Gulf 1990 the first AD aircraft there we F3. OK, they didn't go in to combat but there was definitely no air superiority had Saddam decided to attack.
One might deduce that their presence has the desired effect of ensuring that the Iraqi forces did not consider an expeditions further south.
Hmmm and there's me thinking it was the pan full of US F15's and the rather handy Carrier battle group or two cruising around in the Gulf.
F3's demoted to CAP at night only methinks, good radar and jolly quick, but lousy in a turning fight, was the offical reason, provided by some or other Groupie who paid us a visit.