On the morning of 24 February 1991, the 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault) successfully conducted the largest air assault operation in the
history of warfare.
"The Lightning of Desert Storm"
Assault) successfully conducted the largest air assault operation in the
history of warfare.
"The Lightning of Desert Storm"
| "Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of the United States Central Command, this morning at 0300, we launched Operation DESERT STORM, an offensive campaign that will enforce the United Nation's resolutions that Iraq must cease its rape and pillage of its weaker neighbor and withdraw its forces from Kuwait. My confidence in you is total. Our cause is just! Now you must be the thunder and lightning of Desert Storm. May God be with you, your loved ones at home, and our Country." |
General H. Norman Schwarztkopf, USA Commander-in-Chief U.S. Central
Command, in a message to the command, 16 January 1991.
`And so, ten years ago, Operation Desert Storm began. On the morning of
24 February 1991, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) successfully
conducted the largest air assault operation in the history of warfare. Led by
Col. Tom Hill's 1st Brigade, 66 Blackhawks and 30 Chinooks lifted off at
0727 Hours to seize FOB Cobra, a forward base 85 miles inside Iraq as well
as numerous other critical objectives deep inside enemy territory. The
swift, deep, and critical strikes of the 101st Airborne Division embodied
General Schwartzkopf's notion of the "Lightning of Desert Storm."
Doctrinally, the 101st Airborne Division's operation would validate the four
tenets of AirLand Battle by successfully utilizing initiative, agility, depth,
and synchronization. Strategically, their attack would fulfill the intent of the
XVIII Airborne Corps Commander, General Gary Luck, by penetrating deep
into Iraq, cutting the enemy's lines of communications, and by drastically
reducing enemy effectiveness. The rapid completion of this initial deep
strike was critical to the success of the "Great Wheel" envisioned by the
CINC, General Norman Schwarztkopf and was key to the success of the
ground campaign.
The route of flight was secured by Apache helicopters, which took up
ambush positions upon reaching their forward objectives. After the
low-level flight, soldiers of the 1st Brigade touched down in multiple
landing zones and moved to expand their objective. Almost immediately,
elements of the 426th Supply and Transportation Battalion landed into FOB
Cobra to establish refueling points for the chalks, which were to follow.
Around 1000 Hours, soldiers of the 1-327th Infantry made contact with a
large Iraqi force which was positioned in a fortified bunker complex within
the Area of Operations (AO). Using the element of surprise and conducting
a synchronized attack, the infantry supported by aviation and arriving
artillery neutralized the enemy, cleared them from their positions, and took
340 prisoners. An impromptu Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT) comprised of Air
Force A-10 "Warthogs" and Army Apache and Cobra helicopters proved
extremely effective during the action.
By afternoon, support and combat power flowed into the area of
operations. With refueling established, Apache attack helicopters of the
101st Aviation Brigade moved even deeper north into Iraq to cut enemy
supply lines and close several key roads connecting Iraqi forces in Kuwait
with Baghdad. The 101st Airborne Division's actions prevented Iraqi
escape along Highway 8, located 170 miles into Iraq. As darkness fell, the
speed and success of the Division's mission had cut major Iraqi lines of
communications and opened the way to enemy destruction and defeat by
the attacking coalition forces.
Illustration by James Dietz - Copyright © 2005.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this website may be reproduced
or utilized in any form without the written consent of American Art & Antiques, Inc.
Command, in a message to the command, 16 January 1991.
`And so, ten years ago, Operation Desert Storm began. On the morning of
24 February 1991, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) successfully
conducted the largest air assault operation in the history of warfare. Led by
Col. Tom Hill's 1st Brigade, 66 Blackhawks and 30 Chinooks lifted off at
0727 Hours to seize FOB Cobra, a forward base 85 miles inside Iraq as well
as numerous other critical objectives deep inside enemy territory. The
swift, deep, and critical strikes of the 101st Airborne Division embodied
General Schwartzkopf's notion of the "Lightning of Desert Storm."
Doctrinally, the 101st Airborne Division's operation would validate the four
tenets of AirLand Battle by successfully utilizing initiative, agility, depth,
and synchronization. Strategically, their attack would fulfill the intent of the
XVIII Airborne Corps Commander, General Gary Luck, by penetrating deep
into Iraq, cutting the enemy's lines of communications, and by drastically
reducing enemy effectiveness. The rapid completion of this initial deep
strike was critical to the success of the "Great Wheel" envisioned by the
CINC, General Norman Schwarztkopf and was key to the success of the
ground campaign.
The route of flight was secured by Apache helicopters, which took up
ambush positions upon reaching their forward objectives. After the
low-level flight, soldiers of the 1st Brigade touched down in multiple
landing zones and moved to expand their objective. Almost immediately,
elements of the 426th Supply and Transportation Battalion landed into FOB
Cobra to establish refueling points for the chalks, which were to follow.
Around 1000 Hours, soldiers of the 1-327th Infantry made contact with a
large Iraqi force which was positioned in a fortified bunker complex within
the Area of Operations (AO). Using the element of surprise and conducting
a synchronized attack, the infantry supported by aviation and arriving
artillery neutralized the enemy, cleared them from their positions, and took
340 prisoners. An impromptu Joint Air Attack Team (JAAT) comprised of Air
Force A-10 "Warthogs" and Army Apache and Cobra helicopters proved
extremely effective during the action.
By afternoon, support and combat power flowed into the area of
operations. With refueling established, Apache attack helicopters of the
101st Aviation Brigade moved even deeper north into Iraq to cut enemy
supply lines and close several key roads connecting Iraqi forces in Kuwait
with Baghdad. The 101st Airborne Division's actions prevented Iraqi
escape along Highway 8, located 170 miles into Iraq. As darkness fell, the
speed and success of the Division's mission had cut major Iraqi lines of
communications and opened the way to enemy destruction and defeat by
the attacking coalition forces.
Illustration by James Dietz - Copyright © 2005.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this website may be reproduced
or utilized in any form without the written consent of American Art & Antiques, Inc.
Here at Ozark Airfield Artworks we offer a large selection art prints. These prints
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
mainly depict modern and historic aviation along with military, civil and space flight. We
also deal with naval subjects and military armor and infantry works. These prints are
from all the top national and international artists along with some local artists. Many of
our prints are signed by the artist and by famous pilots and veterans. If you are looking
for a specific plane, pilot, artist or subject please contact us.
Copyright © Ozark Airfield Artworks 2005 All Rights Reserved
All sales are subject to availability.
All sales are subject to availability.
All images are copyrighted by the individual artist and may not be
reproduced without their consent.
reproduced without their consent.
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