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

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Though not so well known as the land and air campaigns, the campaign at sea in the 1991 Gulf War was vital in subduing Saddam Hussein's invasion forces and driving them out of Kuwait. U.S. Navy surface ships and submarines launched hundreds of cruise missile attacks against Iraqi targets throughout the war, and carriers sent air strikes deep into enemy territory. The battleships Missouri and Wisconsin bombarded hostile targets while U.S. sailors joined U.S. Army and Royal Navy helicopter crews in additional actions. SEAL missions, global sealift actions, mine countermeasures, and operations in support of the economic embargo were still more contributing factors to the complex joint warfare effort. Details of these naval operations are thoroughly documented and analyzed in this authoritative study, conducted by the Naval Historical Center and published in limited numbers in 1999. It is based on previously classified action and lessons-learned reports, interviews with participants, and studies conducted by the Center for Naval Analyses and the Department of Defense. The book includes candid evaluations of leadership effectiveness, interservice relations, and methods of command and control. It also analyses the effectiveness of various weapons and sensors, including the Tomahawk land-attack missile, the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft, the Aegis battle management system, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Winner of the Navy League's Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt Naval History Prize and favorably reviewed by military scholars and foreign affairs journals, this credible historical account captures the drama as well as the detail of a modern victory at sea.

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July 14,2025
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Another book has been completed from the CNO's recommended reading list.

I truly relished reading this book. It does an outstanding job of depicting the buildup, execution, and post-execution of the Persian Gulf war. It presents a comprehensive view on both the political and military levels.

The book fairly emphasizes the weaknesses or assumptions that certain services made. At the same time, it acknowledges the remarkable achievements by both generals and diplomats.

It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of the war, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place.

Overall, it is a highly engaging and informative read that I would highly recommend to others interested in military history or international relations.
July 14,2025
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I haven't read much history recently.

However, this particular piece was truly great.

It was especially interesting considering I had just come off a deployment to the region, which gave me a better understanding of the regional politics.

Moreover, I also learned a significant amount about the creation of the command control structures.

It is extremely beneficial to have a good understanding of these aspects.

The knowledge gained not only enriches my understanding of the past but also has practical implications for my work and future deployments.

It helps me to better analyze and navigate the complex political and military landscapes in the region.

Overall, this reading experience has been both educational and enlightening.

I look forward to delving deeper into similar historical topics in the future.

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