On 17 January 1991, operation Desert Storm was born as the U.S. launched an offensive attack to drive the Iraqi army from Kuwait. MALS-16 provided logistical support to over 106 aircraft which were dispersed at several sites and operated in a tremendously harsh environment. On 18 January 1991, MALS Marines landed at El Jabbar airfield during a fire fight and started EOD clearing operations to prepare the airfield for flight operations. These MALS Marines were awarded a combat action ribbon. The squadron returned to Tustin, California on 18 March 1991.