In 1990 the squadron, with the rest of its air wing, moved to . VF-21 arrived on station in the Persian Gulf on August 5, 1990 and was part of the Carrier Group that was America's first response to Iraq's August 2, 1990 Invasion of Kuwait. VF-21 maintained Combat Air Patrol "CAP" missions during Operation Desert Shield, the buildup of coalition forces to liberate Kuwait. However, the USS Independence battle group) was relieved on station by the "Ranger" and "Midway" Carrier battle groups at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. General Norman Schwarzkopf flew aboard the USS "Independence" to command the battle group; CBS Anchor Dan Rather reported from the USS "Independence" flight deck. VF-21 returned aboard the USS "Independence" to establish Operation Southern Watch immediately after Desert Storm.