| Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn | |
| "I am extremely proud of the Sailors, Marines and multi-mission naval platforms operating as part of JTF-OD. They are demonstrating the naval forces’ unique ability to be critical enablers and components of the larger joint force." – Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa In response to a call for action by the Libyan people and the Arab League, the President of the United States called for a limited military action with coalition partners under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973, to end the violence against Libyan citizens. The UNSCR authorizes use of force with an explicit commitment to pursue all necessary measures, to include the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya. Carefully coordinated with coalition partners, U.S. naval forces participated in cruise missile strikes as part of Operation Odyssey Dawn designed to set the conditions for a coalition no-fly zone, striking more than 20 integrated air defense systems and other air defense facilities ashore in Libya March 19. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Command Structure U.S. Joint Task Force (JTF) Odyssey Dawn is commanded by Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and is operating aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20), currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. The JTF was established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya. th Marine Expeditionary Unit; explosive ordnance disposal teams and a maritime expeditionary security squadron. Mobilizing Ready Forces U.S. ships supporting the JTF include: command ship Mount Whitney; Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Barry (DDG 52) and submarines USS Providence (SSN 719), USS Scranton (SSN 756) and USS Florida (SSGN 728), which launched Tomahawks at more than 20 integrated air defense systems and other air defense facilities ashore in Libya March 19; and USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Ponce (LPD 15). • The U.S. Navy will continue to use its unique capabilities to create the conditions under which the coalition can best enforce the full measure of the UN mandate. • • U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers from coalition bases and U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) launched in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn March 20. Navy Growlers provided electronic warfare support over Libya while AV-8B Harriers from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted strikes against Qadhafi's ground forces and air defenses. • • The Joint Forces Maritime Component Command (JFMCC) is commanded by Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr. • U.S. forces assigned to the JFMCC are: Expeditionary Strike Group 5, commanded by Rear Adm. Margaret Klein; Navy Tactical Air Control Center (TACRON) 21; five U.S. Navy ships; three U.S. Military Sealift Command vessels; three U.S. submarines; 28 Navy and Marine Corps aircraft (to include P-3, EP-3, EA-18G, AV-8B, KC-130J, MV-22, CH-53 and MH-60), elements of the 26 | |
| Key Messages | Facts & Figures |
| • • The President stated that military action would not involve U.S. troops on the ground in Libya. • Under the authority of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, the U.S. military and international partners are taking measures to protect Libyan civilians America’s Navy is committed to Operation Odyssey Dawn and is working with coalition partners to put an end to the violence in Libya. | • • 5,100 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and civilians are involved in Operation Odyssey Dawn. • Coalition countries include United Kingdom, France • TACRON 21 managed control of all U.S. strike aircraft March 19. More than 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles were used to strike Libyan air defense systems, surface-to-air missile sites and communication nodes. , Canada, Denmark, Spain, Italy and United States. |
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