United States invasion of Grenada

Operation Urgent Fury Execution

H-hour for the invasion was set for 05:00 on the 25th of October 1983. U.S. troops deployed for Grenada by helicopter from Grantley Adams International Airport on Barbados before daybreak. Nearly simultaneously, American paratroopers arrived directly by transport aircraft from bases in the eastern United States, and U.S. Marines were airlifted to the island from USS Guam offshore. It was the largest American military action since the Vietnam War. Vice Admiral Joseph Metcalf III commanded Joint Task Force 120, which included elements of each military service and multiple special operations units. The main objectives on the first day were for the 75th Ranger Regiment to capture Point Salines International Airport so that the 82nd Airborne Division could land reinforcements. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment aimed to capture Pearls Airport. Other forces worked to rescue the American students at the True Blue Campus of St. George's University. Alpha and Bravo companies of the 1st Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment embarked on C-130s at Hunter Army Airfield at midnight on the 25th of October to perform an air assault landing on Point Salines. The Rangers had to switch abruptly to a parachute landing when they learned mid-flight that the runway was obstructed. The air drop began at 05:30 on the 25th of October in the face of moderate resistance from ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns and several BTR-60 armored personnel carriers. AC-130 gunships provided support for the landing. The Rangers cleared the airstrip of obstructions by 10:00, and transport planes were able to land and unload additional reinforcements. At 15:30, three BTR-60s of the Grenadian Army Motorized Company counter-attacked, but the Americans repelled them with recoilless rifles and an AC-130. A platoon of Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 4 approached the beach near Pearls Airport around midnight on the 25th of October after evading patrol boats and overcoming stormy weather. The 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marine Regiment then landed south of Pearls Airport using CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters at 05:30 on the 25th of October.

Who led the New Jewel Movement that seized power in Grenada on the 13th of March 1979?

Maurice Bishop and his New Jewel Movement seized power in a nearly bloodless coup while Prime Minister Eric Gairy was temporarily out of the country. The new administration suspended the constitution and detained several political prisoners.

When did the United States invasion of Grenada begin with H-hour set for 05:00 on the 25th of October 1983?

H-hour for the invasion was set for 05:00 on the 25th of October 1983. U.S. troops deployed for Grenada by helicopter from Grantley Adams International Airport on Barbados before daybreak.

Why did the United Nations General Assembly condemn the United States invasion of Grenada on the 2nd of November 1983?

The United Nations General Assembly condemned it as a flagrant violation of international law on the 2nd of November 1983, by a vote of 108 to 9. The UN Charter prohibits the use of force by member states except in cases of self-defense or when specifically authorized by the UN Security Council.

What legislation resulted from the communication problems exposed during the United States invasion of Grenada?

Congress investigated many of the problems and passed the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986. This act reworked the command structure of the military, making the most sweeping changes to the Department of Defense since the department was established in the National Security Act of 1947.

When did the Grenadian government change the name of Point Salines International Airport to Maurice Bishop International Airport?

On the 29th of May 2009, the Grenadian government changed the name of Point Salines International Airport to Maurice Bishop International Airport. Hundreds of Grenadians turned out for the occasion to honor Bishop's memory.

United States invasion of Grenada.

Operation Urgent Fury Execution

International Diplomatic Fallout

Military Reorganization Legacy

Post-Invasion Political Transition

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