Operation Eagle Claw

Operation Eagle Claw was a failed United States military operation that took place in April 1980. Its primary objective was to rescue 52 American hostages held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The operation was officially named Operation Rice Bowl but is better known as Eagle Claw.

Here is a summary of the key details and findings from the Operation Eagle Claw report:

1. Objective: The primary objective of Operation Eagle Claw was to rescue the American hostages held at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and bring them back to the United States safely.

2. Planning and Execution: The operation was complex and involved various military units, including elements from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. It was planned and executed under the overall command of Operation Commander General James B. Vaught.

3. Desert One: The operation involved a staged deployment to a location known as Desert One in Iran's Great Salt Desert. This staging area was intended to be a refueling point for the helicopters involved in the mission. However, due to various issues, including weather conditions, mechanical failures, and a collision between two aircraft, the mission was aborted at Desert One.

4. Hostages: Unfortunately, the mission's failure led to a loss of life, with eight American service members killed during the accident at Desert One. Additionally, it was a significant setback for the U.S. government's efforts to secure the release of the hostages. The hostages remained in captivity for a total of 444 days.

5. Aftermath: The failure of Operation Eagle Claw had several consequences, including the resignation of several high-ranking military officers. It also led to a reevaluation of U.S. military capabilities and a focus on improving special operations forces, which eventually led to the creation of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

6. Lessons Learned: The operation highlighted the need for better coordination among military services and agencies and the importance of thorough planning and preparation for complex missions. It also emphasized the need for dedicated special operations forces capable of executing high-risk missions.

7. Diplomatic Resolution: Ultimately, the hostages were released on January 20, 1981, shortly after the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan. Their release was the result of months of negotiations between the U.S. government and the Iranian government.

Operation Eagle Claw remains a significant event in U.S. military history and is often studied as a case study in military planning and special operations. The lessons learned from the operation have informed subsequent military operations and contributed to the development of more effective special operations capabilities within the U.S. military.