What were the two operations enacted by President Nixon to showcase airpower in Vietnam?

The correct answer identifies Operation Linebacker and Linebacker II as the two significant military operations enacted by President Nixon to showcase airpower during the Vietnam War.

Operation Linebacker began in 1972 and marked a shift in U.S. strategy, focusing on the use of air strikes to interdict supplies and support North Vietnamese forces, reflecting a more aggressive approach compared to previous strategies. This operation aimed to disrupt enemy supply lines and demoralize the North Vietnamese, highlighting the capability and effectiveness of U.S. air power.

Linebacker II followed later in the same year, often referred to as the "Christmas Bombing." This operation involved a sustained bombing campaign targeting Hanoi and Haiphong, intended to apply pressure on North Vietnam to bring them back to the negotiating table. The significance of Linebacker II lies in its demonstration of U.S. air power's precision and effectiveness, aiming to force a resolution in peace talks.

The other choices include operations that are either unrelated to Vietnam or were part of different military conflicts. For instance, Operation Rolling Thunder was a major bombing campaign that preceded both Linebacker operations but is not included in the correct answer choice. Meanwhile, the Desert Shield and Desert Storm operations are associated with the Gulf