Operation Desert Storm: Task Force Papa Bear Activated

OPERATION DESERT SHIELD

Task Force (TF) Papa Bear was activated in Saudi Arabia on 31 December 1990.  During Operation Desert Shield, TF Papa Bear conducted defensive operations and trained to break two complex obstacle belts constructed by the Iraqis in southern Kuwait.  Major units comprising TF Papa Bear were:

- Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment

- 1st Battalion, 1st Marine (1/1)

- 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9)

- 1st Tank Battalion (1st Tanks)

- A Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB)

- A Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion

- B and C Companies, 3rd Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Battalion

- 1st Platoon, Bravo Battery, 3rd Light Anti-Air Defense Battalion (DS)

- 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (1/11) (DS)

Operation Desert Shield: 1st Marines HQ Comm Platoon Arriving in Saudi Arabia

OPERATION DESERT SHIELD
On 2 August 1990, the oil rich country of Kuwait was invaded by its neighbor, Iraq.  Iraq also threatened Saudi Arabia.  The United States and other members of the United Nations quickly responded by deploying military forces to deter further aggression by the Iraqis.  Headquarters First Marine Regiment, as part of the President's reinforcement plan, arrived in Southwest Asia on 23 December 1990.

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

On the flight to Saudi Arabia - LCpl Graves

Wearing newly issued desert camoflauge uniforms

Arriving in Saudi Arabia

Major Helgeson in his new uniform