David Taylor

Desert Storm

As a member of the United States Navy, David Taylor served during the Gulf War, Bosnia, Operation Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and Deny Flight. He piloted the FA-18 off the USS Saratoga (CV-60).  He served 27 years in the Navy.

On 2 August 1990, Saddam Hussein's Iraqi Army invaded Kuwait citing a dispute over alleged oil theft as his justification.   Sanctions and diplomacy would fail resulting in military action by the United States and the coalition of 25 other nations formed by President George Bush.  17 January 1991 at 0238 local time would mark the beginning of Operation Desert Storm. 

David Taylor deployed to the region shortly after the invasion of Kuwait aboard the USS Saratoga as a FA-18 pilot.  He would go on to fly 10 missions during the war.

During Operation Southern Watch which was established to enforce the no fly zone over Southern Iraq, David flew missions from the USS George Washington.

During the Bosnian War, David served aboard the USS George Washington and flew missions in country.

On September 11th, 2001, David was stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk in port in Japan for maintenance.  Within a, the ship would be underway conducting missions as a result of the attacks.

During his interview, David explains in detail the ramp up to the Gulf War and about missions he flew over Iraq during the war.  When asked about his 27 years in the Navy and if he would do it all over again, David didn't hesitate to say yes.


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