Shield and Sword: The United States Navy and the Persian Gulf War

A decade after the United States forged a diverse international coalition to drive Saddam Hussein's invading forces out of Kuwait, the vital role seapower played in that mission has received far less recognition than the land and air campaigns. Yet U.S. Navy surface ships and submarines launched hundreds of cruise missille attacks against Iraqi targets throughout the war, and carriers in surrounding waters sent air strikes deep into the enemy's territory. The battleships Missouri and Wisconsin bombarded hostile targets while U.S. sailors fought naval actions beside U.S. Army and Royal Navy helicopter crews. SEAL missions, global sealift actions, mine countermeasures, and operations in support of the economic embargo all contributed to this complex joint war effort that became one of the most successful campaigns in American military history.