The formation of a coalition of the willing and Operation Iraqi Freedom

On 19 March 2003, the United States began its second major war with Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). While chiefly a ground campaign, many of its key strategic objectives lay within the littorals of Iraq. Coalition naval forces played an invaluable role in the successful removal of Saddam Hussein, especially in securing key oil terminals and in opening up the port of Umm Qasr for humanitarian supplies. Both of these objectives depended on naval forces providing amphibious, mine clearing, special operations, and naval gunfire support.