It demonstrated the last true offensive operation of the IQAF before grounding their air assets in an attempt to preserve them for future use.

President of Iraq Saddam Hussein had ordered most of his air assets to be conserved inside of bunkers in an attempt to save them for future use against the Coalition.

Consequently, Coalition sorties began targeting aircraft hangars and shelters to destroy the Iraqi Air Force on the ground.

Flying in flights of four, Iraqi military aircraft retreated east across the country, routed through Baghdad airspace due to its heavy air defenses.

Subsequently, Iraqi anti-aircraft gunners were able to wreak havoc on a now unprotected sortie of F-15E Strike Eagle fighters.

Monitoring Coalition AWACS and F-15 radio frequencies, Iraqi forces waited for the proper situation to begin the operation.

[3] Finally on January 30, an Iraqi intelligence unit intercepted communications that one of the patrols, "Xerex 31" was approaching "bingo fuel" which necessitated an hour and a half round trip to an aerial tanker.

After engaging a false target,[citation needed] both pilots were directed to Dietz and Hehemann by Iraqi air traffic control.

[3][5] AF.Mil shows LtC Randy Bigum as commander 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron Bitburg Germany during this time frame.

By mid-February all IQAF activity had effectively ceased as the Coalition completed their dominance over the skies, and not a single offensive sortie was even attempted during the ground phase of the war.