 Following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990, USS "Independence" was ordered to the Gulf of Oman, becoming the first aircraft carrier on station.VFA-113 conducted Operation Desert Shield missions over the North Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia.On 3–4 October 1990, VFA-113 conducted flight operations from USS "Independence" while she operated in the Persian Gulf, marking the first time a carrier had operated in the Gulf since 1974.