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              	Planning for the deployment was difficult because the destination
              was still uncertain at the time of departure, although most of it centered on
              Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Flanked by the Persian Gulf to the
              west and the Gulf of Oman on the east, Sharjah possessed a modern inter-
              national airport, a unused portion of which the UAE offered to the United
              States for use in Desert Shield flying operations. Unfortunately, information
              about the site available from a previously conducted site survey would
              prove to be outdated and of little value.5

              	Informed that only 400 personnel could be deployed and that figure
              could not be exceeded because of limitations imposed by the host country,
              Col Blair had to ensure that he had the personnel necessary to perform the
              tactical airlift mission as well as base support functions. (The limit had been
              raised to 600, but Col Blair did not learn that until he arrived at Sharjah. He
              was able later to negotiate for an additional 200 personnel, raising the
              ceiling to 800.)6

              	Although assured that medical facilities and personnel, along with
              security and disaster preparedness personnel, would be available at
              Sharjah, Col Blair decided that he could not take chances with the security
              and safety of his people and added those personnel to the others
              considered essential: aircrews, maintenance personnel, command and
              control elements, and civil engineers. He also added an air-transportable
              clinic to the deployment package.7

              	Because of the uncertainty of their destination, Col Blair and his staff
              planned on a worst-case scenario. In addition to carrying the required
              mobility kits and war readiness spares kits (WRSK), extremely hot and
              sandy conditions were sure to exist at the site, so bottled water became a
              priority item. Much care was taken in deciding what additional equipment
              and supplies would be needed. Items such as shovels, brooms, and extra
              generators were added-just in case. 8

              	Deciding on which aircraft to deploy proved to be a special problem.
              While preparing, the 94th discovered a difference in the C-130H model
              Quick Engine Change (QEC) kits. Its six early H-model aircraft were not


	--------------------
                5  94 TAW Welcome Packet, 27 Aug 90.

                6  Blair Intvw.

                7  Ibid.
               
               8   Ibid.
                    



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