U.S. Engages Iraq in the Air:  17 January 1991
Mission #2:  
January 17. Support friendly aircraft, which are under attack by Iraqi 
aircraft.

Background:  The United States engaged in air-to-air battles with Iraqi 
aircraft. Iraq fired multiple SAMs and anti-aircraft artillery with little
or no effect. 

The USS Nicholas Incident:  18 January 1991
Mission #3:  
January 18. Iraqi forces are attacking coalition aircraft from positions 
on Kuwaiti oil platforms in the northern Arabian Gulf. Destroy the 
anti-aircraft artillery and SAM-armed oil platforms. 

Background:  The USS Nicholas (FFG 47), with the help of a U.S. Army 
helicopter and a Kuwaiti patrol boat, engaged and neutralized Iraqi forces
firing on coalition aircraft with anti-aircraft artillery and 
shoulder-fired SAMs from 11 Kuwaiti oil platforms in the northern Arabian 
Gulf. 
