3 Mar 2021

Operation Desert Storm, looking back 30 years later

On January 17, 1991, Operation Desert Storm launched when a massive aerial bombing campaign began striking key targets in Iraq and Kuwait. From January 17 – February 28, 1991, over 69,000 sorties were flown in support of Operation Desert Storm. Of the almost 69,000 total force personnel deployed, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard accounted for over 20% of the personnel footprint in the Gulf. Initially anticipating massive casualties, more than 17,500 Reservists were called to active duty, with more than 7,800 Reservists in medical specialties.