MALS 16 1 MAR 91

File: 970519_dec96_decls11_0009.txt
Page: 0009
Total Pages: 12

Subject = MALS 16 1 MAR 91

Parent Organization = VARIOUS MC

Unit = VARIOUS MC

Folder Title = MALS-16 COMMAND CHRONOLOGY 1- 28 FEB 91

Document Number = 1

Box ID = BX600103

UNCLASSIFIED

Section II cont.

COMMANDER OF TROOPS

Life aboard the S.S. Curtiss (TAVB-4) was almost unchanged by
the ongoing war. The embarked Marines reacted to at least seven
air raid drills during the mon@h. On 15 February, a Russian made
SCUD m I ss i I e broke up in f II ght over the port and fe II Into the
water just off the ships bow. This was witnessed by several
sentries and reported to the port authorities. I t was later
recovered and the warhead removed for safety.
The Powerplant & Component shops, along with part of the
Airframes Division moved from the ship to the Tanajib airfield.
The ships crew continued to improve the condition of the TAVB
via preventative maintenance, repairs on Inoperable systems and
painting of ships spaces.
The start of the ground phase of Operation Desert Storm,
created the need @o adjust the logistical flow from ground vehicle
transportation to air MARLOG.
Planning and preparation continued for the back load of the
TAVB at the end of the war.

S-1 ADMINISTRATION

On 8 February, the Disbursing Office in Kansas City
established the Savings Deposit Program (SDP) for military
personnel participating in Operation Desert Storm. The interest
rate for the savings account was 10% annum, compounded quarterly.
On 21 February, the Secretary of Defense authorized the
National Defense Service Medal to all members of the armed forces
who were on active duty after 2 August 1990, whether or not they
served In the Persian Gulf. The medal was previously awarded to
service members during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
From 1 January through 28 January, MALS-16 promoted 1 Marine
to Sgt and 1 2 Mar i nes to Corpora I . The Command awarded 3 Navy
Achievement Medals, 7 Meritorious Masts, 7 Letters of Appreciations
and 18 Good Conduct Medals.

S-3 OPERATIONS

The Operations Department continued to play a vital role in
the development and coordination of the movement of the MALS-16
from NAF Jubai I to Tanajib airf ield, and the Advance Party from
Tanajib airfield to Lonesome Dove.

Enclosure (1)
8

UNCLASSIFIED