Desert Shield at Sea: What the Navy Really Did

by Marvin Pokrant

Overview

Naval forces have not yet received the attention they are due for their role in Operation Desert Shield. This chronological account offers a unique, and as yet, unseen level of detail regarding the Navy's contribution throughout the operation. Relying on primary sources whenever possible, this book discusses naval decisions in terms of information available to decision-makers at the time and presents the pros and cons for alternative courses of action, as argued at the time of the original decision. It details the Navy's role in planning for successful operations, its constant vigil against surprise attack, and its daily contribution to the maritime interception effort to enforce U.N. economic sanctions against Iraq.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313070129
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	05/30/1999
Series:	Contributions in Military Studies Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

MARVIN POKRANT has been a military operations research analyst for more than 20 years./e After joining the Center for Naval Analyses, he had field tours with Commander-in-Chief Pacific Fleet, Commander Third Fleet, and Commander Seventh Fleet. After Desert Storm, Dr. Pokrant coordinated CNA's reconstruction of Desert Shield and Desert Storm with the Seventh Fleet staff. Later, as Director of CNA's Fleet Tactics and Capabilities Program from 1992 to 1994, he oversaw many follow-on analyses of issues raised during Desert Storm. Dr. Pokrant is now retired.

Table of Contents

Preface
Erecting the Shield, 2 August-17 September 1990
This Will Not Stand
Selection of ComUSNavCent
Sanctions
After the False Start
Air Power
Amphibious Forces
Preparations for Defensive War, 18 September-8 November
The Situation
Tightening the Noose
Air Plans and Operations
Amphibious Exercises
Preparations for Offensive War, 9 November-16 January
The Price of Poker Goes Up
Maritime Interception Operations: The Paperwork War
Preparations for Amphibious Warfare
Preparations for Air Warfare
Countdown to War
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

This is the first of two volumes describing in detail the role of the US naval forces during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Illustrates command-and-control issues through stories of operations, and discusses broader strategic issues in the context of the impact on naval operations. Deals with the early days of Desert Shield, decisions made in preparation for defense, and preparation for offensive operations after the president announced a near doubling of US forces. Sources include the author's personal observations, as well as official logs, internal briefings, news reports, and interviews. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)

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