Operation Operation Vigilant Sentinel
Operation Vigilant Warrior II

In August 1995, Hussein chose to test U.S. resolve by moving another significant military force close to his country's border with Kuwait. Nearly 70 people from the 74th Air Control Squadron deployed 24-25 August to Kuwait. The specific battle management functions the 74th ACS and its counterparts performed included surveillance, data link management and weapons control. The deploying units were part of a ground theater air control system, consisting of a control reporting element and an air support operations center. The CRE is a mobile tactical unit which provides surveillance and command and control capability. The ASOC plans, directs and controls the air effort in support of ground forces. The deployment of 3,500 American soldiers to Kuwait in October 1996 following the expansion of the no-fly zone in Iraq provided a deterrent to further hostile Iraqi acts.

Navy and Marine Corps combat forces and active and reserve Military Sealift Command forces responded to Iraqi threats against Jordan and Kuwait. Maritime Pre-positioning Ship Squadron Two sortied from Diego Garcia with equipment for a 17,300-Marine combat force and remained on-station to provide rapid response capability.