQDA directs the TOW Project Office to immediately apply the latest software modification to the TOW 2 launchers & the ITV launch rail modification on TOW 2 systems before units deploy to SWA. Within 72 hours of their arrival in Saudi Arabia, all U.S. Air Force combat aircraft have their missile jammers upgraded to counter U.S.-made HAWK missiles captured in Kuwait by invading Iraqi forces.

11 August 90 The first MICOM LAR deployed for Operation Desert Shield arrives in SWA.

12 August 90 LTC James D. Fagan is appointed MICOM SCR for SWA.

13 August 90 The first ship departs Savannah with the equipment of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized). The arrival of Battery B, 2d Battalion, 7th ADA, 11th ADA Brigade in Saudi Arabia marks the first PATRIOT battery in-country. PERSCOM begins requesting Redstone soldiers in certain specialties to fill vacancies at deploying units. Of the first 67 processed out, 33 belong to OMMCS; 9 are MICOM; 12 are TMDE.

14 August 90 The 82d Airborne Division Ready Brigade-1 arrives in theater and moves to secure ports.

17 August 90 The first U.S. Army prepositioned ship arrives in Saudi Arabia. After the TOW modification team completes its mission at Fort Hood, deploying units have the most up-to-date TOW 2 equipment available.

18 August 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 664 calls for the immediate release of foreigners from Iraq & Kuwait. The MICOM SCR for SWA arrives in Saudi Arabia.

22 August 90 By this date, CHAPARRAL/FAAR Project Office engineers have developed a new FAAR carrier conversion kit initially using a 2 1/2-ton M35A2 truck as the carrier for the radar.

25 August 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 665 authorizes the use of force to halt maritime shipping to & from Iraq.

26 August 90 The Iraqi army releases Nancy Hollingsworth, who returns to the United States.

27 August 90 U.S. Central Command now considers PATRIOT to be "in-country & functional" although hardware began arriving almost 2 weeks earlier.

29 August 90 The 82d Airborne Division arrives in theater. HQDA orders Army TACMS low rate initial production to be accelerated.

31 August 90 The first PATRIOT PAC 2 missiles roll off the production line, 5 months ahead of schedule.

10 September 90 The first group deployment from Redstone Arsenal in support of ODS involves a squad-size group of soldiers from the 95th Maintenance Company

12 September 90 Major combat elements of 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) arrive in theater.

13 September 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 666 establishes guidelines for humanitarian aid to Iraq & Kuwait.

15 September 90 The Army TACMS low rate initial production contract is modified to accelerate delivery in support of Operation Desert Shield.

16 September 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 667 condemns Iraq & demands protection of diplomatic personnel.

19 September 90 ISC-MICOM printing plant employees complete the last batch of the first printing of 250,000 copies of the pocket guide, "The Iraqi Threat and How They Fight."

24 September 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 669 authorizes the examination of requirements for economic assistance under U.N. Article 50.

25 September 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 670 condemns Iraq & confirms the economic embargo.

September 90 The first PATRIOT PAC 2 missiles produced under the accelerated production contract are air transported directly to troops in SWA.

2 October 90 ODCSOPS suspends FAAR system deactivation & tasks MICOM to bring the system to full readiness.

5 October 90 MAJ Walter E. Lorchiem is appointed MICOM SRO.

6 October 90 The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) arrives in the theater of operation.

16 October 90 Less than a month after printing an initial 250,000 copies of a guide about Iraqi troops & weapons, the ISC-MICOM printing plant prepares a second run for shipment to the Middle East.

18 October 90 MAJ Walter E. Lorcheim, a reserve officer appointed as MICOM SRO, arrives in SWA.

22 October 90 The 1st Cavalry Division, deployed with its AVENGER systems, arrives in theater.

29 October 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 674 condemns Iraq & calls for the release of third-country nationals & the provision of food. The Iraqi army releases William Hollingsworth, who returns to Redstone Arsenal.

October 90 Lockheed Sanders, prime contractor for the FAAR, begins converting the system to the 5-ton truck configuration in support of Operation Desert Shield. The accelerated hand off of AVENGER fire units begins in support of Operation Desert Shield.

9 November 90 The HELLFIRE Project Office offers equipment check-out assistance to HELLFIRE/APACHE units alerted for deployment to SWA. Findings from the assistance visits indicate serious readiness problems with the subsystem. MLC sends a team to SWA in support of PATRIOT. This support team will remain in theater until 18 April 91.

11 November 90 The G/VLLD Exchange Program for SWA begins in Germany to provide a calibrated eyesafe LD/R. An advance team from MICOM tests, repairs, & modifies 107 G/VLLD assets belonging to units scheduled to deploy to SWA.

18 November 90 The PEO Fire Support sends a team to SWA in support of TOW. This support team will remain in theater until 13 March 91.

21 November 90 VII Corps units begin deployment to SWA.

23 November 90 MICOM receives the order to deploy two PATRIOT fire units to Israel within 120 days.

28 November 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 677condemns Iraqi attempts to alter Kuwaiti demographics. The United States & Saudia Arabia sign an FMS case for the sale of PATRIOT fire units. Valued at more than $1 billion, it is implemented on 30 November 90. The PEO Air Defense sends a team to SWA in support of PATRIOT subsystems. This support team will remain in theater until 24 March 91.

29 November 90 U.N. Security Council Resolution 678 authorizes the use of force to uphold resolutions unless Iraq withdraws by the 15 January 91 deadline.

30 November 90 MICOM informs HQDA that the contractor will accelerate delivery of CHAPARRAL missiles. By this date, the TOW 2 optical protection sight exchange program is completed in SWA. MLC sends another team to SWA in support of PATRIOT. This support team will remain in theater until 21 April 91.

November 90 The deployment of STINGER-RMP missiles to SWA begins. The Saudi Arabia National Guard is provided TOW night sights, giving them night fighting capability used effectively during Desert Storm.

1 December 90 The XVIII Airborne Corps arrives in the theater of operation. Initially deployed with the XVIII is the 6/27th Field Artillery Battalion, which arrives in SWA with two Army TACMS batteries.

3 December 90 SAMD sends two teams to SWA in support of MLRS & HAWK. The MLRS team returns on 6 December 90, while the HAWK team returns on 15 January 91.

14 December 90 RD&E Center sends a team to SWA in support of MLRS. This support team will remain in theater until 8 May 91.

31 December 90 A letter contract is issued for FMS customer Saudi Arabia for PATRIOT fire units & missiles.

December 90 The accelerated delivery of items under the Army TACMS low rate initial production contract modification of 15 September 90 is completed. A "Quick Fix" team deploys to SWA to modify MLRS launchers. The team installs metal panels on 70 launchers before 15 January 91. The HELLFIRE Project Office dispatches a contractor technical representative contact team to SWA to locate & make the necessary adjustments & repairs to restore the HELLFIRE/APACHE units to a high readiness posture. This effort is completed the following month.

1 January 91 The PEO Fire Support sends a team to SWA in support of HELLFIRE. This support team remains in theater until 13 January 91.

3 January 91 The AMC DCG for Materiel Readiness directs the MICOM Commanding General to coordinate with DESCOM to determine echelon above division back-up maintenance capability/capacity that could be used to reduce maintenance backlogs of the M-901 ITV.

8 January 91 The 3343d U.S. Army Hospital of Mobile, Alabama, is mobilized to augment Fox Army Community Hospital, Redstone Arsenal. The advance party arrives on 11 January; the first increment of the main body reaches Redstone on 15 January; & the final increment reports on 4 February.

10 January 91 An eight-member MICOM G/VLLD team departs Redstone Army Airfield for Dhahran.

14 January 91 The MICOM G/VLLD team begins exchanging LD/Rs on the front lines in the theater of operation.

15 January 91 The U.N. sets this date as the deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait.

16 January 91 By this date, the number of soldiers at Redstone Arsenal processed for possible duty in Saudi Arabia totals 225: 167 departed, 14 pending departure, the rest on standby. LTC Daniel M. Prescott, MICOM SCR, & MAJ James Fowler, MICOM SRO, arrive in SWA.

17 January 91 The Operation Desert Storm air war begins (D-Day). Laser-guided HELLFIRE missiles, fired by U.S. Army 101st Aviation Brigade APACHE helicopters strike the first coalition blow against two Iraqi early-warning radar sites, destroying both within 4 minutes thereby opening a corridor for the first air strikes against targets inside Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps AH-1T COBRA helicopter gunships destroy an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi- Kuwaiti border.

A total of 36 MICOM LARs and 2 supervisors are on site in Saudi Arabia by this date.

18 January 91 Iraq fires the first Scud missiles at Israel & Saudi Arabia. Battery A, 2d Battalion, 7th ADA, 11th ADA Brigade scores the first combat kill for the PATRIOT system after successfully intercepting the first Scud over Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. A Battery, 6th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, attached to VII Corps, fired the first two Army TACMS missiles of Operation Desert Storm in counterattacks against Iraqi artillery at the Kuwaiti border firing on Saudi Arabia. These are the first rounds fired in anger by VII Corps since World War II as well as the first rounds fired by U.S. Army field artillery in the Persian Gulf War.

19 January 91 DOD announces the deployment of USAEUR PATRIOT missiles & crews to Israel.

20 January 91 XVIII Airborne & VII Corps (minus elements of the 3d Armored Division) begin movement to forward assembly areas for the ground phase of the campaign. MLC sends two teams to Israel in support of PATRIOT. The first team returns on 31 March 91 and the second team returns on 4 April 91.

22 January 91 WSMD sends a team to SWA in support of G/VLLD. This support team remains in theater until 2 February 91.

25 January 91 The PEO Air Defense sends a team to SWA in support of PATRIOT. This support team remains in theater until 8 February 91.

26 January 91 The VCSA directs another acceleration of PATRIOT PAC 2 missile production & delivery which is to be sustained through August 91.

28 January 91 A second acceleration of Army TACMS low rate initial production is issued.

29 January 91 Iraqi troops attack Khafji, Saudi Arabia. After AMC tasks MICOM to manage the M901 ITV, a WSMD team begins to identify problems & their solutions that result in raising system readiness rates from 80 percent to 95 percent.

30 January 91 Saudi-led coalition forces, which included U.S. Marine Corps units, storm the Iraqi-held Saudi town of Khafji, but are forced to retreat not only by Iraqi resistance but by "friendly fire" from the Qatari armored unit assigned to protect the Saudis from the rear.

31 January 91 MLC sends a team to Turkey in support of PATRIOT. This support team remains in country until 31 March 91. The second Saudi-led attack successfully retakes Khafji. During the series of fire fights constituting the first major ground battle of Operation Desert Storm, many Iraqi tanks and armored cars are reportedly immobilized by TOW antitank missiles.

January 91 MICOM LARs upgrade software packaged on STINGER-RMP gripstocks deployed to SWA.

2 February 91 LTC James D. Fagan, the first MICOM SCR in SWA, returns to Redstone Arsenal & assumes duties as senior operations officer in the MICOM EOC.

3 February 91 XVIII Airborne & VII Corps complete movement to the forward assembly areas.

6 February 91 VII Corps closes in theater with the arrival of the last elements of the 3d Armored Division.

13 February 91 Alpha Battery, 21st Field Artillery launches the first MLRS munitions to be fired in combat.

16 February 91 Coalition forces begin day & night artillery raids along front lines.

23 February 91 The deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait before the beginning of the ground war is set for 12 Noon (8 p.m. in Baghdad). The MICOM Commanding General dispatches a message on the effects of crude oil smoke on EO sensors & laser designators specifying the potential impact on operations. The PEO Air Defense sends a team to Israel in support of PATRIOT. This support team remains in country until 6 March 91.

24 February 91 Coalition forces begin the ground phase of the campaign (G-Day).

25 February 91 An Iraqi Scud missile destroys a U.S. barracks in Dhahran, killing 28 American soldiers.

27 February 91 A MICOM Quality Assurance Technician completes the task of handing off TOW 2 equipment to the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

28 February 91 President Bush orders the cessation of offensive operations.

February 91 Lockheed Sanders ships 22 FAARs in the new 5-ton truck configuration to SWA.

1 March 91 Cease fire terms are negotiated in Safwan, Iraq. TASK FORCE FREEDOM begins emergency recovery operations in Kuwait. The PATRIOT PM sends a retrograde support team to SWA. This team remains in country until 13 March 91.

2 March 91 U.N. Security Council Resolution 686 demands that Iraq cease all hostile actions & abide by the previous U.N. resolutions.

7 March 91 DOD announces the first troop deployment home.

8 March 91 Redeployment of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) begins. Class IX shipments to SWA are suspended.

March 91 The PATRIOT PAC 2 missile production acceleration effort of 26 January 91 is terminated.

March 91 By this time, MICOM Transportation had coordinated the movement of 58,700 short tons of Class V materiel in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

3 April 91 U.N. Security Council Resolution 687 sets forth a permanent cease fire.

6 April 91 Iraq officially accepts U.N. cease fire terms & Security Council resolutions.

11 April 91 The cease fire takes effect.

Glossary