Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XI, Part 1, Iran: Hostage Crisis, November 1979–September 1980

263. Telegram From the Commander of the Joint Task Force (Vaught) to the Deputy Commander of the Joint Task Force at Masirah (Gast)¹

Wadi Kena, April 24, 1980, 1250Z

Subject: Execute Order.

Execute mission as briefed.

We are ready and able. God speed.

1. Source: Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff Records, RG 218–07–0002, Records of J–3 DDSO, Box 8, Iranian Hostage Crisis 1979–1984, I 380–458 Rice Bowl JTF Message Traffic (22–25 Apr 80). Top Secret. Also sent to Beckwith, the Deputy Commander of the Joint Task Force for Fixed Wing Air Operations at Masirah, and the Deputy Commander for Helicopter Operations aboard the Nimitz.