In what operation was the USS Independence involved?

The involvement of the USS Independence in Operation Southern Watch is significant as it highlights the vessel's role in enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq following the Gulf War. Operation Southern Watch, which commenced in 1992, aimed to ensure that Iraqi military aircraft could not engage in operations against Kurdish populations in the north and also to monitor Iraqi compliance with various United Nations resolutions. The USS Independence, as an aircraft carrier, played a critical role in the operations conducted in this region, providing air support and maintaining a military presence to deter further aggression from Iraq.

During this operation, the focus was on maintaining stability in the region, preventing violations of the no-fly zone, and ensuring the protection of civilians. The carrier's air wing would have conducted numerous sorties to monitor and control the airspace, underscoring the strategic importance of naval power in enforcing U.S. foreign policy objectives.

This operational context is essential in understanding the role of the USS Independence during the time frame of Operation Southern Watch and its contributions to maritime security and regional stability in the Persian Gulf.