MALS 16 1 MAR 91

File: 970519_dec96_decls11_0005.txt
Page: 0005
Total Pages: 12

Subject = MALS 16 1 MAR 91

Parent Organization = VARIOUS MC

Unit = VARIOUS MC

Folder Title = MALS-16 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1- 28 FEB 91

Document Number = 1

Box ID = BX600103

UNCLASSIFIED

Sect Ion I I

NARRATIVE SU,%MARY

The month of February commenced with the displacement of
MALS-1 6 Forward from NAF Juba I I to Tana i i b a I rf I e Id. As our ground
forces Inched toward the border to prepare for the breach of the
Iraq I's form I dab I e defenses wi thin Kuwa It, W.AG-16 was ordered to
redeploy north to support WEF offensive operations. This was the
f Irst t I me an ent Ire War I ne Aircraf t Group was emp I oyed as a
maneuver element. Loglsticians would have considered the complete
relocation of a MALS at a speed consistent with tactical maneuver
impossible, but modular planning, coupled with an extraordinary,
around the clock, all hands effort, and transportation provided by
local commercial tractor trailers allowed the MALS to accomplish
the move In approximately one week.
The move had little effect on the support provided to the MAG,
as the MALS was in place and operational within five days. MALS-
16 continued to operate as a fully functional multi-sited Aviation
Logistics Support Squadron providing Intermediate maintenance
repair and aviation supply materials in support of MAG-16 aircraft.
MALS-16 spent the first week of February becoming accustomed
to the new operating environment at the Arabian American Oil
Company (ARAMCO) owned Tanajlb airfield. MALS-16 Powerplants
Division moved into ARAW.CO's aircraft hanger, and the headquarters
moved Into the hanger's office spaces. The Aviation Supply and
AircraftMaintenanceDepartmentsquickly reestablished the]rmobile
Facility (M/F) complexes and their base of support.
To conso I I date assets and prepare the ant I re MAG f or of f ens I ve
operat I ons, a I I MAG-1 6 a i rcraf t were reun i ted I n m I d February. The
heavy lift squadrons departed Ras Al Ghar and NAF Juball to link
up with the rest of the MAG at Tanajib airfield. The logistical
support cha I n was s I gn I f I cant I y reduced as the need to support rear
area airfields within the theater was eliminated.
Tanajib is located approximately 44 miles to the south of the
Kuwaiti border on a peninsula extending Into the Persian Gulf.
The proximity to the war permitted the Marines to feel the constant
impact of the pre-invasion softening of the Iraqi positions. The
ground rumbled and the buildings shook very similar to a moderate,
and continuous earthquake.
Unlike NAF Juball, the tent city was separated from the work
spaces by approximately 2 miles and commercial buses served to
ferry the Marines between the two locations.
The 23rd and 24th of February brought on a very unusual
phenomenon. The sky over Tanajib turned black as though the area
was about to experience a mid-western tornado. The sun took on the
appearance of full moon. The black skies were not a function of
the weather, It was the pollution caused from burning Kuwaiti oil
wells. The Iraqis set the wells al lght as they turned to a
"Scorched Earth" policy attempting to provide themselves some
protection from aviation and satellite observation.

Enclosure (1)
4

UNCLASSIFIED