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During The Gulf War US Air National Guard RF-4C Phantoms, flying deep-penetration photo-reconnaissance missions into Iraq and Kuwait provided much of the vital intelligence which enabled coalition forces to outflank and overwhelm Iraqi opposition with such devastation. Following the invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990, RF-4C Phantoms from the 117 TRW, Birmingham, Alabama ANG were among the spearhead deployed to the Gulf. Operating under difficult 'dry' conditions the Birmingham guardsmen flew border reconnaissance missions until mid-December when the Nevada Air Guard took over at Sheikh Isa Air Base, Bahrain. The two Phantoms in Mutual Support represent both the Birmingham and the Nevada Guard, 'The High Rollers'.
Michael Rondot's atmospheric painting portrays a classic 'mutual support' formation of two Phantoms in action on a post-strike photo mission over Iraqi artillery positions following a coalition air attack. Aircraft 886 flew 54 similar missions during Desert Storm whilst 056 flew 51 missions in combat before it was lost in a flying accident over the Persian Gulf. 'The High Rollers' flew 350 combat and combat-support missions during Desert Storm with just six aircraft and twenty four aircrew, backed by a small team of technicians and support personnel from their home base in Reno, Nevada. Their contribution is commemorated in this single limited edition celebrating the mighty Phantom's final combat outing after a long and illustrious career in war-zones around the world.
Mutual Support is the only limited edition print available anywhere which is individually signed by the RF-4C Phantom aircrew who flew combat missions during the Gulf War, making it one of the rarest and most valuable items of Gulf War memorabilia available to collectors.
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