Operation Ivory Coast

Significance

Operation Ivory Coast was a U.S. Special Operations Forces mission aimed at rescuing American prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, making it one of the most ambitious POW rescue attempts of the conflict. Beyond its immediate objective, the operation carried institutional significance as the first joint military operation in U.S. history conducted under the direct control of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, establishing a command precedent for future joint special operations. The raiders underwent extensive training and rehearsal at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, across a planning and preparation period running from 25 May to 20 November 1970, reflecting the operational complexity and high stakes attached to the mission.

Commanders (2)