OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

File: 970815_sep96_decls54_0014.txt
Page: 0014
Total Pages: 44

Subject = OPNS DESERT SHIELD STORM DIARY 807TH MASH

Parent Organization = ARCENT

Unit = VII CORPS

Folder Title = SUBORDINATE COMMAND HISTORICAL REPORTS-2D COSCOM-332D MED-341ST MED-912TH MED

Document Number = 3

Box ID = BX000308

From the balconies of our temporary billets, we can see
coalition aircraft, heavily loaded with ordinance, leaving Dharan
airfield and heading north. The war seems very close to us.
Being located so near to the airfield makes us a particularly
inviting target for SCUD attacks, and this lesson is brought home
time after time in the nights to follow.

Our unit was becoming more and more proficient in donning
our MOPP gear. Soon, we felt undressed without it, especially
after dark. Our gratitude to the Patriot crews soon results in
notes being sent to them, expressing our thanks and confidence.
Some people even wrote to Raytheon Corporation, the primary
contractor, to thank them as well. SCUD attacks soon became a
nightly experience, with the effect of placing the entire unit on
night shift; sleeping during the day, suiting up and waiting all
night. It is a draining experience, but one not without its
humorous side. There is usually a four hour wait to use the
telephone, and after several days of SCUD alerts, people are no
longer leaving the phone lines. They merely put on their MOPP
gear and resume their place in line, waiting both for the phone
and for the "all clear". There was only one daylight alert during
the 7 day period we experienced the SCUDS, Saddam preferring to
launch his -missiles at night to prevent the further destruction of
his launchers. Our life-style begins to alter, as we tape windows