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{{Short description|1987–1989 US military operation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox military conflict

|conflict=Operation Prime Chance
{{Infobox military operation
|partof=[[Iran–Iraq War]]
| name = Operation Prime Chance
|image=PrimeChanceWimbrown7PatrolBoat.jpg
| partof = the [[Iran–Iraq War]]
|image_size=300px
| subtitle =
|caption=A U.S. Navy crewman stands atop the cabin of a PB Mark III patrol boat tied up to the oil rig service barge Wimbrown VII in the northern Persian Gulf. From lower to upper right, the barge is armed with a [[.50 BMG|.50-caliber]] [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2 machine gun]], an 81 mm Mark 2 mortar, and a 40 mm [[Mk 19 grenade launcher]].
| image = PrimeChanceWimbrown7PatrolBoat.jpg
|date=August 1987 – June 1989
| image_upright =
|place=[[Persian Gulf]]
| alt =
|casus=Mining of the U.S.-flagged [[Kuwait]]i [[oil tanker]] [[MV Bridgeton|''Bridgeton'']].<!--This line apparently is not used by the template-->
| caption = A U.S. Navy crewman stands atop the cabin of a PB Mark III patrol boat tied up to the oil rig service barge ''Wimbrown VII'' in the northern Persian Gulf. From lower to upper right, the barge is armed with a [[.50 BMG|.50-caliber]] [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2 machine gun]], an 81 mm Mark 2 mortar, and a 40 mm [[Mk 19 grenade launcher]].
|territory=
| scope =
|result=United States victory
| type =
|combatant1={{flagicon|United States}} [[United States]]
| location = [[Persian Gulf]]
|combatant2={{flagicon|Iran}} [[Islamic Republic of Iran|Iran]]
| location2 = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
|combatant3=
| coordinates =
|commander1=
| coordinates2 = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
|commander2=
| map_type =
|commander3=
| map_size =
|strength1=
| map_caption =
|strength2=
| map_label =
|strength3=
| map_label2 = <!-- 2 through 10 for more locations -->
|casualties1= None
| planned =
|casualties2= 5 killed, 26 captured (during raid on ''[[Iran Ajr]]'' only)<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965656,00.html "Caught In The Act"] ''[[Time (magazine)|TIME]]''. 5 October 1987.</ref><br />Other parts of the operation are not included in this number
| planned_by = [[United States Special Operations Command]]
|casualties3=
| commanded_by =
|notes=
| objective =
}}{{Campaignbox Iran-Iraq War}}
| target =
| date = August 1987 – June 1989
| time =
| time-begin =
| time-end =
| timezone =
| executed_by =
| outcome = Operational success
| casualties = 5 Iranian killed, 26 Iranian captured (during raid on ''[[Iran Ajr]]'' only)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090812203647/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965656,00.html "Caught In The Act"] ''Time Magazine''. 5 October 1987.</ref><br />Other parts of the operation are not included in this number
| fatalities =
| injuries =
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Iran–Iraq War}}
{{Campaignbox Persian Gulf Wars}}
}}
<includeonly>{{Campaignbox Iran-Iraq War}}</includeonly>
<includeonly>{{Campaignbox Iran-Iraq War}}</includeonly>
'''Operation Prime Chance''' (August 1987 – June 1989) was a [[United States Special Operations Command]] operation intended to protect U.S.-flagged [[oil tanker]]s from Iranian attack during the [[Iran–Iraq War]]. The operation took place roughly at the same time as [[Operation Earnest Will]] (July 1987 – December 1988), the largely [[United States Navy|naval]] effort to escort the tankers through the [[Persian Gulf]]. The operation was begun after the [[Bridgeton incident|mining of the U.S.-flagged Kuwaiti oil tanker ''Bridgeton'']].
'''Operation Prime Chance''' (August 1987 – June 1989) was a [[United States Special Operations Command]] operation intended to protect U.S.-flagged [[oil tanker]]s from Iranian attack during the [[Iran–Iraq War]]. The operation took place roughly at the same time as [[Operation Earnest Will]] (July 1987 – September 1988), the largely [[United States Navy|naval]] effort to escort the tankers through the [[Persian Gulf]]. The operation was begun after the [[Bridgeton incident|mining of the U.S.-flagged Kuwaiti oil tanker ''Bridgeton'']].


==Overview==
==Overview==
The two operations were intertwined—[[United States Army]] helicopters flew nighttime search-and-destroy missions from Navy [[Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate|frigates]] and [[Spruance class destroyer|destroyers]] and from two leased barges in the northern [[Persian Gulf]]. [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]] and [[United States Navy EOD|explosive ordnance disposal]] operated from the barges as well. But while Earnest Will was the widely publicized reaction to [[Kuwait]]i pleas for help, Prime Chance was secret. The army helicopters flew at night, slipping to and from navy flight decks under cover of darkness. The helicopter pilots often flew some {{convert|30|ft|m}} above the water, and became the first to use [[Night vision device|night vision goggles]] and [[forward looking infrared]] devices in combat. Tactics included using [[MH-6 Little Bird]]s as spotters for the more heavily armed [[MH-6 Little Bird#Variants|AH-6s]] (for barge-launched missions), and using the warship's radar and that of their [[SH-60 Seahawk]] helicopters for the same purpose (on ship-launched efforts).<ref name="nightstalkers">{{cite web|url=http://www.nightstalkers.com/history/4.html |title=Night Stalker History – Operations Earnest Will and Prime Chance |publisher=Nightstalkers.com |accessdate=19 May 2011}}</ref>
The two operations were intertwined—[[United States Army]] helicopters flew nighttime search-and-destroy missions from Navy [[Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate|frigates]] and [[Spruance-class destroyer|destroyers]] and from two leased barges in the northern [[Persian Gulf]]. [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]] and [[United States Navy EOD|explosive ordnance disposal]] operated from the barges as well. But while Earnest Will was the widely publicized reaction to [[Kuwait]]i pleas for help, Prime Chance was secret.<ref name="nightstalkers"/>
The army helicopters flew at night, slipping to and from navy flight decks under cover of darkness. The helicopter pilots often flew some {{convert|30|ft|m}} above the water, and became the first to use [[Night vision device|night vision goggles]] and [[forward looking infrared]] devices in combat. Tactics included using [[MH-6 Little Bird]]s as spotters for the more heavily armed [[MH-6 Little Bird#Variants|AH-6s]] for barge-launched missions, and using the warship's radar and that of their [[SH-60 Seahawk]] helicopters for the same purpose on ship-launched efforts.<ref name="nightstalkers">{{cite web|url=http://www.nightstalkers.com/history/4.html|title=Night Stalker History – Operations Earnest Will and Prime Chance|publisher=Nightstalkers.com|access-date=19 May 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20020615003730/http://www.nightstalkers.com/history/4.html|archive-date=15 June 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Planning==
==Planning==
Planning and preparation for Prime Chance was launched soon after a tanker on the very first Earnest Will [[convoy]] struck a mine, which made it clear that more forces would be necessary to assure the safety of the civilian vessels. The [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] launched a search for helicopter pilots who could fly at night from navy ships, then set out to train them for the special requirements of the job. Helicopters from the army's [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (United States)|160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)]] reached the navy's command ship {{USS|La Salle|AGF-3|2}} in the Persian Gulf on 5 August 1987.
{{refimprove section|date=January 2013}}

Planning and preparation for Prime Chance was launched soon after a tanker on the very first Earnest Will [[convoy]] struck a mine, which made it clear that more forces would be necessary to assure the safety of the civilian vessels. The [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] launched a search for helicopter pilots who could fly at night from navy ships, then set out to train them for the special requirements of the job. Helicopters from the army's [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (United States)|160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)]] reached the navy's command ship {{USS|La Salle|AGF-3|2}} in the Persian Gulf on 5 August 1987. The detachment was divided into two teams, with call sign SEABAT and one MH-6 Little Bird, two AH-6s, aircrew, and maintainers. On 8 August, one detachment participated in a convoy escort mission aboard ''La Salle''. The other flew onto the [[frigate]] {{USS|Klakring|FFG-42|2}} to protect [[Minesweeper (ship)|minesweepers]] operating in the narrow shipping channel west of [[Farsi island|Farsi Island]]. The following day, the ''La Salle'' detachment transferred to the frigate {{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33|2}} and escorted the convoy to the [[Gulf of Oman]].
The detachment was divided into two teams, with call sign SEABAT and one MH-6 Little Bird, two AH-6s, aircrew, and maintainers. On 8 August, one detachment participated in a convoy escort mission aboard ''La Salle''. The other flew onto the [[frigate]] {{USS|Klakring|FFG-42|2}} to protect [[Minesweeper (ship)|minesweepers]] operating in the narrow shipping channel west of [[Farsi island|Farsi Island]]. The following day, the ''La Salle'' detachment transferred to the frigate {{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33|2}} and escorted the convoy to the [[Gulf of Oman]].


==Execution==
==Execution==
[[File:PrimeChanceHercules.JPG|thumb|An aerial view of the leased barge Hercules with three Mark III patrol boats and the tugboat Mister John H tied up alongside in the northern Persian Gulf.]]
[[File:PrimeChanceHercules.JPG|thumb|An aerial view of the leased barge Hercules with three Mark III patrol boats and the tugboat Mister John H tied up alongside in the northern Persian Gulf.]]
Soon afterward, operations began from the barges, dubbed [[Mobile Sea Base]]s (MSBs). They were set up as [[United States Naval Special Warfare Command|naval special warfare task units]] (NSWTU) run by a SEAL commander and answering to the regional naval special warfare task group. Their mission was to stop Iranian forces from [[Naval mine|mining]] the Persian Gulf or otherwise attacking shipping. Each mobile sea base had two detachments of [[Fast Patrol Craft|Mark III patrol boat]]s, a SEAL [[platoon]], an EOD detachment, [[United States Marine Corps|Marines]] to provide security, army MH-6 and AH-6 Little Bird helicopter gunships and [[UH-60 Black Hawk|Black Hawk]] rescue birds, and [[United States Air Force|air force]] [[Combat Control Team|combat controllers]]. [[Mobile Sea Base Hercules]] was manned by east coast naval special warfare units, including Patrol Boats 777 and 758 from [[Special Boat Unit 20]] and [[Special Boat Unit 24]]. [[Mobile Sea Base Wimbrown 7]] was manned by West Coast units, including Patrol Boats 753 and 757 from [[Special Boat Unit 13]] and Patrol Boats 775 and 776 from [[Special Boat Unit 12]].<ref name="warboats">{{cite web|url=http://www.warboats.org/persiangulf.htm |title=The History of the boats in the Persian Gulf |publisher=Warboats.org |accessdate=19 May 2011}}</ref>


Soon afterward, operations began from the barges, dubbed Mobile Sea Bases (MSBs). They were set up as [[United States Naval Special Warfare Command|naval special warfare task units]] (NSWTU) run by a SEAL commander and answering to the regional naval special warfare task group. Their mission was to stop Iranian forces from [[Naval mine|mining]] the Persian Gulf or otherwise attacking shipping. Each mobile sea base had two detachments of [[Fast Patrol Craft|Mark III patrol boat]]s, a SEAL [[platoon]], an EOD detachment, [[United States Marine Corps|Marines]] to provide security, army MH-6 and AH-6 Little Bird helicopter gunships and [[UH-60 Black Hawk|Black Hawk]] rescue birds, and [[United States Air Force|air force]] [[Combat Control Team|combat controllers]].<ref name="warboats">{{cite web |url=http://www.warboats.org/persiangulf.htm |title=The History of the boats in the Persian Gulf |publisher=Warboats.org |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=26 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526024723/http://www.warboats.org/persiangulf.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 21 September 1987, ''[[Iran Ajr]]'', an Iranian ship converted for use as a [[minelayer]] was attacked. Using night-vision devices, army gunship crews watched the Iranian vessel lay several mines, then swooped in firing [[minigun]]s and rockets. A SEAL team boarded the vessel and quickly seized it. During the attack, five Iranians were killed and 26 were captured. Several Iranian sailors were rescued from the waters of the Persian Gulf after jumping overboard during the attack. After collecting intelligence data the SEALs and EOD [[Scuttling|scuttled]] the vessel the following day.<ref name="nohigherhonor">{{cite web|url=http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/pic-iranajr.shtml |title=No Higher Honor: Photos: Capture of the Iran Ajr |publisher=Navybook.com |accessdate=19 May 2011}}</ref>

Mobile Sea Base ''Hercules'' was crewed by East Coast naval special warfare units, including Patrol Boats 777 and 758 from Special Boat Unit 20 and Special Boat Unit 24. Mobile Sea Base ''Wimbrown 7'' was crewed by West Coast units, including Patrol Boats 753 and 757 from Special Boat Unit 13 and Patrol Boats 775 and 776 from Special Boat Unit 12.<ref name="warboats"/>

On 21 September 1987, ''[[Iran Ajr]]'', an Iranian ship converted for use as a [[minelayer]], was attacked. Using night-vision devices, Army gunship crews watched the Iranian vessel lay several mines, then swooped in firing [[minigun]]s and rockets. A SEAL team boarded the vessel and quickly seized it. During the attack, five Iranians were killed and 26 were captured. Several Iranian sailors were rescued from the waters of the Persian Gulf after jumping overboard during the attack. After collecting intelligence data the SEALs and EOD [[Scuttling|scuttled]] the vessel the following day.<ref name="nohigherhonor">{{cite web |url=http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/pic-iranajr.shtml |title=No Higher Honor: Photos: Capture of the Iran Ajr |publisher=Navybook.com |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629130249/http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/pic-iranajr.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>


In January 1988, Task Force 118 arrived with [[OH-58 Kiowa|OH-58D Kiowa Warrior]] helicopters.
In January 1988, Task Force 118 arrived with [[OH-58 Kiowa|OH-58D Kiowa Warrior]] helicopters.
Line 48: Line 68:
Ships involved in Prime Chance include:
Ships involved in Prime Chance include:
*Mobile Sea Bases ''Hercules'' and ''Wimbrown 7'', barges leased from an oil company for use by SEALs, EOD, Navy small-boat crews, and Army helicopters
*Mobile Sea Bases ''Hercules'' and ''Wimbrown 7'', barges leased from an oil company for use by SEALs, EOD, Navy small-boat crews, and Army helicopters
*{{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33}}<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013">{{cite web |url= http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/ussocoms-first-test-of-fire-operations-prime-chance-and-praying-mantis/ |title= Operations Prime Chance and Praying Mantis: USSOCOM’S First Test of Fire |first= Dwight Jon |last= Zimmerman |date= June 27, 2013 }}</ref>
*{{USS|Jarrett|FFG-33}}<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013">{{cite web |url= http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/ussocoms-first-test-of-fire-operations-prime-chance-and-praying-mantis/ |title= Operations Prime Chance and Praying Mantis: USSOCOM'S First Test of Fire |first= Dwight Jon |last= Zimmerman |date= 27 June 2013 |access-date= 30 April 2015 |archive-date= 9 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160309183720/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/ussocoms-first-test-of-fire-operations-prime-chance-and-praying-mantis/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
*{{USS|John A. Moore|FFG-19}}<ref name="crist-2001" />
*{{USS|John A. Moore|FFG-19}}<ref name="crist-2001" />
*{{USS|Klakring|FFG-42}}<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013" />
*{{USS|Klakring|FFG-42}}<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013" />
*{{USS|Samuel B. Roberts|FFG-58}}<ref name="peniston-2006">{{cite book | title=No Higher Honor | publisher=Naval Institute Press | author=Peniston, Bradley | year=2006 | location=Annapolis | pages=99 | isbn=1-59114-661-5}}</ref>
*{{USS|Samuel B. Roberts|FFG-58}}<ref name="peniston-2006">{{cite book | title=No Higher Honor | publisher=Naval Institute Press | author=Peniston, Bradley | year=2006 | location=Annapolis | pages=99 | isbn=1-59114-661-5}}</ref>
*{{USS|Thach|FFG-43}}<ref name="crist-2001">{{cite journal | url=http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA403506 | title=Joint Special Operations in Support of Earnest Will | author=Crist, David M. | journal=Joint Forces Quarterly | date=Winter 2001–2002 | issue=29}}</ref>
*{{USS|Thach|FFG-43}}<ref name="crist-2001">{{cite journal | url=http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA403506 | archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20030402182608/http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA403506 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2 April 2003 | title=Joint Special Operations in Support of Earnest Will | author=Crist, David M. | journal=Joint Forces Quarterly | date=Winter 2001–2002 | issue=29 | access-date=1 June 2015 }}</ref>
*{{USS|La Salle|AGF-3}}<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013" />
*{{USS|La Salle|AGF-3}}<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013" />
*USS Reuben James (FFG-57)
*{{USS|Reuben James|FFG-57}}
*{{USS|Guadalcanal|LPH-7}}<ref name="crist-2001"/>
*{{USS|Guadalcanal|LPH-7}}<ref name="crist-2001"/>
*{{USS|Copeland|FFG-25}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Copeland|FFG-25}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Dewert|FFG-45}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Elrod|FFG-55}}{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}
*{{USS|Elrod|FFG-55}}{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}
*{{USS|Fahrion|FFG-22}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Fahrion|FFG-22}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
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*{{USS|Gary|FFG-51}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Gary|FFG-51}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Hawes|FFG-53}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Hawes|FFG-53}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*USS Callaghan (DDG-994)
*{{USS|Chandler|DDG-996}}{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}
*{{USS|Conolly|DD-979}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 6 - 1989 DAHSUM |url=https://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1989/CH6.htm#C6N3 |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=www.history.army.mil |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204041405/https://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1989/CH6.htm#C6N3 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{USS|McClusky|FFG-41}}{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}
*{{USS|McClusky|FFG-41}}{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}
*{{USS|Taylor|FFG-50}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Taylor|FFG-50}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
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*{{USS|William H. Standley|CG-32}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|William H. Standley|CG-32}}{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*{{USS|Reid|FFG-30}}
*{{USS|Reid|FFG-30}}
*{{USS|Puget Sound|AD-38}}


Units involved in Prime Chance include:
Units involved in Prime Chance include:
*[[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)]], nicknamed the "Night Stalkers": the army's elite special-operations aviation regiment<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013" />
*[[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)]], nicknamed the "Night Stalkers": the army's elite special-operations aviation regiment<ref name="Zimmerman, 2013" />
*[[Task Force 118]], a regular army aviation unit flying [[OH-58 Kiowa|AH-58D Warrior]] helicopters whose mast-mounted IR sights helped spot small boats. In 1990, the unit became 4th Squadron, [[17th Cavalry Regiment]], and then in 1994, 4th Squadron, [[2d Armored Cavalry Regiment]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[Task Force 118]], a regular army aviation unit flying [[OH-58 Kiowa|AH-58D Warrior]] helicopters whose mast-mounted IR sights helped spot small boats. On 15 January 1991, the unit became 4th Squadron, [[17th Cavalry Regiment]],<ref>{{cite book|first=Thomas D.|last=Dinackus|title=Order of Battle: Allied Ground Forces of Operation Desert Storm|publisher= Hellgate Press|place=[[Central Point, Oregon|Central Point]], Oregon|date=2000|isbn=1-55571-493-5|page=4-24}}</ref> and then in 1994, 4th Squadron, [[2d Cavalry Regiment]].{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[SEAL Team 1]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[SEAL Team 1]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[SEAL Team 2]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[SEAL Team 2]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[EOD Mobile Unit Five]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[EOD Mobile Unit Five]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[EOD Mobile Unit Six]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[EOD Mobile Unit Six]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*Special Boat Unit 11<ref name="Photo 527882">{{Cite web |url=http://photos.usni.org/content/527882jpg |title=527882.jpg |date=2013 |website=U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archives |access-date=2017-09-23}}</ref>
*Special Boat Unit 11<ref name="Photo 527882">{{Cite web |url=http://photos.usni.org/content/527882jpg |title=527882.jpg |date=2013 |website=U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archives |access-date=2017-09-23 |archive-date=23 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923145046/http://photos.usni.org/content/527882jpg |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Special Boat Unit 12]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[Special Boat Unit 12]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[Special Boat Unit 13]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
*[[Special Boat Unit 13]]{{citation needed|date=March 2014}}
Line 91: Line 114:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


== Further reading ==
==Further reading==
*{{cite book|title=Better Lucky than Good: Operation Earnest Will as Gunboat Diplomacy|last=Kelley|first=Stephen Andrew|date=June 2007|publisher=Naval Postgraduate School|location=Monterey, Calif.|oclc=156993037|url=https://calhoun.nps.edu/handle/10945/3463}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite magazine|author=Magnuson, Ed|date=19 October 1987|title=We Engaged|magazine=TIME|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965751-1,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812154951/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965751-1,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 August 2009|access-date=22 July 2009}} About the "Battle of Farsi Island" engagements of early October 1987.
| title= Better Lucky than Good: Operation Earnest Will as Gunboat Diplomacy
*{{cite book|title=Special Operations Forces in Operation EARNEST WILL/PRIME CHANCE I|last=Partin|first=John W.|author2=U.S. Special Operations Command |author-link2=United States Special Operations Command |date=April 1998|publisher=U.S. Special Operations Command, History and Research Office|location=[[MacDill Air Force Base|MacDill AFB]], Fla.|oclc= 39138636}}
| last= Kelley
*{{cite book|author=Peniston, Bradley|title=No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf|url=http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor|location=Annapolis, Md.|publisher=Naval Institute Press|year=2006|isbn=1-59114-661-5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712122740/http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/|archive-date=12 July 2006|url-status=dead}} (Briefly discusses TF118 operations from a U.S. Navy frigate)
| first= Stephen Andrew
*{{cite book|title=Inside the Navy Seals|url=https://archive.org/details/insideusnavyseal00stub|url-access=registration|last=Stubblefield|first=Gary|author2=Hans Halberstadt|year=1995|publisher=Motorbooks International|location=Osceola, Wis.|isbn= 0-7603-0178-6}}
| date= June 2007
*{{cite web|title=Mobile Sea Base Hercules in the Northern Persian Gulf: Beirut Barracks II?|last=Wikul|first=Commander Peter I.|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1995/WPI.htm|year=1995|publisher=United States Navy; Globalsecurity.org (reprint)|access-date=23 July 2009}}
| publisher=[[Naval Postgraduate School]]
*{{cite book|author=Wise, Harold Lee|title=Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf 1987–88|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Md.|year=2007|isbn=978-1-59114-970-5|url=http://www.insidethedangerzone.com}}
| location= Monterey, Calif.
| oclc= 156993037
| url= https://calhoun.nps.edu/handle/10945/3463
}} Thesis paper.
*{{cite journal
| author=Magnuson, Ed
| date = 19 October 1987
| title = We Engaged
| journal=TIME
| url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,965751-1,00.html
| accessdate =22 July 2009}} About the "Battle of Farsi Island" engagements of early October 1987.
*{{cite book
| title= Special Operations Forces in Operation EARNEST WILL/PRIME CHANCE I
| last= Partin
| first= John W.
|author2=U.S. Special Operations Command |authorlink2=United States Special Operations Command
| date= April 1998
| publisher=U.S. Special Operations Command, History and Research Office
| location= [[MacDill Air Force Base|MacDill AFB]], Fla.
| oclc= 39138636
}}
*{{cite book
| author=Peniston, Bradley
| title=No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf
| url=http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor
| location=Annapolis, Md.
| publisher=Naval Institute Press
| year=2006
|isbn=1-59114-661-5}} (Briefly discusses TF118 operations from a U.S. Navy frigate)
*{{cite book
| title= Inside the Navy Seals
| url= https://archive.org/details/insideusnavyseal00stub
| url-access= registration
| last= Stubblefield
| first= Gary
|author2=Hans Halberstadt
| year= 1995
| publisher=Motorbooks International
| location= Osceola, Wis.
| isbn= 0-7603-0178-6
}}
*{{cite web
| title= Mobile Sea Base Hercules In The Northern Persian Gulf: Beirut Barracks II?
| last= Wikul
| first= Commander Peter I.
| url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1995/WPI.htm
| year= 1995
| publisher=[[United States Navy]]; Globalsecurity.org (reprint)
| accessdate=23 July 2009}}
*{{cite book
| author=Wise, Harold Lee
| title=Inside the Danger Zone: The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf 1987–88
| publisher=Naval Institute Press
| location=Annapolis, Md.
| year=2007
| isbn=1-59114-970-3
| url= http://www.insidethedangerzone.com}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.warboats.org/sbu12sanchez.htm Photos from Operation Prime Chance and Earnest Will - March to October, 1988]
*[http://www.warboats.org/sbu12sanchez.htm Photos from Operation Prime Chance and Earnest Will - March to October, 1988]
*[http://www.mindspring.com/~cjenkins/TF118.htm A warrant officer's personal TF118 narrative]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060512054328/http://www.mindspring.com/~cjenkins/TF118.htm A warrant officer's personal TF118 narrative]
*[http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/pic-iranajr.shtml Photos of the captured ''Iran Ajr'', its mines, its sailors]
*[http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/pic-iranajr.shtml Photos of the captured ''Iran Ajr'', its mines, its sailors]


{{Iran–United States relations}}
{{coord missing|Indian Ocean}}
{{coord missing|Indian Ocean}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime Chance, Operation}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Prime Chance}}
[[Category:Conflicts in 1987]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1988]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1989]]
[[Category:20th-century military history of the United States]]
[[Category:Operations involving American special forces]]
[[Category:Operations involving American special forces]]
[[Category:Military operations involving the United States]]
[[Category:Iran–United States military relations]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Iran–Iraq War]]
[[Category:Naval battles of the Iran–Iraq War involving the United States]]
[[Category:Naval battles of the Iran–Iraq War involving the United States]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps in the 20th century]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps in the 20th century]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Iran–Iraq War in 1987]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Iran–Iraq War in 1988]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1989]]
[[Category:1989 in Iran]]

Latest revision as of 00:15, 3 July 2024

Operation Prime Chance
Part of the Iran–Iraq War
A U.S. Navy crewman stands atop the cabin of a PB Mark III patrol boat tied up to the oil rig service barge Wimbrown VII in the northern Persian Gulf. From lower to upper right, the barge is armed with a .50-caliber M2 machine gun, an 81 mm Mark 2 mortar, and a 40 mm Mk 19 grenade launcher.
Standort
Persian Gulf
Planned byUnited States Special Operations Command
DateAugust 1987 – June 1989
OutcomeOperational success
Casualties5 Iranian killed, 26 Iranian captured (during raid on Iran Ajr only)[1]
Other parts of the operation are not included in this number

Operation Prime Chance (August 1987 – June 1989) was a United States Special Operations Command operation intended to protect U.S.-flagged oil tankers from Iranian attack during the Iran–Iraq War. The operation took place roughly at the same time as Operation Earnest Will (July 1987 – September 1988), the largely naval effort to escort the tankers through the Persian Gulf. The operation was begun after the mining of the U.S.-flagged Kuwaiti oil tanker Bridgeton.

Übersicht

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The two operations were intertwined—United States Army helicopters flew nighttime search-and-destroy missions from Navy frigates and destroyers and from two leased barges in the northern Persian Gulf. Navy SEALs and explosive ordnance disposal operated from the barges as well. But while Earnest Will was the widely publicized reaction to Kuwaiti pleas for help, Prime Chance was secret.[2]

The army helicopters flew at night, slipping to and from navy flight decks under cover of darkness. The helicopter pilots often flew some 30 feet (9.1 m) above the water, and became the first to use night vision goggles and forward looking infrared devices in combat. Tactics included using MH-6 Little Birds as spotters for the more heavily armed AH-6s for barge-launched missions, and using the warship's radar and that of their SH-60 Seahawk helicopters for the same purpose on ship-launched efforts.[2]

Planning

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Planning and preparation for Prime Chance was launched soon after a tanker on the very first Earnest Will convoy struck a mine, which made it clear that more forces would be necessary to assure the safety of the civilian vessels. The Joint Chiefs of Staff launched a search for helicopter pilots who could fly at night from navy ships, then set out to train them for the special requirements of the job. Helicopters from the army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) reached the navy's command ship La Salle in the Persian Gulf on 5 August 1987.

The detachment was divided into two teams, with call sign SEABAT and one MH-6 Little Bird, two AH-6s, aircrew, and maintainers. On 8 August, one detachment participated in a convoy escort mission aboard La Salle. The other flew onto the frigate Klakring to protect minesweepers operating in the narrow shipping channel west of Farsi Island. The following day, the La Salle detachment transferred to the frigate Jarrett and escorted the convoy to the Gulf of Oman.

Execution

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An aerial view of the leased barge Hercules with three Mark III patrol boats and the tugboat Mister John H tied up alongside in the northern Persian Gulf.

Soon afterward, operations began from the barges, dubbed Mobile Sea Bases (MSBs). They were set up as naval special warfare task units (NSWTU) run by a SEAL commander and answering to the regional naval special warfare task group. Their mission was to stop Iranian forces from mining the Persian Gulf or otherwise attacking shipping. Each mobile sea base had two detachments of Mark III patrol boats, a SEAL platoon, an EOD detachment, Marines to provide security, army MH-6 and AH-6 Little Bird helicopter gunships and Black Hawk rescue birds, and air force combat controllers.[3]

Mobile Sea Base Hercules was crewed by East Coast naval special warfare units, including Patrol Boats 777 and 758 from Special Boat Unit 20 and Special Boat Unit 24. Mobile Sea Base Wimbrown 7 was crewed by West Coast units, including Patrol Boats 753 and 757 from Special Boat Unit 13 and Patrol Boats 775 and 776 from Special Boat Unit 12.[3]

On 21 September 1987, Iran Ajr, an Iranian ship converted for use as a minelayer, was attacked. Using night-vision devices, Army gunship crews watched the Iranian vessel lay several mines, then swooped in firing miniguns and rockets. A SEAL team boarded the vessel and quickly seized it. During the attack, five Iranians were killed and 26 were captured. Several Iranian sailors were rescued from the waters of the Persian Gulf after jumping overboard during the attack. After collecting intelligence data the SEALs and EOD scuttled the vessel the following day.[4]

In January 1988, Task Force 118 arrived with OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters.

Earnest Will ended about five months after the Iran-Iraq ceasefire began in July 1988. Wimbrown 7 soon returned to port, but Prime Chance patrols continued from Hercules until June 1989.[3]

Units

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Ships involved in Prime Chance include:

Units involved in Prime Chance include:

References

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  1. ^ "Caught In The Act" Time Magazine. 5 October 1987.
  2. ^ a b "Night Stalker History – Operations Earnest Will and Prime Chance". Nightstalkers.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2002. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  3. ^ a b c "The History of the boats in the Persian Gulf". Warboats.org. Archived from the original on 26 May 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  4. ^ "No Higher Honor: Photos: Capture of the Iran Ajr". Navybook.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d Zimmerman, Dwight Jon (27 June 2013). "Operations Prime Chance and Praying Mantis: USSOCOM'S First Test of Fire". Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  6. ^ a b c Crist, David M. (Winter 2001–2002). "Joint Special Operations in Support of Earnest Will". Joint Forces Quarterly (29). Archived from the original on 2 April 2003. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
  7. ^ Peniston, Bradley (2006). No Higher Honor. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. p. 99. ISBN 1-59114-661-5.
  8. ^ "Chapter 6 - 1989 DAHSUM". www.history.army.mil. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  9. ^ Dinackus, Thomas D. (2000). Order of Battle: Allied Ground Forces of Operation Desert Storm. Central Point, Oregon: Hellgate Press. p. 4-24. ISBN 1-55571-493-5.
  10. ^ "527882.jpg". U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archives. 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2017.

Further reading

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Operation Prime Chance.

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