A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-16C above the clouds while a second F-16 waits nearby during Desert Storm.

U.S. Air Force courtesy photo via DVIDS

Operation · January 17–February 28, 1991

Operation Desert Storm

Operation Desert Storm brought a U.S.-led coalition together to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait in 1991.

About the Operation / Event

Stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and helicopter crews struck Iraq’s defenses before the ground offensive. Behind them, tankers, controllers and maintainers kept the air campaign moving. The fighting brought together land, sea and air forces from across the coalition.

Opening the route

USAF MH-53s guided Army Apaches

At sea

Six U.S. aircraft carriers

Keeping aircraft fueled

15,434 tanker sorties

Ground offensive

100 hours before the ceasefire