Operation Prime Chance (1987–1989) was a covert U.S. Special Operations Command mission in the Persian Gulf during the Iran–Iraq War’s “Tanker War.” It protected U.S.-flagged Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks (including minelaying and small-boat assaults) as the secretive counterpart to the public Operation Earnest Will.
Launched in August 1987, it marked the first major combat deployment for the newly formed USSOCOM and featured joint operations with the 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers) using MH-6 and AH-6 Little Bird helicopters for night reconnaissance and strikes, Navy SEALs for boardings, and Special Boat Units. A key action occurred on September 21, 1987, when Night Stalkers helicopters disabled the Iranian minelayer Iran Ajr, enabling SEALs to capture the crew, seize intelligence, and scuttle the vessel.
The operation successfully deterred Iranian threats to shipping lanes until its conclusion in June 1989, validating special operations tactics like night-vision aviation in contested maritime environments. (Note: The narrative reference to 1985 appears to be a minor date error; the operation began in 1987, with MH-60A upgrades tied to that timeframe.)