figuring we’d follow the allied “frontline” as it advanced to Kuwait City. Except there was no frontline. We accidently drove right into Kuwait midst blazing oil wells and blown-up Iraqi tanks. We could hear your firepower going over our heads into Iraqi positions, and bless you for it. I wound up in Kuwait City before the allied troops did and was standing on a burned-out street corner when they arrived. We have much to discuss. I’m of like age and disposition toward cocktails. I don’t have much in the way of pipe tobacco, but I’ve got some good cigars. Re: Corona’s Cultural Contagion I also remember crouching under my school desk for protection from a theoretical bomb raid. Even more confusing was the
assigned, as CO of MOBILE BAY, the duties as the Arabian Gulf Battle Force ZULU Anti-Air Warfare Commander (AAWC) – responsible for the air defense of the four- carrier battle force ZULU (call sign “ZW”). You would have been proud of the crew – over the course of the war, we performed thousands and thousands (over 60,000!) of deconflictions of inbound and egressing strike aircraft, with zero “blue on blue.” None. 24-7, all weather. On the land side, they (the Army and Air Force “air defenders”) did not do so well. We also fired 222 TOMAHAWKS against Iraq, and sank most of the Iraqi Navy. If you’d like more MOBILE BAY stories, let me know! FYI, I am 74, and drink from time to time... Used to smoke a pipe. All the very best... – Steve W. P.J. O’Rourke Response: Ahoy, Steve! It’s great
watchtower built on the high ground at the edge of town to provide early warning of approaching enemy bombers. I lived in a town of 7,000 people and didn’t understand the strategic importance of our small western town. The tower was accidently burned to the ground by some young boys playing with matches underneath the tower. I sensed at the time that the tower’s demise was a relief
to hear from you. And please give my best to
Admiral Bill. As you know from the book, I had a great peacetime cruise with him on the Mobile Bay shortly before you took command. I’m sorry we never got to meet in person. And thank you for all explosive stuff you threw at the Iraqis. It may well have saved my life. When the ground war began, I was in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. I joined a disorganized little convoy of fellow journos. We drove up to the Kuwait border
for the townfolks. – Ron C.
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P.J. O’Rourke Response: Unless... those young boys playing with matches were commie agents ! In
American Consequences
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