e assessed the situation and briefed the King on what support the United States could provide. On August 7, 1990 at the direction of the president on the United States, U.S. forces began to deploy to the region. Prepare now. On August 8, 1990 as the president of the United States addressed the nation two carrier battle groups led by the USS Independence and the USS Eisenhower were already on station in the Gulf area (Overseas Presence). Enroute were the “Ready Brigade” of the 82nd Airborne Division, a Navy propositioned F-18 squadron, and F-15’s from the Airforce’s 1st Tactical Fighter Wing (Power Projection). With other forces quickly following. The U.S. National Security Objectives were clearly laid out on August 9, 1990. The four simple principles guided our policy; first, the immediate, unconditional and complete withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Second, Kuwait’s legitimate government must be restored to replace the puppet regime. Third, we are committed to the security and stability of the Persian Gulf. Fourth, we are determined to protect the lives of American citizen’s abroad (Qtd. in summers 175). The Military’s initial deployment of troops was wholly defensive. They would not initiate hostilities, but they would defend themselves, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other friends in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. National Security Strategy was to impose economic sanctions on Iraq. On August 6, 1990, the U.N. Security Council voted in favor of resolution 661, which imposed a trade and financial Embargo of Iraq. While the Army was on the defensive the Navy and the Coast Guard immediately went on the operational and tactical offensive to create and enforce a Naval blockade against Iraq. One of the major points of contention was whether economic sanctions alone could have achieved U.S. objectives in the Gulf. U.S. senator Sam Nunn believed that international sanctions wer...
