Description: This illustrated history covers the history of the U.S. Navy in the Middle East. From the establishment of the Middle East Force (MEF) in 1949 through the beginning of the 21st century, the U.S. Navy served as a force for stability and peace in the region. The Navy's presence helped prevent regional crises from escalating into wars, enforce international sanctions, and minimize damage done by regional conflicts to American and allied interests. The work concentrates on the Navy's command relationships, roles and missions, and operations in the period leading up to the First Gulf War, the war itself, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.