This January marks the 35th anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm, launched on January 17, 1991, Desert Storm was a decisive coalition campaign that brought a swift end to Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait. As the nation reflects on this pivotal moment in modern military history, we also recognize the critical contributions of the National Guard units, particularly those from the Utah National Guard, whose Soldiers and Airmen played an essential role in the conflict’s success.
The Utah National Guard saw service in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in many different roles. The 141st and 142nd Military Intelligence Battalions (Linguists) supported numerous units, including the 82nd and 101st Airborne, 24th Infantry Division, and the 2nd and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiments. The linguists primarily served as screeners for captured Iraqi prisoners of war and in some cases, aided in interrogations and interpretation. The 625th Military Police Company primarily served by guarding and processing Iraqi prisoners of war but were also tasked with convoy escorts and other tactical operations. In all, the 625th would process, relocate and guard more than 80,000 Iraqi POWs. The 120th Quartermaster Detachment, 115th Engineer Group, was tasked with water purification and made history by being the first unit to uncrate and bring online the 150K Skid Mounted Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit in a tactical environment. The 1457th Engineer Battalion was activated shortly after the air war began. As the only mission-capable engineer battalion in Europe, they took on and completed more than $5,000,000 worth of construction projects.
Over 330 members of the 151st Air Refueling Wing served in a variety of capacities in support of Operation Desert Storm. KC-135 aircraft and aircrew belonging to the 151st Operations Group were assigned to the 1701st Strategic Wing, the largest tanker wing ever formed and flew numerous combat missions in enemy airspace. Additionally, 151st ARW crew chiefs served in Moron Air Base, Spain to conduct KC-135 phase inspections for aircraft rotating in and out of theater. The 151st ARW also supported Operation Desert Strom by deploying security police, medical personnel, and firefighters, backfilling active-duty units throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Beyond tactics and technology, Desert Storm highlighted the citizen-soldier ethos embodied by Utah’s Guardsmen, men and women who left civilian careers and families to serve their country when it mattered most. Their service strengthened partnerships within the total force and showcased the National Guard’s ability to deploy, fight, and win alongside active-duty forces.
On this anniversary, we honor the legacy of those Utah National Guard Soldiers and Airmen who served during Operation Desert Storm. Their dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism remain a source of pride for the state of Utah and a lasting example of the Guard’s vital role in defending the nation at home and abroad.
Captions:
1. Members of the 120th Quartermaster, Water Purification working on their main equipment, the 150k Reverse Osmosis Water Purification unit during Operation Desert Storm.
2. Company A, 142nd MIB and members of the 141st MIB at the armory prior to departure to Desert Shield/Storm.
3. 400 bed hospital site of the 144th Evac Hospital known as Emerald City, located 25 miles north of Riyadh and adjacent to King Khalid Airport during Desert Storm.
4. Members of the 144th Evac Hospital at Emerald City, near King Khalid Airport during Desert Storm.
5. A KC-135 from the 151st ARW refuels a Navy F-14 over Saudi Arabia during the first days of the air war in Jan.1991.
6. A KC-135 from the 151st ARW displays its nose art before a mission during Operation Desert Storm.
7. One of the large water bladders being filled by the 120th Quartermaster Water Purification Unit of the UTNG at one of their stations in the desert during the Desert Storm campaign.
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