Stephen Phillips

On May 17, 1987, an Iraqi Air Force jet, in a case of misidentification, attacked USS Stark with two Exocet missiles. Thirty-seven American Sailors made the ultimate sacrifice. Though not officially part of Operation Earnest Will, it had significant impact on all who served in the Persian Gulf thereafter.
To learn more about Operation Earnest Will, the last time we fought Iran in the Persian Gulf, and the precursor to our nation’s war in the region thereafter, read “A Poisoned Chalice: The U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, 1987-1988.” Published by Potomac Books, order directly with code 6AS26 for 40% off.

How apropos to see these two books displayed together.

“A Poisoned Chalice: The U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, 1987-1988” begins with a brief description of U.S. presence in the Gulf, to include our nation’s relationship with the Shah. For example, Nixon developed a personal relationship with the Shah. Nixon once said to the Shah, “Protect me. Do not think of détente as as something that weakens you but as a way for the United States to gain influence.” The implication was that Nixon wanted to strengthen ties with the Shah, for Iran to become a more important U.S. partner in the Middle East. It was Nixon that approve the sale of F-14s to Iran.

I’ve picked up Scott Anderson’s “King of King’s” and have already delved into it. I’ve been a fan of Anderson since his recent book on Lawrence of Arabia. Though just into this read, I can already recommend it to those who want to understand the context of our conflict with Iran today.

For those who have not yet picked up a copy, if you are going to purchase “A Poisoned Chalice,” I recommend including “King of Kings” in your cart.

Laying mines in international waters, or in the territorial waters of another nation is considered an act of war. During Operation Earnest Will (1987-1988), the U.S. intervention in the Iraq War at sea, our nation’s forces were poised to attack Iranian ships and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Navy fast boats...commonly called Boghammars...if they were discovered in the act of laying mines.

One notable example occurred on September 21st, 1987. The Iranian Navy ship Iran Ajr intended to lay mines in the approaches to Bahrain with the intent of sinking a U.S. naval vessel, especially the USS La Salle, which was the flagship for Commander Middle East Force.

USS Jarrett, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, had three Task Force 160 helicopters on board. This was a U.S. Army special operations aviation capability, supporting the effort in a smaller operation called Operation Prime Chance.

On a night patrol, the three helicopters saw Iran Ajr and through night vision realized they were dropping something over the side. After consulting with the COMIDEASTFOR staff on La Salle, they were assured the activity was mine laying and they should engage immediately.

After a one-sided battle, Iran Ajr was dead in the water, and its crew abandoned their ship. The next day, Naval Special Warfare sailors...SEALs...captured the ship. They were followed by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians and intelligence specialists to gather vital information from the ordnance that remained aboard.

To learn more about mine warfare during the Tanker War and Operation Earnest Will...invite you to read "A Poisoned Chalice: The U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, 1987-1988" published by Potomac Books earlier this month. Currently, it is available for 40% with a code listed in the attached flyer.

The discount is directly from Potomac here:
https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640126947/a-poisoned-chalice/