Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
File: 111396_aacvt_12.txtMUNITIONS Munitions stocks prepositioned in Oman and aboard three prepositioned ships were the only sources of ammunition initially available to USCENTAF forces. These stocks represented a good, but basic, mix of conventional ordnance. The primary inventory consisted of MK-80 series general purpose bombs, Viet Nam vintage cluster bomb units (CBUs), ammunition, and some laser guided GBU-12 resources. These munitions had been maintained for several years by a combination of contractor and "Blue Suit" forces and were in combat ready condition for the most part. The MK-20 Rockeyes aboard the prepositioning ships had not had a TCTO complied with thus restricting their use on high speed aircraft. As the forces were bedded down, these prepositioned munitions were pushed forward to support them. These stocks, plus air-to-air missiles ferried in by deploying units, pretty well matched initial mission requirements for USCENTAF forces and could support anticipated sorties for approximately 30 days. Three sustainment ammunition ships, to maintain these forces once hostilities commenced, were built in late August 1990 by the USAF ACP in response to USCENTAF requirements These vessels became absolutely critical to reach 30 days of supply when the supported force structure effectively doubled in November 1990. Additions to force structure drove munitions requirements through the roof. Also, explosives storage capability at most area of responsibility (AOR) beddown locations was either non-existent
Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search