July 24, 1987

July 24, 1987
In Operation Earnest Will, the US begins providing protection to reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War. USAF E-3 AWACS warn of aerial threats, C-5 and C- 141 aircraft airlift minesweeping personnel and equipment to the theater, and KC-10 and KC-135 tankers refuel escorting Navy fighters. The operation continues until Nov. 17, 1988.

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