With the Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on August 2 1990, the USS Midway and CVW-5 deployed to the Persian Gulf to relieve the USS Independence (CV-62) and CVW-14 which had already arrived in the Gulf.
Beginning the deployment with exercises with the JMSDF as well tracking a then-Soviet Navy Foxtrot Class Submarine for 4.9 hours while it transited the Tsushima Straits, the ship soon reached the Strait of Hormuz before becoming part of Operation Desert Shield.
It was during the time in the Persian Gulf that HS-12 conducted exercises which included four of the six helicopters had their ASW equipment removed and replaced by guns.

With the Beginning of Operation Desert Storm on January 17 1991, the squadron started conducted operations in support which began with the capture of Jazirat Qaruh on January 24.
This involved the insertion of sixteen Navy SEALs by HS-12 on to the former Kuwaiti Island.
During the first liberation of Kuwaiti land, 3 Iraqis were killed and 29 Iraqis were captured.
This was followed by a few more raids including one on the day before the ceasefire on February 27, 1991.
With the liberation of Kuwait finally at hand, HS-12 finally returned to NAF Atsugi on April 17, 1991.
With the Invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on August 2 1990, the USS Midway and CVW-5 deployed to the Persian Gulf to relieve the USS Independence (CV-62) and CVW-14 which had already arrived in the Gulf. Beginning the deployment with exercises with the JMSDF as well tracking a then-Soviet Navy Foxtrot Class Submarine for 4.9 hours while it transited the Tsushima Straits, the ship soon reached the Strait of Hormuz before becoming part of Operation Desert Shield. It was during the time in the Persian Gulf that HS-12 conducted exercises which included four of the six helicopters had their ASW equipment removed and replaced by guns.
With the Beginning of Operation Desert Storm on January 17 1991, the squadron started conducted operations in support which began with the capture of Jazirat Qaruh on January 24. This involved the insertion of sixteen Navy SEALs by HS-12 on to the former Kuwaiti Island. During the first liberation of Kuwaiti land, 3 Iraqis were killed and 29 Iraqis were captured. This was followed by a few more raids including one on the day before the ceasefire on February 27, 1991. With the liberation of Kuwait finally at hand, HS-12 finally returned to NAF Atsugi on April 17, 1991.
HS-12