Which operation followed Desert Shield when Iraq failed to comply with UN resolutions, featuring Marine aviation followed by a ground assault?

• A. Desert Shield
• B. Enduring Freedom
• C. Desert Storm
• D. Iraqi Freedom

Answer: (C)

Desert Storm is the operation in question. After Iraq failed to meet UN resolutions, the coalition shifted from a defensive buildup to combat, launching a large air campaign led by coalition air power (including Marine aviation) and then a ground assault to liberate Kuwait. Desert Shield was the preceding defensive phase, not the combat operation. The other names refer to different conflicts: Enduring Freedom is the Afghanistan campaign initiated after 9/11, Iraqi Freedom is the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Desert Storm specifically fits the described sequence of air power followed by ground invasion during the Gulf War.