Operation Nimble Archer

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Operation Nimble Archer
Part of Iran-Iraq War
Date October 19, 1987
Location Persian Gulf
Result U.S. Navy victory
Casus belli Iranian attack of MV Sea Isle City
Combatants
United States Navy Iran
Strength
4 warships Unknown
Iran-Iraq War
Mersad - Dezful -Abadan - Undeniable Victory - Khorramshahr - Ramadan - Dawn V - Marshes - Cities - 1st Al Faw - Karbala-5 - Karbala-6 - Karbala Ten - Halabja - 2nd Al Faw

Related U.S. operations
Earnest Will - Prime Chance - Eager Glacier - Nimble Archer - Praying Mantis

Operation Nimble Archer was the 19 October 1987 attack on two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf by United States Navy forces. The attack was a response to Iran's 16 October attack on the MV Sea Isle City, a reflagged Kuwaiti oil tanker at anchor off Kuwait, with a Silkworm missile.

The action was part of Operation Earnest Will, the effort to protect Kuwaiti shipping amid the Iran-Iraq War.

The platforms were being used by Iranian forces as command-and-control posts. They were shelled by four U.S. warships: USS Hoel (DDG-13), USS Leftwich (DD-984), USS Kidd (DDG-993), and USS John Young (DD-973).

[edit] External links

[edit] Further Reading

  • Wise, Harold Lee (2007). Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf 1987-88. USA: Naval Institute Press.