Did DDG 51 destroyers play a role in Operation Iraqi Freedom?
Sixteen DDG 51 destroyers took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom during 2003. These Aegis warships provided air defense for U.S. and allied forces in the theater and fired more than 275 Tomahawk missiles during the conflict. Using its powerful SPY -1D radar, USS Higgins (DDG 76) provided early detection and warning of Iraqi short-range ballistic missiles launched toward coalition forces in Kuwait . Higgins not only alerted friendly forces in target areas but also directed strike aircraft to the Iraqi missile launch sites, which were destroyed.
