by Staff Sgt. Danella Shea, 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- Three C-5M Super Galaxy aircrews from here delivered cargo March 23 to 27 in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.
The Air Force Reserve's 709th Airlift Squadron and the active-duty 9th AS here worked together to deliver 387,000 pounds of cargo.
On March 18, the secretary of defense approved and ordered the use of military forces against the government of Libya.
According to Department of Defense officials, "coalition forces are striking targets that pose a direct threat to the civilian population. The targets, such as Libyan military sites and air defense systems, were carefully chosen to reduce enemy capability while minimizing risk to the civilian population."
In order for the strike operations implementing the no-fly zone to continue, however, the 'bullets' have to make it to the fight, and that is where the C-5M delivers.
"Higher headquarters is starting to realize that if you have a high-priority, 'no fail' mission, with a large amount of cargo, you give it to the C-5M because of the reliability of the airplane," said Col. David Hafer, the 436th Operations Group commander. "(Higher headquarters officials) come to Dover because when the system has a short-notice, high-priority mission, they also know that we are going to generate the crew, generate the airplane, load the cargo on the East Coast and get the goods to the fight faster."
The C-5M is designed to move 100 percent of outsized cargo for any of the services, anywhere in the world.
"That's what the airframe is here for, to support the Air Force, the Army, the Navy, all the different branches and units," said Lt. Col. Michael Semo, a 709th AS pilot and C-5M program chief.
When the C-5M gets back to Dover Air Force Base from carrying out the mission, there is about a four to five hour window where aerial port is loading more cargo, maintenance is working any issues and we are switching out crews before heading back out, said Capt. Matt Matis, a 9th Airlift Squadron pilot and aircraft commander on one of the missions.
"These are very rapid-fire missions," he said.
"It's not just the U.S. supporting this no-fly zone and other operations in Libya; it's us doing our part with Dover's airlift aircraft to support this international operation, and they need this stuff right now," Hafer said. "We understood as a crew -- loadmasters, flight engineers and pilots -- that the airplane needed to come back to Dover, so we could do it all over again."
Beginning March 23, an aircrew from the 709th AS flew direct to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, from Dover AFB, with 160,000 pounds of cargo.
"This was a high-priority, short-notice mission to replace the Tomahawks that were released during the first days of military action in Libya," Semo said. "The C-5M is the only aircraft that could make the trip with that weight without air refueling."
Upon the crew's return March 25, the aircraft was only on the ground for a few hours before being deployed on yet another 'high-priority' mission, this time to Aviano Air Base, Italy.
"It's pretty awesome to see this happening," said Chief Master Sgt. Larry Williams, the 436th OG superintendent and a flight engineer on one of the missions. "We left on Friday, delivered our 155,000 pounds of cargo, de-positioned the plane to a base in Germany to free up space in Aviano and returned back to Dover on Sunday. We spent our weekend supporting this effort and came back to work today as if we were never gone."
By using the C-5M to deliver direct, the aircrews were able to transport more cargo faster without refueling in-flight, freeing up tanker assets to support other operations.
"A lot of times when you are looking at heavy airlift, you have to either compromise cargo weight for fuel weight or fuel weight for cargo weight," Hafer said. "The C-5M allows the system to plan a mission taking a whole lot of cargo and a whole lot of fuel, so we can take it farther into the area of responsibility without tanker support. And, we can do it more reliably."
Hafer called the mission one of the top three most rewarding missions he has flown in his career, and he has been flying the airplane for 20 years.
"We are excited that we get to fly a piece of equipment that our nation's leaders can count on to get the missions done," he added.
As of now, Dover AFB has four C-5M aircraft, all of which are involved in the support of the international crisis in Libya.
Showing posts with label Operation Odyssey Dawn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Operation Odyssey Dawn. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Saturday, April 02, 2011
Total force Airmen support Odyssey Dawn
by Senior Airman David Dobrydney, 313th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
313TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, U.S. Air Forces in Eurpoe (AFNS) -- Aircraft and Airmen from more than 10 bases across the Air Force have united to form the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing here.
The wing formed in 72 hours after the start of Operation Odyssey Dawn, a mission to enforce a no-fly zone put in place to protect the civilian population of Libya.
The first unit to arrive was the 171st Air Refueling Wing, an Air National Guard unit from Pittsburgh. Since then, they have been joined by fellow guard and Reserve units.
"I've helped work on other units' planes more than my own," said Staff Sgt. Reed Mitchell, a 171st ARW crew chief, "with recent deployments to (Southeast Asia) a lot of these crews are old friends."
Mitchell said serving together with reservists and active-duty Airmen can lead to better working habits.
"The guard has a certain way of doing things, and the active-duty Air Force has a certain way of doing things," he said.
"They're both within (regulations), so we combine our experiences and it works out."
While the 171st ARW Airmen were among the first here to stand up the 313th AEW, an Air Force Reserve unit from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N. C., was ready to receive them.
Hailing from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, the reservists were executing another mission here when Operation Odyssey Dawn kicked off.
"Our mission changed to get these guys in and bedded down," said Master Sgt. William Buckley, the 916th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight chief.
The 916th ARW Airmen received the incoming aircraft and maintained them until the 313th AEW stood up. Now the 916th ARW Airmen are combined into the expeditionary wing.
"You can't tell us apart," Buckley said about the distinctions between the sections of the service. "We're proud to be able to do any mission the Air Force needs us to do."
Besides ANG and Reserve members, active-duty Airmen have also participated, in particular those who were already stationed here before Odyssey Dawn began.
"The 100 Airmen here rallied to get this wing stood up," said Master Sgt. Robert Lombardi, the host nation installation first sergeant.
"They found resources they didn't realize they had, working in areas they might not be familiar with," he said. "They worked their hearts out and with a great attitude."
Finally, the host nation provided valuable assistance in getting Airmen billeted, keeping them fed and helping out on the flightline.
"I cannot say enough good things about our local national employees," said Brig. Gen. Roy Uptegraff, the 313th AEW commander.
"Their hard work allows our Airmen -- active, guard and reserve -- to concentrate on accomplishing their mission."
313TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, U.S. Air Forces in Eurpoe (AFNS) -- Aircraft and Airmen from more than 10 bases across the Air Force have united to form the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing here.
The wing formed in 72 hours after the start of Operation Odyssey Dawn, a mission to enforce a no-fly zone put in place to protect the civilian population of Libya.
The first unit to arrive was the 171st Air Refueling Wing, an Air National Guard unit from Pittsburgh. Since then, they have been joined by fellow guard and Reserve units.
"I've helped work on other units' planes more than my own," said Staff Sgt. Reed Mitchell, a 171st ARW crew chief, "with recent deployments to (Southeast Asia) a lot of these crews are old friends."
Mitchell said serving together with reservists and active-duty Airmen can lead to better working habits.
"The guard has a certain way of doing things, and the active-duty Air Force has a certain way of doing things," he said.
"They're both within (regulations), so we combine our experiences and it works out."
While the 171st ARW Airmen were among the first here to stand up the 313th AEW, an Air Force Reserve unit from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N. C., was ready to receive them.
Hailing from the 916th Air Refueling Wing, the reservists were executing another mission here when Operation Odyssey Dawn kicked off.
"Our mission changed to get these guys in and bedded down," said Master Sgt. William Buckley, the 916th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flight chief.
The 916th ARW Airmen received the incoming aircraft and maintained them until the 313th AEW stood up. Now the 916th ARW Airmen are combined into the expeditionary wing.
"You can't tell us apart," Buckley said about the distinctions between the sections of the service. "We're proud to be able to do any mission the Air Force needs us to do."
Besides ANG and Reserve members, active-duty Airmen have also participated, in particular those who were already stationed here before Odyssey Dawn began.
"The 100 Airmen here rallied to get this wing stood up," said Master Sgt. Robert Lombardi, the host nation installation first sergeant.
"They found resources they didn't realize they had, working in areas they might not be familiar with," he said. "They worked their hearts out and with a great attitude."
Finally, the host nation provided valuable assistance in getting Airmen billeted, keeping them fed and helping out on the flightline.
"I cannot say enough good things about our local national employees," said Brig. Gen. Roy Uptegraff, the 313th AEW commander.
"Their hard work allows our Airmen -- active, guard and reserve -- to concentrate on accomplishing their mission."
Friday, April 01, 2011
Libya Military Operation Name Changed
Now that NATO has control of the Libyan military operation as of March 25, the name has changed from Operation Odyssey Dawn to Operation Unified Protector. More about this operation at http://www.bruxelles2.eu/afrique/maghreb/les-moyens-de-loperation-embargo-sur-les-armes.html
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Coalition Air Operations Take on Gadhafi's Forces
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - The coalition struck a number of targets in Libya with air operations flown to protect the Libyan people from Moammar Gadhafi's forces, the director of the Joint Staff said today.
Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney briefed Pentagon reporters on the latest developments in the United Nations-ordered operation.
Many strikes went after Gadhafi regime armored forces outside Ajdabiyah, a city south of the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Gortney said. The coalition also hit more command and control facilities in and around Tripoli and launched 16 more Tomahawk strikes against targets that included Scud missile garrisons in Tripoli and air defense systems around Sabha, he added.
In the last 24 hours, coalition aircraft flew 153 sorties, with 96 of those being strikes. "Slightly more than half of those strike missions were flown by U.S. pilots," the admiral said. Partner nations flew all of the no-fly zone enforcement missions.
NATO has agreed to take on the no-fly zone enforcement mission, and officials at the alliance's headquarters in Belgium named Canadian air force Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard to lead Operation Unified Protector. The operation covers enforcing the U.N.-mandated arms embargo and no-fly zone. Bouchard is stationed in Naples, Italy, at the Allied Joint Force Command.
Gortney said it is possible that NATO may take over the last part of the U.N. mission, which is protecting Libyan civilians from Gadhafi's forces.
Partner nations are taking on more missions, and the division of labor between U.S. and partner nations has evened out, the admiral said. As operations continue, the United States will fly most refueling, surveillance, information operations and jamming missions, he added.
"The coalition is working very hard to make it very hard for Colonel Gadhafi and his troops to kill their own citizens and destroy property," Gortney said. "But that is ... a delicate mission."
The U.N. charged the coalition with protecting the people of Libya, the admiral noted, adding that nothing the coalition can do could put the people at greater risk than the risk they face at the hands of Gadhafi's regime.
"What we must focus on is limiting the regime's ability to inflict the harm by squeezing it and denying it the tools to do so, and we believe we are achieving success in that regard," Gortney said.
WASHINGTON - The coalition struck a number of targets in Libya with air operations flown to protect the Libyan people from Moammar Gadhafi's forces, the director of the Joint Staff said today.
Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney briefed Pentagon reporters on the latest developments in the United Nations-ordered operation.
Many strikes went after Gadhafi regime armored forces outside Ajdabiyah, a city south of the rebel stronghold of Benghazi, Gortney said. The coalition also hit more command and control facilities in and around Tripoli and launched 16 more Tomahawk strikes against targets that included Scud missile garrisons in Tripoli and air defense systems around Sabha, he added.
In the last 24 hours, coalition aircraft flew 153 sorties, with 96 of those being strikes. "Slightly more than half of those strike missions were flown by U.S. pilots," the admiral said. Partner nations flew all of the no-fly zone enforcement missions.
NATO has agreed to take on the no-fly zone enforcement mission, and officials at the alliance's headquarters in Belgium named Canadian air force Lt. Gen. Charles Bouchard to lead Operation Unified Protector. The operation covers enforcing the U.N.-mandated arms embargo and no-fly zone. Bouchard is stationed in Naples, Italy, at the Allied Joint Force Command.
Gortney said it is possible that NATO may take over the last part of the U.N. mission, which is protecting Libyan civilians from Gadhafi's forces.
Partner nations are taking on more missions, and the division of labor between U.S. and partner nations has evened out, the admiral said. As operations continue, the United States will fly most refueling, surveillance, information operations and jamming missions, he added.
"The coalition is working very hard to make it very hard for Colonel Gadhafi and his troops to kill their own citizens and destroy property," Gortney said. "But that is ... a delicate mission."
The U.N. charged the coalition with protecting the people of Libya, the admiral noted, adding that nothing the coalition can do could put the people at greater risk than the risk they face at the hands of Gadhafi's regime.
"What we must focus on is limiting the regime's ability to inflict the harm by squeezing it and denying it the tools to do so, and we believe we are achieving success in that regard," Gortney said.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Monitoring Operation Odyssey Dawn - Update #8
A U.S. Navy sailor guides an AV-8B Harrier jump jet to the deck of USS Kearsarge for fuel and ammunition resupply while conducting air strikes in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn. The Harrier is assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon Here is our latest list of frequencies reported and those monitored from here on the Radio Ranch. Earlier information on the audio samples etc are down page in this post.
If you want to monitor shortwave broadcast from North Africa and the Middle East, we have the most complete and comprehensive listings of all language shortwave broadcast schedules available anywhere exclusively for our Monitoring Times magazine MTExpress subscribers online right now. Complete details on how to order our MTExpress - MTXtra schedules can be found on the Monitoring Times magazine or Grove Enterprises websites.
All frequencies are in kHz.
4196.0 Naval Military style CWC tracking net USB (American English accents). Sounds like a surface voice coordination net. Passing a track for a Russian AGI (3/21 @ 2150 UTC). Early on in Operation Odyssey Dawn that was used as a NATO AWACS tracking net USB: Callsign Magic ##/NATO ##
4235.0 UK Royal Air Force VOLMET USB Middile East Aerodromes
5725.0 UK Royal Navy CWC-style net USB.
6688.0 French Strategic Air Force Net - Commandement Des Forces Aériennes Stratégiques (CFAS) USB: Callsign Capitol/Cosaque ##
6712.0 French Air Force Commandement De La Force Aérienne De Projection (CFAP) USB: Callsign: Circus Verte
6733.0 RAF TASCOMM YL weather traffic to Solex 11 a Sentry AEW1 with TAF weather for LCRA RAF Akrotiri. QSYed to 9019.0 and 9031.0 kHz USB
6761.0 USAF Global refueling Operations USB
6877.0 USAF Psyop transmissions against Libyan Navy + jamming
9019.0 UK RAF TASCOMM USB TAF weather traffic +ALE/USB Real World Traffic
9031.0 UK RAF TASCOMM USB Operational Messages + TAF weather traffic
10315.0 DHN 66 NATO Geilenkirchen GER E-3 AWACS/Magic ## to DHN66 Link USB
12311.0 French Air Force Centre De Conduite Des Opérations Aériennes (CCOA) USB: Callsign Veilleur/AWACS callsign Cyrano.
16160.0 French Air Force up with voice and RATT on 16160 kHz USB. Probable Cyrano ops from AWACS. Thanks mco that is a new one in my db.
Libyan GMMRA HF ALE network was still active as of 3/21/2011 on 5368.0 6884.0 8200.0 9375.0 10125.0 10404.0. Look for the MOBILE## and HQ1 ALE Addresses.
========
Media Coverage of Operation Odyssey Dawn
Good article on the bases being used for Operation Odyssey Dawn:
Allies prepare to enforce Libya no-fly zone
Fairchild tankers handle Libya refueling duties
Utah Guard crew, plane deployed to Libya
Limitations keep F-22 from use in Libya ops
========
Earlier information posted as part of this update blog post.
Well it has been a very busy 24 hours plus with all the action in and around Libya. So in this post I will try to summarize what was heard and reported.
I should point out that we had a real good hint that the USAF B-2 bombers were on a Global Power mission yesterday afternoon when we saw the Ethyl tankers on the AR track up in the Canadian maritimes. I can report as of this writing that the Ethyl tankers are up again this morning to get the B-2 boyz back home from their long flight overseas. According to the Pentagon they were the aircraft that bombed the Libyan military airfields. As this is being written, the flight of three is approaching their Ethyl tankers in the Can Maritimes using callsign Fury 23 flight. Heads up NEMilAir guys.
Now to the HF reported on UDXF. The biggest news was a psyops radio reported by our friend Ary Boender in the NL.
Ary reported the following around 0730 UTC:
"6877 kHz : Psychological operations, possibly EC-130J Commando Solo III. Asks Libyan naval officers not to board their ships in AA/EE/FF. Hard to read here in Holland but msg is clear."
There was an EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, callsign Sheen 53, that was in theater so given their mission to "disrupt enemy command and control communications and limits adversary coordination essential for enemy force management," that may have been who Ary and others monitored last night.
An EC-130J Commando Solo from 193SOS has finally popped up in the theater, callsign Steel 74, so let the psyops broadcast begin.
At some point Andrea B recorded jamming on the 6877.0 kHz transmissions and you can hear that at http://www.mediasuk.org/appoggio/jamming_6877.mp3. This is a must hear mp3. You can even hear the transmission form the aircraft telling the Libyan Navy sailors to not leave port, etc.
Nils DK8OK, has also posted an audio file from 6877.0 kHz. "6877 kHz, 20.3.11, 09:00 UTC, in SSB/USB with reduced carrier. Slightly jammed. Calling Libyan seamen to return to port and leave their ships in Arabic, English and French:
„Libyan sailors! Leave your ship immediately! Leave your ... and return to your family or your home. ... forces of violating at United National resolution ... the end of ... in your country. For your own safety: Leave your ship immediately! Do not attempt to jam [?] transmission." Click here for Nils DK8OK audio file.
There are several more audio files posted online and you can find those in messages posted to the UDXF group.
Stay tuned. More as we get or hear it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Ships Were in Position for Odyssey Dawn, CNO Says
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- While Operation Odyssey Dawn brewed up quickly, the U.S. Navy already was positioned for operations over Libya, the chief of naval operations (CNO) said March 23.
CNO Adm. Gary Roughead told the Defense Writers Group that having Navy ships and submarines in the Mediterranean Sea enabled a quick response to the order that began Operation Odyssey Dawn.
"The need, for example in the opening rounds, for the Tomahawk strikes, the shooters were already in place," Roughead said. "They were already loaded, and that went off as we expected it would."
Roughead said he is pleased overall with the operation so far. The actions against Libya marked the first time the converted ballistic missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) was used in combat, and basing the coalition's joint task force aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) has provided flexibility, he added.
CNO also said he is pleased with the performance of the EA-18G Growler, the Navy's newest electronic warfare aircraft. The five-jet squadron had been flying missions over Iraq, but was quickly moved and began flying missions in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn just 47 hours after recovering from operations over Iraq.
He also praised the tactical recovery of two F-15E Strike Eagle Airmen who ejected over Libya when their jet had mechanical problems. The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) launched a V-22 Osprey that got in quickly and made the recovery, he said.
"The way it came together, the synchronicity of operations, the involvement and coordination among the different participants [went] quite well," he added.
Roughead said the Navy can continue supporting operations as long as it takes.
"That's what you get when you have a global Navy that's forward all the time," he said. "We don't surge, and we don't ride to the sound of the guns. We're there, and when the guns go off, we're ready to conduct combat operations, or, as you see in Japan, ready to conduct some pretty extensive humanitarian operations."
In the run-up to the operations, the admiral told the group, the Joint Chiefs of Staff deliberated on the military actions that would be required. Roughead said he was particularly concerned about Moammar Gadhafi's integrated air and missile defense system. Though the system was old, he said, "I don't take any of that for granted. If someone is going to put a missile in the air, you don't say, 'Oh, it's an old one, I'll worry about it later.'"
Roughead said logistics was another concern, but the Navy's robust presence in the Mediterranean comes with re-supply ships afloat and depots ashore. The global supply chain has worked well, he said, adding that he anticipates no problem in keeping operations going.
From a funding standpoint, Roughead said operations are not especially costly.
"When you look at the expenses of what we in the Navy incurred, given the fact that we were already there, those costs are 'sunk' for me. I'm already paying for that," he said.
The service did incur additional flying hours, and the Tomahawks will be replaced from the existing inventory, Roughead said. More than 3,200 Tomahawks are in the inventory, and the missiles used in the operation represent "relatively minor increases in cost," he added.
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- While Operation Odyssey Dawn brewed up quickly, the U.S. Navy already was positioned for operations over Libya, the chief of naval operations (CNO) said March 23.
CNO Adm. Gary Roughead told the Defense Writers Group that having Navy ships and submarines in the Mediterranean Sea enabled a quick response to the order that began Operation Odyssey Dawn.
"The need, for example in the opening rounds, for the Tomahawk strikes, the shooters were already in place," Roughead said. "They were already loaded, and that went off as we expected it would."
Roughead said he is pleased overall with the operation so far. The actions against Libya marked the first time the converted ballistic missile submarine USS Florida (SSGN 728) was used in combat, and basing the coalition's joint task force aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) has provided flexibility, he added.
CNO also said he is pleased with the performance of the EA-18G Growler, the Navy's newest electronic warfare aircraft. The five-jet squadron had been flying missions over Iraq, but was quickly moved and began flying missions in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn just 47 hours after recovering from operations over Iraq.
He also praised the tactical recovery of two F-15E Strike Eagle Airmen who ejected over Libya when their jet had mechanical problems. The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) launched a V-22 Osprey that got in quickly and made the recovery, he said.
"The way it came together, the synchronicity of operations, the involvement and coordination among the different participants [went] quite well," he added.
Roughead said the Navy can continue supporting operations as long as it takes.
"That's what you get when you have a global Navy that's forward all the time," he said. "We don't surge, and we don't ride to the sound of the guns. We're there, and when the guns go off, we're ready to conduct combat operations, or, as you see in Japan, ready to conduct some pretty extensive humanitarian operations."
In the run-up to the operations, the admiral told the group, the Joint Chiefs of Staff deliberated on the military actions that would be required. Roughead said he was particularly concerned about Moammar Gadhafi's integrated air and missile defense system. Though the system was old, he said, "I don't take any of that for granted. If someone is going to put a missile in the air, you don't say, 'Oh, it's an old one, I'll worry about it later.'"
Roughead said logistics was another concern, but the Navy's robust presence in the Mediterranean comes with re-supply ships afloat and depots ashore. The global supply chain has worked well, he said, adding that he anticipates no problem in keeping operations going.
From a funding standpoint, Roughead said operations are not especially costly.
"When you look at the expenses of what we in the Navy incurred, given the fact that we were already there, those costs are 'sunk' for me. I'm already paying for that," he said.
The service did incur additional flying hours, and the Tomahawks will be replaced from the existing inventory, Roughead said. More than 3,200 Tomahawks are in the inventory, and the missiles used in the operation represent "relatively minor increases in cost," he added.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
US Air Force F-15E Incident in Libya; Crew Safe
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Two crew members ejected from their U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle when the aircraft experienced equipment malfunction over Libya, March 21, at approximately 10:30 p.m. CET.
Both crew members ejected and are safe. The aircraft, based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, was flying out of Aviano Air Base in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn at the time of the incident.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The identities will be released after the next of kin have been notified.
Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Gaddafi regime forces.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Two crew members ejected from their U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle when the aircraft experienced equipment malfunction over Libya, March 21, at approximately 10:30 p.m. CET.
Both crew members ejected and are safe. The aircraft, based out of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, was flying out of Aviano Air Base in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn at the time of the incident.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The identities will be released after the next of kin have been notified.
Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Gaddafi regime forces.
Monday, March 21, 2011
USS Stout Conducts Strike Operations in Support of Operation Odyssey Dawn
From Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs
USS STOUT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Stout (DDG 55) supported Joint Task Force Operation Odyssey Dawn by launching missile strikes against Libya March 19 in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, helping to prevent attacks on the Libyan people by that country's government.
Stout's primary mission in the Mediterranean Sea is ballistic missile defense, but Stout's crew was retasked to conduct the initial strikes of Operation Odyssey Dawn.
When Stout deployed from Norfolk in December 2010, few could have guessed that the ship would be asked to assist with a coalition of partner nations to stop violence in Libya.
"We're built to do multiple missions," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Jeramy Spivey. "Rapidly shifting from ballistic missile defense to strike operations is proof that Stout is ready for anything."
Spivey was operating a camera March 19 capturing the image of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) launching from the ship's bow.
"We've practiced the mission dozens of times," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Joshua Gonzalez, one of the Sailors operating the weapons system aboard Stout. "To do it for real demonstrates what the crew can do when called upon."
Many Stout Sailors were able to witness the initial TLAM launches, especially the ship's bridge watchstanders.
"We witnessed history in the making tonight. It is nice to know that we contributed to the world's effort to protect innocent civilians in Libya," said Seaman Nathan Wade, whose role as helmsman kept the ship on a proper course during the operation.
In preparing for March 19's mission, the crew all seemed aware that the many drills they ran in support of engineering, damage control, weapons and combat systems were absolutely essential to mission readiness.
"Stout is energized like never before and we are ready for the next mission," said Stout Command Master Chief Anthony Cole.
"Arleigh Burke once said, 'This ship was built to fight. You'd better know how,'" said Cmdr. Sly Steele, Stout's commanding officer. "That is a concept we take very seriously in Stout."
USS STOUT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Stout (DDG 55) supported Joint Task Force Operation Odyssey Dawn by launching missile strikes against Libya March 19 in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, helping to prevent attacks on the Libyan people by that country's government.
Stout's primary mission in the Mediterranean Sea is ballistic missile defense, but Stout's crew was retasked to conduct the initial strikes of Operation Odyssey Dawn.
When Stout deployed from Norfolk in December 2010, few could have guessed that the ship would be asked to assist with a coalition of partner nations to stop violence in Libya.
"We're built to do multiple missions," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Jeramy Spivey. "Rapidly shifting from ballistic missile defense to strike operations is proof that Stout is ready for anything."
Spivey was operating a camera March 19 capturing the image of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) launching from the ship's bow.
"We've practiced the mission dozens of times," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Joshua Gonzalez, one of the Sailors operating the weapons system aboard Stout. "To do it for real demonstrates what the crew can do when called upon."
Many Stout Sailors were able to witness the initial TLAM launches, especially the ship's bridge watchstanders.
"We witnessed history in the making tonight. It is nice to know that we contributed to the world's effort to protect innocent civilians in Libya," said Seaman Nathan Wade, whose role as helmsman kept the ship on a proper course during the operation.
In preparing for March 19's mission, the crew all seemed aware that the many drills they ran in support of engineering, damage control, weapons and combat systems were absolutely essential to mission readiness.
"Stout is energized like never before and we are ready for the next mission," said Stout Command Master Chief Anthony Cole.
"Arleigh Burke once said, 'This ship was built to fight. You'd better know how,'" said Cmdr. Sly Steele, Stout's commanding officer. "That is a concept we take very seriously in Stout."
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
UK Forces in the Operation Odessey Dawn Fight
From the UK Guardian Blog:
1.26am: A statement from Defence Secretary Liam Fox has more details of the British military forces involved:
We have launched Tomahawk land attack missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine and Storm Shadow missiles from Tornado GR4s. The fast jets flew 3,000 miles from RAF Marham and back, making this the longest range bombing mission conducted by the RAF since the Falklands conflict. This operation was supported by VC10 and Tristar air-to-air refuelling aircraft as well as E3D Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft.
HMS Westminster is off the coast of Libya and HMS Cumberland is in the region ready to support operations. Typhoon aircraft are also standing by to provide support.
Our capable and adaptable armed forces are once again displaying their courage and professionalism. This action has provided a strong signal - the international community will not stand by while the Libyan people suffer under the Gaddafi regime.
1.17am: The UK military has officially confirmed that Royal Air Force planes also took part on the attack on Gaddafi's forces, with flights by GR4 Tornados firing Storm Shadow missiles – a European version of the cruise missile – at targets in Libya:
A statement from the Chief of Defence Staff's strategic communications officer Major General John Lorimer:
British armed forces, as authorised by the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, have participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems.
In addition to the Tomahawk land attack missiles (TLAM) launched from a Trafalgar Class submarine, I can now confirm that the RAF has also launched Storm Shadow missiles from a number of Tornado GR4 fast jets, which flew direct from RAF Marham as part of a co-ordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.
1.26am: A statement from Defence Secretary Liam Fox has more details of the British military forces involved:
We have launched Tomahawk land attack missiles from a Trafalgar Class submarine and Storm Shadow missiles from Tornado GR4s. The fast jets flew 3,000 miles from RAF Marham and back, making this the longest range bombing mission conducted by the RAF since the Falklands conflict. This operation was supported by VC10 and Tristar air-to-air refuelling aircraft as well as E3D Sentry and Sentinel surveillance aircraft.
HMS Westminster is off the coast of Libya and HMS Cumberland is in the region ready to support operations. Typhoon aircraft are also standing by to provide support.
Our capable and adaptable armed forces are once again displaying their courage and professionalism. This action has provided a strong signal - the international community will not stand by while the Libyan people suffer under the Gaddafi regime.
1.17am: The UK military has officially confirmed that Royal Air Force planes also took part on the attack on Gaddafi's forces, with flights by GR4 Tornados firing Storm Shadow missiles – a European version of the cruise missile – at targets in Libya:
A statement from the Chief of Defence Staff's strategic communications officer Major General John Lorimer:
British armed forces, as authorised by the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, have participated in a co-ordinated strike against Libyan air defence systems.
In addition to the Tomahawk land attack missiles (TLAM) launched from a Trafalgar Class submarine, I can now confirm that the RAF has also launched Storm Shadow missiles from a number of Tornado GR4 fast jets, which flew direct from RAF Marham as part of a co-ordinated coalition plan to enforce the resolution.
Coalition Takes Aim at Libyan Air Defenses
Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, briefs reporters at the Pentagon on the launch of Operation Odyssey Dawn, a coalition effort to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya and protect the Libyan people from Moammar Gadhafi's regime, March 19, 2011. (DOD photo by Cherie Cullen)By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - Coalition members fired 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Libya's integrated air and missile defense system today as a precursor to setting up a no-fly zone over the country, Pentagon officials said.
In Brazil, where he is on the first leg of a three-nation trip to South America, President Barack Obama said no U.S. ground troops will deploy to Libya, but that the United States would provide "unique assets" to enforce the United Nations Security Council resolution meant to protect the Libyan people from the forces of Moammar Gadhafi.
Navy Vice Adm. Wlliam E. Gortney, director of the Joint Staff, briefed reporters at the Pentagon on the launch of "Operation Odyssey Daw."
"The goals of these initial operations are essentially twofold: first, to prevent further attacks by regime forces on Libyan citizens and opposition groups, especially around Benghazi, and second, to degrade the regime's capability to resist the no-fly zone we are implementing under that United Nations resolution," Gortney said shortly after the attacks were launched.
Most of the targets were on or near the coast and around the Libyan capital of Tripoli, Gortney said. The coalition carefully picked the targets, he added, which either threatened coalition pilots or through use by the regime, posed a direct threat to the Libyan people of Libya.
"I want to stress that this is just the first phase of what will likely be a multiphase military operation designed to enforce the United Nations resolution," the admiral said.
The international community gave Gadhafi the opportunity to yesterday to pursue an immediate cease-fire, Obama noted. "But despite the hollow words of his government, he has ignored that opportunity," he said. "His attacks on his own people have continued. His forces have been on the move. And the danger faced by the people of Libya has grown."
Obama stressed that the United States is one nation involved in a multinational operation.
For now, Gortney told reporters, Operation Odyssey Dawn is under the command of Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of U.S. Africa Command. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III is the commander of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney. Locklear commands U.S. naval forces in Europe and Africa, as well as NATO Allied Joint Forces Command.
"We anticipate the eventual transition of leadership to a coalition commander in the coming days," Gortney said. Still, even with the transition, the U.S. military will continue to provide support, communications and logistics to coalition forces.
"Our mission now is to shape the battle space in such a way that our partners can take the lead in execution," he said.
Forces will assess the results of the strikes in the coming hours, and that will shape operations for the future, Gortney said. This will take some time, he added, with Global Hawk unmanned aerial aircraft and national technical means providing the information needed.
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