The U.S. Naval Events Of 18 April 1988
Mission #8:  
April 18. Shell the Iranian oil rig Saasan, which is equipped with four 
ZSU-23 anti-aircraft guns and several SA-7 missiles.

Background:  An extensive air screen was established early in the morning 
of April 18. E-2C Hawkeyes joined the usual patrol of E-3As. Combat air 
patrol was also provided by F-14As. The patrolling aircraft were 
dispatched from the USS Enterprise. A-6Es were equipped with laser guided 
weapons, Harpoon missiles and Mark 20 Rockeye cluster bombs. On standby 
were A-7E jets. At 0917 hours, the U.S. shelled the platform of Iran's 
Saasan oil rig. The Navy had given those aboard the rig several minutes 
warning before destroying the structure and its four ZSU-23 anti-aircraft 
guns and several SA-7s. The three U.S. ships involved were the Trenton, 
the Merrill and the Lynde McCormick.

Mission #9:  
April 18. Shell the Iranian oil rig Nasr, which is equipped with ZSU-23 
anti-aircraft guns.

Background:  At 0932 hours, three more U.S. ships off Sirri were receiving
activity from ZSU-23 anti-aircraft guns aboard the Nasr oil platform after
issuing a similar warning. The USS Wainwright, Simpson and Begely returned
fire and shelled the platform to abandonment. It was soon destroyed.
