During Operation DESERT STORM, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft completed what proportion of the total sorties flown by U.S. aircraft?

During Operation DESERT STORM, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft completed approximately one third of the total sorties flown by U.S. aircraft. This proportion reflects the significant role that naval aviation played in the conflict alongside the Air Force, demonstrating the effectiveness and integration of joint operations in a multi-service environment. The diverse capabilities of carrier-based aircraft, including ground attack, reconnaissance, and strike missions, contributed to this overall contribution to the air campaign.

The participation of the Navy and Marine Corps was critical in achieving air superiority and successfully supporting ground operations. The one third figure highlights the effectiveness of naval forces in projecting power and conducting sustained aerial missions, which was essential in the broader context of the coalition strategy during the Gulf War. Their ability to operate from the sea, coupled with the ability to launch and recover aircraft in a short time frame, allowed for operational flexibility that was crucial in the dynamic combat environment of the conflict.