Peleliu (LHA 5) - Naval Cruise Book

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in A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM were a magnificent chapter in the history of our Navy and our nation. Our hardware worked, our systems worked and our training worked. But most important, you worked. The superb professionalism and skill you demonstrated were directly responsible for the significant and successful contributions made by the U.S. Navy to the allied military coalition. Our active, reserve and civilian personnel serving in the I region, those deployed to other areas of the world and those who supported our forces from shore commands were critical to the allied victory. All of you did your part, and performed exceptionally. X The rapid and effective integration of reserve forces into active units proved the strength of our total force concept. The moral courage and devotion to duty displayed by our POWs inspired us all. And I share with you the hope that our missing comrades will soon be recovered. We also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. we will forever honor their valor and preserve their memory. Through it all, we drew great strength from the personal sacrifice and unwavering support of our families and the American people. Each of us who wears the uniform, or works directly alongside those who do, will be eternally grateful for their continuing belief in us. I am proud of each of you. fa-cfs? Q'-'Z' FRANK B. KELSO, II Admiral, U.S. Navy i A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THB MARINE CORPS It is with great pride that we reflect upon the superb execution of Operation Desert Storm by our Armed Forces. Professionalism, countless hours of training, and a disciplined strength of character resulted in a decisive victory. Our historic triumph could not have been possible without our total force. While world attention largely focused on those who directly supported Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the Navy-Marine Corps team continued to fulfill its responsibilities throughout the globe. We are indeed a force-in-readiness. The extraordinary public support for our young men and women who endure the hardships of separation and the uncertainties of conflict, is appreciated. The American people are proud, and rightfully so, for we have the finest fighting forces in the world today. Semper Fidelis. General, U.S. Marine Corps Courtesy of ALL HANDS THE STORM 11

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12 THE STORM 1990: Aug 2: Iraq invades Kuwait. Eight U.S. Navy Middle East Force Ships are present in the Persian Gulf fcontinuous Middle East pres- ence since 19495. Aug 8: President Bush ordered U.S. Armed Forces to Saudi Arabia. Sep 20: SECDEF announces that, effective Sept. 17, personnel on duty in the Middle East are authorized Imminent Danger Pay. Nov 8: President Bush announces that in addi- tion to the 250,000 troops in the Persian Gulf region, more heavy divisions, Marines and ships will be headed for the Persian Gulf. Nov 29: U.N. Security Council approves reso- lution authorizing use of military force unless Iraq vacates Kuwait by Jan. 15, 1991. Dec 20: U.S. troop strength update: 280,000 in the Middle East region. Reserves called - 127,295. 47,514 Navy, 17,575 Marinesl. 1991: Jan 2: U.S. troop strength update: More than 525,000 in region: 55,000 Navy, 55,000 Ma- rines. Jan 12: Congress approves joint resolution authorizing the use of American military force against Iraq. - Amphibious Group 5, comprised of 15 ships fwith 7,500 Marines ofthe 5th MEB embarkedl arrives on station in the Nolthem Arabian Sea and joins the amphibious groups already on station, creating the largest amphibious task force since the Korean War. Jan 16: - Maritime intercept update: 6,960 challenges: 852 boardings: 56 diver- sions. U.S. Navy ship strength update: 108 total: 54- Persian Gulf, 55- North Arabian Sea fCrulf of Oman, 26- Red Sea, 15-Eastem Mediterranean. - To date, 19 countries have deployed ground forces and 14 nations are partici- pating in naval efforts. - Seventeen anti-ship mines discovered in Persian Gulf since Dec. 21, 1990. Courtesy of ALL HANDS