View source for Operation Odyssey Dawn

{{Short description|2011 international military operation in Libya}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Operation Odyssey Dawn
| partof            = the [[2011 military intervention in Libya]] and the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]]
| image             = [[File:USS Barry fires Tomahawk missile Libya.png|border|300px]]
| caption           = {{USS|Barry|DDG-52|6}} fires a [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk cruise missile]] during Operation Odyssey Dawn.
| date              = 19–31 March 2011
| place             = Libya
| coordinates       = 
| map_type          = 
| latitude          = 
| longitude         = 
| map_size          = 
| map_caption       = 
| map_label         = 
| territory         = 
| result            = [[NATO]] victory<br />Effective no-fly zone established<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/us.mullen.libya/index.html?hpt=T1|title=Mullen: No-fly zone effectively in place in Libya|last=Cohen|first=Tom|date=20 March 2011|publisher=CNN|access-date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323023903/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/us.mullen.libya/index.html?hpt=T1|archive-date=23 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Operations handed over to NATO [[Operation Unified Protector]]
| combatant1        = {{nowrap|{{flag|United States}}}}<br />{{nowrap|{{flag|Italy}}}}
| combatant2        = {{nowrap|{{flag|Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|1977}}}}
| commander1        = [[Barack Obama]]<small><br />President of the United States and<br />Commander in Chief of U.S. Armed Forces</small><br />
[[Robert Gates]]<small><br />U.S. Secretary of Defense</small><br />
[[Carter Ham|GEN Carter Ham]], USA<small><br />U.S. Africa Command Commander</small><br />
[[Samuel J. Locklear|ADM Samuel Locklear]], USN<small><br />Joint Task Force Commander</small><br />
[[Harry B. Harris|VADM Harry Harris]], USN<small><br />Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander</small><br />
[[Margaret H. Woodward|Maj Gen Margaret Woodward]], USAF<small><br />Joint Forces Air Component Commander</small>
| commander2        = [[Muammar Gaddafi]]<small><br />De facto Commander-in-Chief</small><br />
[[Abu-Bakr Yunis Jabr]]<small><br />Minister of Defense</small><br />
[[Khamis Gaddafi|Khamis al-Gaddafi]]<small><br />[[Khamis Brigade]] Commander</small><br />
[[Ali Sharif al-Rifi]]<small><br />[[Libyan Air Force (1951-2011)|Air Force]] Commander</small>
| units1            = 
| units2            = 
| units3            = 
| strength1         = See ''[[#Deployed forces|deployed forces]]''
| strength2         = 490 tanks<br />{{nowrap|240 mobile rocket launchers}}<!-- no wrapped because longest entry in right column --><br />35 helicopters<br />113 air-land attack fighters<br />229 air fighters<br />7 bombers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldreporter.com/2011/03/gaddafi-attacked-city-of-misrata-us-to.html|title=Gaddafi Attacked City of Misrata; US to Bomb More|date=20 March 2011 |publisher=The World Reporter|access-date=21 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324131417/http://www.theworldreporter.com/2011/03/gaddafi-attacked-city-of-misrata-us-to.html|archive-date=24 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
| strength3         = 
| casualties1       = 1 F-15E (mechanical failure,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/f-15-pilots-eject-over-libya-after-equipment-malfunction/|title=F-15 Crew Ejects Over Libya After Mechanical Failure|last1=Ackerman|first1=Spencer|date=22 March 2011|work=Danger Room, Wired.com|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=13 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623131815/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/f-15-pilots-eject-over-libya-after-equipment-malfunction/|archive-date=23 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> aircrew survived<ref name="USMCrescue" />) <br />1 [[Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout|MQ-8B Fire Scout]] (possibly shot down<ref>{{cite news|title=Navy: UAV likely downed by pro-Gadhafi forces|author=Joshua Stewart|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/08/navy-fire-scout-likely-shot-down-libya-080511w/|newspaper=Navy Times|date=5 August 2011|access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref>)
| casualties2       = Multiple anti-aircraft defenses, airforce assets, and army vehicles, artillery, and tanks damaged or destroyed
| casualties3       = 114 killed and 445 wounded (Libyan health ministry claim)*<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/9436749.stm|title=Mid-East crisis as it happened: 25 March|date=25 March 2011|work=BBC News|access-date=26 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327143813/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/9436749.stm|archive-date=27 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><br />40 civilians killed (in Tripoli; Vatican claim)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=214560|title=Vatican: Airstrikes killed 40 civilians in Tripoli|date=31 March 2011|access-date=31 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511143824/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=214560|archive-date=11 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
| notes             = '''*'''Libyan health ministry claim has not been independently confirmed. The U.S. military claims it has no knowledge of civilian casualties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/libya.civil.war/|title=Coalition targets Gadhafi compound|publisher=CNN|access-date=19 May 2011|date=21 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531071233/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/libya.civil.war/|archive-date=31 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
{{Campaignbox Libya no-fly zone}}
'''Operation Odyssey Dawn''' was the U.S. [[code name]]{{#tag:ref|From [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]], "The U.S. military's nickname for the no-fly zone in Libya sounds like the beginning of a long adventure. But Defense Department officials insist that there's no hidden meaning behind 'Operation Odyssey Dawn.' It's just the product of the Pentagon's semi-random name-generating system."<ref name=Wired>Rawnsley, Adam (21 March 2011) [https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/whats-in-a-name-odyssey-dawn-is-pentagon-crafted-nonsense/ What's in a Name? 'Odyssey Dawn' Is Pentagon-Crafted Nonsense] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906115312/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/whats-in-a-name-odyssey-dawn-is-pentagon-crafted-nonsense |date=6 September 2013 }} ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]''</ref>|group=Note}} for the American role in the [[2011 military intervention in Libya|international military operation in Libya]] to enforce [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973]]<ref name=Ham>{{cite web|url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6222&|title=STATEMENT: AFRICOM Commander on Commencement of Military Strikes in Libya|date=19 March 2011|publisher=US AFRICOM|author=Carter Ham}}</ref><ref name=AFRICOM>{{cite web|url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6237&|title=Overview of 1st Day of U.S. Operations to Enforce UN Resolution 1973 Over Libya|date=20 March 2011|publisher=US AFRICOM|author=U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs|access-date=19 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720133606/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6237&|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=USAFRICOM>{{cite web|url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6341&|title=TRANSCRIPT: NATO Enforcing All Aspects of UNSCR 1973 in Libya|date=27 March 2011|publisher=US AFRICOM|author=U.S. Department of State|access-date=19 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720133433/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6341&|archive-date=20 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=DODNewsArticle/><ref name=DODNewsBriefing>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4786|title=DOD News Briefing by Vice Adm. Gortney on Operation Odyssey Dawn|publisher=Defense.gov|date=19 March 2011|access-date=22 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331064201/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4786|archive-date=31 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> during the initial period of 19–31 March 2011, which continued afterwards under NATO command as [[Operation Unified Protector]]. The initial operation implemented a [[no-fly zone]] that was proposed during the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]] to prevent government forces loyal to [[Muammar Gaddafi]] from carrying out air attacks on [[anti-Gaddafi forces]]. On 19 March 2011, several countries prepared to take immediate military action at a summit in Paris.<ref>{{cite news|title=Operation Ellamy: Designed to strike from air and sea|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/operation-ellamy-designed-to-strike-from-air-and-sea-2246411.html|work=The Independent|location=UK|access-date=19 March 2011|first=Terri|last=Judd|date=19 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322041554/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/operation-ellamy-designed-to-strike-from-air-and-sea-2246411.html|archive-date=22 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Operations commenced on the same day with a strike by French fighter jets, then US and UK forces conducting strikes from ships and submarines via 110 [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] [[cruise missile]]s and air [[Military asset|assets]] bombing Gaddafi forces near Benghazi.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/19/libya.civil.war/index.html|title=Gunfire, explosions heard in Tripoli|publisher=CNN|access-date=21 March 2011|date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110331064139/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/19/libya.civil.war/index.html|archive-date=31 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The goal of coalition forces was to impose a no-fly zone for Libyan government forces.

The U.S. initially had strategic command of the military intervention, coordinated missions between coalition members and set up Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn on {{USS|Mount Whitney|LCC-20|6}} for the tactical command and control in the area of operations.<ref name="AFRICOM" /><ref name="USAFRICOM" /> but passed complete military command of the operation to [[NATO]] and took up a support role on 31 March 2011.<ref name="StarTrib">{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/world/118902209.html|title=Secretary-General says NATO has taken sole control of air operations over Libya|author=Slobodan Lekic|publisher=StarTribune|access-date=5 April 2011|date=31 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=July 2011}}</ref> Prior to that, an agreement to pass command of the arms embargo to NATO was reached on 23 March,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/deal-puts-nato-at-head-of-libyan-operation/story-e6frg6so-1226027088954|title=Deal puts NATO at head of Libyan operation|newspaper=The Australian|date=23 March 2011|access-date=23 March 2011|first=Brad|last=Norington|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422191917/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/deal-puts-nato-at-head-of-libyan-operation/story-e6frg6so-1226027088954|archive-date=22 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> and a handover of enforcement of the no-fly zone to NATO was agreed to on 24 March and became effective the following day.<ref name=NATOleadNFZ>{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-no-fly-zone.pdf |title=NATO No-Fly Zone over Libya Operation Unified Protector |type=Fact Sheet |website=North Atlantic Treaty Organization |access-date=26 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321021800/http://www.nato.int/nato_static/assets/pdf/pdf_2011_03/20110325_110325-unified-protector-no-fly-zone.pdf |archive-date=21 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> With the handover of coalition command to NATO, Operation Odyssey Dawn remained the name for the activities of U.S. forces,<ref name=GlobSec>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/odyssey-dawn.htm Operation Odyssey Dawn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406120827/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/odyssey-dawn.htm |date=6 April 2011 }} GlobalSecurity.org</ref> and the coalition's objectives continued to be carried out under Operation Unified Protector. However, NATO's objectives did not include aiding the rebel forces' efforts to take control of territory held by the government.<ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-27/nato-takes-command-of-libya-operation-as-allies-step-up-attacks.html|title=NATO Takes Command of Libya Operation as Allies Step Up Attacks|author1=Ola Galal  |author2=Alaa Shahine |name-list-style=amp |publisher=Bloomberg news|access-date=27 March 2011|date=27 March 2011}}{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The British name for its military support of Resolution 1973 is [[Operation Ellamy]],<ref name=UKMoD>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CoalitionOperationsInLibyaToContinue.htm |title=Coalition operations in Libya to continue |date=21 March 2011 |publisher=Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom |access-date=24 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324144403/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CoalitionOperationsInLibyaToContinue.htm |archive-date=24 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> the Canadian participation is [[Operation Mobile]],<ref name=CanDef>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/libya-libye-eng.asp Operation MOBILE: National Defence and the Canadian Forces Response to the Situation in Libya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615053655/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/libya-libye-eng.asp |date=15 June 2013 }} ''National Defence and the Canadian Forces'', Canadian Department of National Defense</ref> and the French participation is [[Opération Harmattan]].<ref name=FrMoD>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/autres-operations/operation-harmattan-libye/actualites/libye-point-de-situation-de-l-operation-harmattan-n-1 Libye : point de situation de l'opération Harmattan n°1] (23 March 2011) ''Opérations'', Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants. (French) [http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gouv.fr%2Foperations%2Fautres-operations%2Foperation-harmattan-libye%2Factualites%2Flibye-point-de-situation-de-l-operation-harmattan-n-1&lp=fr_en&btnTrUrl=Translate English translation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010123540/http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done |date=10 October 2007 }}</ref><ref name=NATOleadNFZ />

==Command==
[[File:President Barack Obama speaking on the military intervention in Libya at the National Defense University 15.jpg|thumb|230px|President [[Barack Obama]] speaking on the military intervention in Libya at the [[National Defense University]], 28 March 2011]]
The strategic command of Operation Odyssey Dawn was under the authority of General [[Carter Ham]], the Combatant Commander of the [[United States Africa Command]] (AFRICOM), a [[Unified Combatant Command]] of the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]. Tactical command in the theater of operations was under command of Admiral [[Samuel J. Locklear|Sam Locklear]], the Commander of [[United States Naval Forces Europe|United States Naval Forces Africa]] on board the command ship USS ''Mount Whitney'' in the Mediterranean Sea.<ref name=DODNewsArticle>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63225 |title=News Article: Coalition Launches Operation Odyssey Dawn |publisher=Defense.gov |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626152249/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63225 |archive-date=26 June 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=General Carter Ham |author2=U.S. Army |title=STATEMENT: AFRICOM Commander on Commencement of Military Strikes in Libya |url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6222 |publisher=[[U.S. Africa Command]] |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025031708/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6222 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Vice Admiral [[Harry B. Harris]], Commander, [[U.S. Sixth Fleet]], assumed responsibilities as the Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander, also stationed aboard USS ''Mount Whitney'' along with Brigadier General [[Paul W. Brier]], Commander, [[United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa|U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa]], as the Deputy Joint Forces Maritime Component Command.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lobban Jr. |first1=Richard A.|last2=Dalton|first2=Christopher H.|date=2014|title=Libya: History and Revolution|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h2mEAwAAQBAJ&dq=libya+history+and&pg=PR12 |publisher=Prager Security International|page=80|isbn=978-1-4408-2884-3}}</ref><ref name="Chattanogga Time Free Press Article">{{cite web |url=http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jun/15/admiral-harris-says-libya-campaign-sustainable/ |title=News Article: Admiral Harris Says Libya Campaign Sustainable |publisher=Chattanogga Time Free Press |date=15 June 2011 |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301021001/http://timesfreepress.com/news/2011/jun/15/admiral-harris-says-libya-campaign-sustainable/ |archive-date=1 March 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Major General [[Margaret H. Woodward]] was commander of US Air Force aircraft involved in the operation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-29/libya-airstrikes-make-woodward-first-woman-to-lead-u-s-air-war.html |title=Woodward First Woman to Command U.S. Air Attack in Libya 'No-Fly' Mission |publisher=Bloomberg |date=29 March 2011 |access-date=23 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401153531/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-29/libya-airstrikes-make-woodward-first-woman-to-lead-u-s-air-war.html |archive-date=1 April 2011 |url-status=live |first=Peter S. |last=Green}}</ref> On 21 March 2011, President Obama stated the U.S. military action would be scaled back soon<ref>{{cite news |author=Ian Pannell |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12813757 |title=Libya: US 'to reduce role in military campaign' |publisher=BBC News |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623012338/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12813757 |archive-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was considering handing over command of the operation to either France, the UK or NATO. On 24 March 2011, NATO took command of enforcing the no-fly zone in Libya and was considering taking control of the rest of the mission.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sanskar Shrivastava |title=US to Hand Over The Command of Military Operation in Libya to UK, France or NATO |url=http://www.theworldreporter.com/2011/03/command-of-military-operation-given.html |publisher=The World Reporter |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325004121/http://www.theworldreporter.com/2011/03/command-of-military-operation-given.html |archive-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 24 March 2011, the coalition agreed to have NATO command the no-fly zone,<ref>Mary Beth Sheridan and Greg Jaffe (24 March 2011) [https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/coalition-agrees-to-put-nato-in-charge-of-no-fly-zone-in-libya/2011/03/24/ABlZNLSB_story.html Coalition agrees to put NATO in charge of no-fly zone in Libya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820110746/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/coalition-agrees-to-put-nato-in-charge-of-no-fly-zone-in-libya/2011/03/24/ABlZNLSB_story.html |date=20 August 2018 }} Washington Post</ref> and the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the U.S. would relinquish command of Operation Odyssey Dawn as early as 28 March.<ref name=DOD24>Garamone, Jim (24 March 2011) [http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63299 Coalition Continues to Defend Libyan Civilians] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528101830/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63299 |date=28 May 2011 }} News American Forces Press Service, U.S. Department of Defense</ref>

==Deployed forces==
<!--Please do not add any forces to this list. Operation Odyssey Dawn ended on 31 March 2011 when NATO took over under the name Operation Unified Protector. Also French and British operations were not part of Odyssey Dawn, but were separate and distinct national operations, which were coordinated with Operation Odyssey Dawn; but not subjugated to it. -->
* [[Belgian Armed Forces]]
** [[Belgian Air Component]]
*** Six [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16AM 15MLU Falcon]] fighter jets operating from [[Araxos|Araxos Air Base]], Greece
* [[Canadian Armed Forces]]
** [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]<ref name="forces1">[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/feature-vedette/2011/02/updates-misesajour/03-22-2011-eng.asp "Update on CF Operations in Libya"]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Canadian Forces website, 22 March 2011</ref>
*** Total 440 military personnel deployed
*** Seven [[CF-188 Hornet|CF-18 Hornet]] fighter jets operating from [[Trapani-Birgi Airport]], Italy
*** Two [[Airbus CC-150 Polaris]] [[air-to-air refueling]] tankers operating from [[Trapani-Birgi Airport]], Italy
*** Two [[Lockheed CP-140 Aurora]] [[maritime patrol aircraft]] operating from [[Naval Air Station Sigonella]], Sicily, Italy
*** Two [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|CC-177 Globemaster III]] heavy transports
*** Two CC-130J Super Hercules tactical transports
** [[Royal Canadian Navy]]<ref name="forces1"/>
*** Frigate {{HMCS|Charlottetown|FFH 339|6}}<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3758 "Canadian Forces Deploy Maritime Patrol Aircraft In Response To Situation In Libya"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922024407/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?cat=00&id=3758 |date=22 September 2012 }} Canadian Forces website, 25 March 2011</ref>
** [[JTF2]]<ref name="forces1"/>
*** There are reports of members of JTF2 working with Britain's SAS and SBS on the ground in Libya.
* [[Danish Defence|Danish Armed Forces]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/ECE1227910/denmark-to-send-squadron-on-libya-op/ |title=Denmark to send squadron on Libya op |language=da |publisher=Politiken.dk |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320205403/http://politiken.dk/newsinenglish/ECE1227910/denmark-to-send-squadron-on-libya-op/ |archive-date=20 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Royal Danish Air Force]]
*** Six [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16AM 15MLU Falcon]] fighter jets operating from [[Naval Air Station Sigonella|Sigonella Air Base]], Italy
*** One [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J-30]] military transport aircraft
* [[Italian Armed Forces]]
** [[Italian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rainews24.it/it/news.php?newsid=151184 |title=La Russa: Presto altri aerei italiani |publisher=rainews24.it |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728014537/http://www.rainews24.it/it/news.php?newsid=151184 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** Four [[Panavia Tornado|Tornado ECR]] [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses|SEAD]] planes operating from [[Trapani-Birgi Airport|Trapani Air Base]]
*** Four [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16A 15ADF Falcon]] fighter as escort operating from Trapani Air Base
*** Six [[Eurofighter Typhoon|EF2000 Typhoon]] fighter as air defence interceptor operating from Trapani Air Base (supporting the Italian contribution, but not under direct U.S. Command)
*** Four [[AMX International AMX|AMX]] in the attack/reconnaissance role operating from Trapani Air Base
*** Four [[AV8B]] Plus in the attack/air defence role operating from the Italian Navy aircraft carrier {{ship|Italian aircraft carrier|Giuseppe Garibaldi||2}}
*** Two [[MQ-9]] drones operating from Foggia-Amendola Air Base
*** One [[G222]]VS in the electronic warfare (supporting the Italian contribution, but not under direct U.S. Command)
*** One [[KC-767]]A in the air-to-air- refueling operating from Trapani Air Base (supporting the Italian contribution, but not under direct U.S. Command)
* [[Armed forces of the Netherlands|Netherlands Armed Forces]]
** [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]<ref name=F16net>Lieven Dewitte (24 March 2011) [http://www.f-16.net/news_article4320.html Dutch contribute six F-16s and a KDC-10 to Odyssey Dawn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531060142/http://www.f-16.net/news_article4320.html |date=31 May 2011 }} F-16.net</ref><ref name=UKParl>Claire Taylor and Ben Smith (4 April 2011) [http://www.parliament.uk/briefingpapers/commons/lib/research/briefings/snia-05909.pdf Military Operations in Libya] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427233234/http://www.parliament.uk/briefingpapers/commons/lib/research/briefings/snia-05909.pdf |date=27 April 2011 }} House of Commons Library, [http://www.parliament.uk/ www.parliament.uk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223110221/http://www.parliament.uk/ |date=23 February 2011 }} (UK Parliament Website)</ref>
*** Six [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16AM 15MLU Falcon]] fighter jets operating from [[Decimomannu Air Base]], Italy
*** One [[McDonnell Douglas KDC-10|KDC-10]] Tanker Aircraft
* [[Norwegian Armed Forces]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fvn.no/nyheter/innenriks/article848806.ece |title=> Norske fly under amerikansk kommando |publisher=fvn.no |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326172159/http://www.fvn.no/nyheter/innenriks/article848806.ece |archive-date=26 March 2011  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newsinenglish.no/2011/03/23/fighter-jets-go-under-us-command/ |title=Fighter jets put under US command : Views and News from Norway |publisher=Newsinenglish.no |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506042018/http://www.newsinenglish.no/2011/03/23/fighter-jets-go-under-us-command/ |archive-date=6 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]]
*** Six [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16AM 15MLU Falcon]] fighter jets operating from [[Souda Bay#Souda Air Base|Souda Air Base]], [[Crete]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/20/nyheter/libya/utenriks/muammar_kadhafi/kadhafi/15879797/ |title=Vet ikke hvilke farer som møter dem – nyheter |publisher=Dagbladet.no |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425202758/http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/20/nyheter/libya/utenriks/muammar_kadhafi/kadhafi/15879797/ |archive-date=25 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** Two [[C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J-30]] military transport aircraft supporting the Norwegian forces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4076935.ece |title=Faremo: – Ikke aktuelt å væpne libyske opprørere – Nyheter – Innenriks |publisher=Aftenposten.no |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010204603/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4076935.ece |archive-date=10 October 2012  }}</ref>
* [[Qatar Armed Forces]]
** [[Qatar Air Force]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123248695|title=New coalition member flies first sortie enforcing no-fly zone over Libya|publisher=Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs|date=25 March 2011|access-date=15 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504233801/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123248695|archive-date=4 May 2011}}</ref>
*** Six [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000-5EDA]] fighters jets operating from [[Souda Bay#Souda Air Base|Souda Air Base]], Crete
*** Two [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]] strategic transport aircraft
* [[Spanish Armed Forces]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mde.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2011/03/DGC_110321_primeramision_f18.html |title=Ministerio de Defensa – Dos cazas y el avión de reabastecimiento realizan la primera patrulla aérea en Libia |publisher=Mde.es |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326045037/http://www.mde.es/gabinete/notasPrensa/2011/03/DGC_110321_primeramision_f18.html |archive-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Spanish Air Force]]
*** Four [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|EF-18AM Hornet]] fighters jets operating from [[Decimomannu Air Base]], Italy
*** One [[Boeing 707|Boeing 707-331B(KC)]] tanker aircraft
*** One [[CN-235]] [[maritime patrol aircraft]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.larazon.es/noticia/824-luz-verde-para-abrir-fuego |title=Las fuerzas españolas tienen luz verde para abrir fuego |publisher=larazon.es |access-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325114858/http://www.larazon.es/noticia/824-luz-verde-para-abrir-fuego |archive-date=25 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[Spanish Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-22/spanish-fighter-jets-complete-first-patrol-over-libya.html |title=Spanish Fighter Jets Complete First Patrol Over Libya |publisher=webcitation.org |access-date=5 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104225329/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-22/spanish-fighter-jets-complete-first-patrol-over-libya.html |archive-date=4 November 2012  }}</ref>
*** [[Aegis Combat System|AEGIS]] air defence frigate [[Álvaro de Bazán class frigate|F-104 Méndez Núñez]]
*** Attack submarine [[Spanish submarine Tramontana (S74)|S-74 Tramontana]]
* [[Union Defence Force (UAE)|Union Defence Force]]<ref>{{cite web |agency=AFP |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jyHWoopR-bfPx_fWg_9a5HgpSBPQ?docId=CNG.82fce0d1e069b2865b114176f57c0264.2a1 |title=UAE fighter jets arrive in Italy for Libya operations |date=27 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110328234034/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jyHWoopR-bfPx_fWg_9a5HgpSBPQ?docId=CNG.82fce0d1e069b2865b114176f57c0264.2a1 |archive-date=28 March 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
** [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]]
*** Six [[F-16 Fighting Falcon variants#F-16E/F|F-16E/F Block 60 Falcon]] fighter jets operating from [[Decimomannu Air Base]], Italy
*** Six [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] fighter jets operating from [[Decimomannu Air Base]], Italy
* [[United States Armed Forces]]
**[[United States Navy]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Dagher |first=Sam |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704021504576211690643186556 |title=Allies Press Libya Attacks |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623005804/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704021504576211690643186556 |archive-date=23 June 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** {{USS|Mount Whitney|LCC-20|6}}, the command ship of the [[United States Sixth Fleet]]
**** The ''Kearsarge'' [[amphibious ready group|Amphibious Ready Group]], consisting of:
***** {{USS|Kearsarge|LHD-3|6}}, a {{sclass|Wasp|amphibious assault ship}}
***** {{USS|Ponce|LPD-15|6}}, an {{sclass|Austin|amphibious transport dock}}
***** {{USS|Carter Hall|LSD-50|6}}, a {{sclass|Harpers Ferry|dock landing ship}}
***** embarked [[26th Marine Expeditionary Unit]]
**** {{USS|Barry|DDG-52|6}}, an {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|0}} [[guided missile destroyer]]
**** {{USS|Stout|DDG-55|6}}, another {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|0}} [[guided missile destroyer]]
**** {{USS|Providence|SSN-719|6}}, a {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|0}} [[Nuclear submarine#United States Navy|nuclear attack submarine]]{{#tag:ref|USS ''Providence'' left the area some time around 27–28 March.<ref name="AFPMar29"/>|group=Note}}
**** {{USS|Scranton|SSN-756|6}}, a second {{sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|0}} [[Nuclear submarine#United States Navy|nuclear attack submarine]]
**** {{USS|Florida|SSGN-728|6}}, an {{sclass|Ohio|submarine|0}} [[cruise missile submarine]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Media |first=Defense |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59192 |title=U.S. Naval Forces Open Odyssey Dawn, Prepare No-Fly Zone |publisher=Navy.mil |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322131131/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59192 |archive-date=22 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
**** {{USNS|Kanawha|T-AO-196|6}}, a {{sclass|Henry J. Kaiser|oiler|0}} [[Oiler (ship)|oiler]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2011/03/20/greek-defence-ministry-no-participation-in-operations-outside-the-nato/ |title=Greek Defence Ministry: No participation in operations outside the NATO |publisher=Keep Talking Greece |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325064807/http://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2011/03/20/greek-defence-ministry-no-participation-in-operations-outside-the-nato/ |archive-date=25 March 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**** {{USNS|Lewis and Clark|T-AKE-1|6}}, a {{sclass|Lewis and Clark|dry cargo ship}}<ref name=autogenerated4>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/news/PAO_DJS_Slides_19Mar11_v3.pdf |title=Pentagon Briefing slides |publisher=United States Department of Defense |access-date=26 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408195039/http://www.defense.gov/news/PAO_DJS_Slides_19Mar11_v3.pdf |archive-date=8 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
**** {{USNS|Robert E. Peary|T-AKE-5|6}}, a {{sclass|Lewis and Clark|dry cargo ship}}
*** Five [[Boeing EA-18G Growler|EA-18G Growler]] electronic warfare aircraft operating out of [[Naval Air Station Sigonella|NAS Sigonella]] and [[Aviano Air Base]]<ref name="CNNplanes"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63272 |title=Roughead: Ships Were Ready for Odyssey Dawn |publisher=American Forces Press Service |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714031406/http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=63272 |archive-date=14 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** One [[Lockheed EP-3|EP-3E]] [[ELINT]] aircraft<ref name=autogenerated4 />
*** Two [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3C Update 3]] [[Maritime patrol aircraft|maritime surveillance aircraft]]
*** Two [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3C AIP]] maritime surveillance aircraft
** [[United States Air Force]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20044969-503543.html |title=Crisis in Libya: U.S. bombs Qaddafi's airfields – World Watch |publisher=CBS News |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525143232/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20044969-503543.html |archive-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*** Three [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 Spirit]] stealth bombers operating from [[Whiteman AFB]].<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web |author=Morning Edition |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/03/21/134726240/No-Fly-Zone-Enforcer |title=B-2 Bombers From Missouri Hit Libyan Targets |publisher=NPR |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721004812/http://www.npr.org/2011/03/21/134726240/No-Fly-Zone-Enforcer |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** Two [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer|B-1B]] bombers<ref name=autogenerated5>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/us/29military.html?ref=africa|title=U.S. Gives Its Air Power Expansive Role in Libya|newspaper=The New York Times|date=28 March 2011|access-date=29 March 2011|first=Eric|last=Schmitt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603213715/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/us/29military.html?ref=africa|archive-date=3 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
*** Ten [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E Strike Eagle]] strike fighters operating out of [[Aviano Air Base]], Italy<ref name="CNNplanes">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/libya.planes/|title=Wide array of U.S. warplanes used in Libya attacks|publisher=CNN|date=1 April 2011|access-date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323023825/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/libya.planes/|archive-date=23 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
*** Eight [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C Fighting Falcon]] multi-role fighters from [[Spangdahlem Air Base]] started leaving for Aviano on 20 March<ref name="CNNplanes"/>
*** Twelve [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C Fighting Falcon]] multi-role fighters from [[Aviano Air Base]]
*** Two [[Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk|HH-60 Pave Hawk]] [[combat search and rescue]] helicopters from [[RAF Lakenheath]] operating from {{USS|Ponce|LPD-15|6}}.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8396077/Libya-coalition-naval-forces-gather-in-Mediterranean.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Nick | last=Squires | title=Libya: coalition naval forces gather in Mediterranean | date=21 March 2011 | access-date=2 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402233950/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8396077/Libya-coalition-naval-forces-gather-in-Mediterranean.html | archive-date=2 April 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*** Three [[E-3 Sentry]] airborne warning and control system (AWACS)
*** Three [[Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS|E-8C]] battle management/command and control aircraft
*** One [[Lockheed EC-130H Compass Call|EC-130H]] electronic warfare (communications jamming) aircraft
*** One [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130J]] psychological operations aircraft
*** One [[Boeing RC-135|RC-135V/W Rivet Joint]] signals intelligence aircraft<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-26/qaddafi-is-attacking-civilians-with-elite-units-official-says.html|title=Qaddafi Is Attacking Civilians With Elite Units, Official Says|work=Business Week|date=26 March 2011|access-date=30 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418151455/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-26/qaddafi-is-attacking-civilians-with-elite-units-official-says.html|archive-date=18 April 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*** Two [[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130U]] gunships<ref name=autogenerated5 />
*** Four [[KC-10 Extender|KC-10A Extender]] Aerial Refueling Tanker/Airlift Aircraft
*** Twenty [[KC-135 Stratotanker]] Aerial Refueling Tanker Aircraft
*** Six [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Thunderbolt]] ground-attack aircraft<ref name="AFPMar29">{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ivqpxZ7v8PLAE_wbXJFCsZSVUYhQ?docId=CNG.46ed509ca7a9eeedf960f4296681ac80.e31|title=New air missions attack Kadhafi troops: Pentagon|agency=AFP|date=29 March 2011|access-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217080840/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ivqpxZ7v8PLAE_wbXJFCsZSVUYhQ?docId=CNG.46ed509ca7a9eeedf960f4296681ac80.e31|archive-date=17 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated5 />
*** [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Global Hawk]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aerial surveillance vehicle]]
*** [[Lockheed U-2]] Reconnaissance aircraft<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/libya032111/s_l18_20016576.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322042659/http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/libya032111/s_l18_20016576.jpg |archive-date=22 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/03/air-strikes-on-libya/100031/ |title=Air Strikes on Libya – Alan Taylor – In Focus |publisher=The Atlantic |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608191949/http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/03/air-strikes-on-libya/100031/ |archive-date=8 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*** Predator/Reaper UAV
** [[United States Marine Corps]]
*** Four [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II|AV-8B Harrier II]] ground attack fighters from the [[26th Marine Expeditionary Unit]], operating off of {{USS|Kearsarge|LHD-3|6}}<ref name="CNNplanes"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/marine-jets-involved-in-libya-airstrikes-032011/|title=Marine jets involved in Libya airstrikes|date=20 March 2011|work=[[Marine Corps Times]]|access-date=22 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204232542/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/marine-jets-involved-in-libya-airstrikes-032011/|archive-date=4 December 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*** Over 400 Marines of [[1st Battalion 2nd Marines]] from [[Camp Lejeune]], North Carolina deployed as the Air Contingency Battalion (ACB), on 1 March 2011 to serve as the new Battalion Landing Team for the 26th MEU. The ACB was attached to the 26th MEU on 5 March 2011 at NAS Souda Bay. This was the first time ACB had been used in almost a decade.
*** Two [[Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|MV-22 Osprey]] tiltrotor aircraft from the 26th MEU participated in the pilot rescue.<ref name="USMCrescue">{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/marine-libya-pilot-rescue-details-released-032211w/|title=Details of Marines' pilot rescue released|last=Lamothe|first=Dan|date=22 March 2011|work=Marine Corps Times|access-date=24 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326124755/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/marine-libya-pilot-rescue-details-released-032211w/|archive-date=26 March 2011}}</ref>
*** Two [[Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion|CH-53E Super Stallions]] from the 26th MEU participated in the pilot rescue.<ref name="USMCrescue" />
*** One [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|KC-130J Hercules]] from the 26th MEU participated in the pilot rescue.<ref name="USMCrescue" />
** [[Central Intelligence Agency]]
*** CIA Operatives gathering military and political information<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/31/libya.war/index.html?hpt=T1 |publisher=CNN |title=U.S. officials, opposition warn Libya could get bloodier |date=1 April 2011 |access-date=31 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110025343/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/31/libya.war/index.html?hpt=T1 |archive-date=10 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Defense Intelligence Agency]]
*** DIA Operatives gathering military information

==Summary of action==
{{listen
| image &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; = [[File:Military service mark of the United States Air Force.svg|50px]]
| filename    = Usaf-ec-130j-transmitting-on-6877-0-khz-libya-20-march-2011.theora.ogg
| title       = EC-130J transmission
| description = "Libyan ship or vessel, remain anchored.  Do not leave port.  The Gaddafi regime forces are violating a United Nations resolution ordering the end of hostilities in your country.  If you attempt to leave port, you will be attacked and destroyed immediately.  For your own safety, do not leave port."
}}

===19 March===
21h: The first main strike involved the launch of 112 [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk cruise missiles]] from U.S. and UK <!-- US fired 110, UK fired 2 in first wave! -->ships against shoreline air defenses of the Gaddafi regime.<ref name=DODNewsArticle/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Triumph-Libya-air-strike/article-3352161-detail/article.html |title=Plymouth Herald |publisher=Thisisplymouth.co.uk |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425220032/http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Triumph-Libya-air-strike/article-3352161-detail/article.html |archive-date=25 April 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Live blog:allied airstrikes continue against Gadhafi forces (entry timed at 6:36&nbsp;am Sunday ET, 12:36&nbsp;pm in Libya)|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/20/libya-live-blog-allied-airstrikes-continue-against-gadhafi-forces/|date=20 March 2011|publisher=CNN|access-date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321064002/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/20/libya-live-blog-allied-airstrikes-continue-against-gadhafi-forces/|archive-date=21 March 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jonathan Marcus |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12796972 |title=Libya: Coalition launches attacks from air and sea |publisher=BBC |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320053754/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12796972 |archive-date=20 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[U.S. Department of Defense]] reports that the dismantling of Libya's ability to hinder the enforcement of the UN no-fly zone was only the first of multiple stages in the operation.<ref name=CSM>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2011/0319/US-leads-Odyssey-Dawn-initial-attack-on-Libya US leads 'Odyssey Dawn' initial attack on Libya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912234000/https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2011/0319/US-leads-Odyssey-Dawn-initial-attack-on-Libya |date=12 September 2017 }} Christian Science Monitor. 19 March 2011</ref> USMC Harriers participated in an air strike against a large military convoy outside Benghazi.<ref name=autogenerated3 />

===20 March===
[[File:Ghardabiya Airfield - Damaged Aircraft Shelters - Operation Odyssey Dawn.jpg|thumb|left|Damage to aircraft shelters at [[Ghardabiya Airbase]] near Sirte, 20 March]]
Sustained anti-aircraft fire erupted in Tripoli at around 02:33 [[Eastern European Time|EET]].<ref>[http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/19/libya-live-blog-gadhafi-to-obama-sarkozy-butt-out/?hpt=T1 Libya live blog: U.S., allies launch missiles against Gadhafi forces] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322055926/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/19/libya-live-blog-gadhafi-to-obama-sarkozy-butt-out/?hpt=T1 |date=22 March 2011 }} CNN.</ref> Three [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 Spirit]] bombers targeted 45 hardened aircraft shelters at a Libyan airfield near [[Sirte]].<ref name=autogenerated3 /> At the same time, U.S. Air Force fighter jets conducted missions searching for Libyan ground forces to attack. U.S. Navy [[EA-18G Growler]]s jammed Libyan radar and communications.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/world/africa/21libya.html?_r=1&hp |title=Allies Target Qaddafi's Ground Forces as Libyan Rebels Regroup |newspaper=The New York Times |first1=David D. |last1=Kirkpatrick |first2=Elisabeth |last2=Bullimer |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201213940/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/world/africa/21libya.html?_r=1&hp |archive-date=1 February 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6279&lang=0 |title=U.S. Africa Command Home |publisher=Africom.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720133145/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6279&lang=0 |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> No U.S. aircraft were lost during the missions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crisis-in-libya-us-bombs-qaddafis-airfields/|title=Crisis in Libya: U.S. bombs Qaddafi's airfields|publisher=CBS News|date=19 March 2011|access-date=20 March 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525143232/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20044969-503543.html|archive-date=25 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The warplanes included Marine Corps [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II|AV-8B Harrier IIs]] (attacking pro-Gaddafi's ground forces),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59195|title=Navy, Marine Corps Aircraft Strike Libya|publisher=United States Navy|date=20 March 2011|access-date=21 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110323104657/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59195|archive-date=23 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Air Force [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit|B-2 Spirit]] stealth bombers, and [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E Strike Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16C Fighting Falcon]] fighter jets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/20/libya-live-blog-allied-airstrikes-continue-against-gadhafi-forces/?hpt=T1 |title=Libya live blog: Coalition confirms strike on Gadhafi compound |publisher=News.blogs.cnn.com |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817103903/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/20/libya-live-blog-allied-airstrikes-continue-against-gadhafi-forces/?hpt=T1 |archive-date=17 August 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]] [[Mike Mullen]], [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]], states that there would be continuous allied air cover over [[Benghazi]], and that the no-fly zone "is effectively in place".<ref>{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Cohen |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/us.mullen.libya/index.html?iref=NS1 |title=Mullen: No-fly zone effectively in place in Libya |publisher=CNN |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024203045/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/20/us.mullen.libya/index.html?iref=NS1 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> An [[Lockheed EC-130|EC-130J]] was recorded warning Libyan shipping "If you attempt to leave port, you will be attacked and destroyed immediately" in Arabic, French and English.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/secret-libya-psyops/|title=Listen: Secret Libya Psyops, Caught by Online Sleuths|publisher=Wired|date=20 March 2011|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319231223/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/03/secret-libya-psyops/|archive-date=19 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Four Royal Danish Air Force F-16 flew their first mission over Libya<ref>[http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/missionupdate/Pages/DanskeF-16iaktionoverLibyen.aspx Danske F-16 i aktion over Libyen] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813213951/http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/missionupdate/Pages/DanskeF-16iaktionoverLibyen.aspx |date=13 August 2011 }}. [[forsvaret.dk]]. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.</ref><ref>{{in lang|da}} [http://politiken.dk/udland/ECE1229532/medier-danske-f-16-fly-er-sendt-i-luften/ Medier: Danske F-16 fly er sendt i luften] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831153555/http://politiken.dk/udland/ECE1229532/medier-danske-f-16-fly-er-sendt-i-luften/ |date=31 August 2011 }}. Politiken.dk. Retrieved on 16 August 2013.</ref>

===21 March===
All fixed [[SA-2|SA-2 Guideline]], [[SA-3|SA-3 Goa]] and [[SA-5 Gammon]] sites were taken out. Only [[SA-6|SA-6 Gainful]], hand held [[SA-7|SA-7 Grail]] and [[SA-8|SA-8 Gecko]] mobile SAMs were still a possible threat to aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4787 |title=News Transcript: DOD News Briefing by Vice Adm. Gortney on Operation Odyssey Dawn |publisher=Defense.gov |date=12 March 2009 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529171115/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4787 |archive-date=29 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the early hours of the day a building from Moammar Gadhafi's compound in Tripoli was completely destroyed by a cruise missile.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/21/libya.civil.war/index.html?hpt=T1|date=21 March 2011|publisher=CNN|title=U.S. official: Gadhafi's momentum stopped|access-date=21 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321210840/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/21/libya.civil.war/index.html?hpt=T1|archive-date=21 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Twelve more cruise missiles were fired at command and air defense sites.<ref>Jelinek, Pauline, and Richard Lardner, "[http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/ap-general-coalition-strikes-more-libya-defenses-032111/ General: Coalition strikes more Libya defenses]", ''[[Military Times]]'', 21 March 2011.</ref>

===22 March===
At approximately 22:30 CET (evening of 21 March), a USAFE [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15E]] 91-0304 operating out of RAF Lakenheath (TDY to Aviano Air Base) crashed about 25 miles (40&nbsp;km) southwest of Benghazi. Both crew members ejected at high altitude and were subsequently separated. A [[Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|MV-22 Osprey]], supported by two AV-8Bs, two [[Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion|CH-53E Super Stallions]], and a [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|KC-130J Hercules]] from the 26th [[Marine Expeditionary Unit|MEU]] initially recovered the pilot,<ref name="USMCrescue" /> while the [[Weapon Systems Officer|weapons officer]] was recovered later after being rescued by rebel forces in the area.<ref name="USMCrescue" /> Two Marine Harriers accompanying the rescue force dropped two 500&nbsp;lb bombs at the request of the ejected pilot, prior to the MV-22 landing in an attempt to deter an unidentified group of people heading towards the area.<ref name="USMCrescue" /><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/africa/23plane.html?ref=world |title=Marines Face Questions About Rescue of Officers in Libya |newspaper=The New York Times |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=22 March 2011 |first=Elisabeth |last=Bumiller |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425153716/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/africa/23plane.html?ref=world |archive-date=25 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The UK had a "peripheral involvement" in the rescue of the U.S. pilots.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2011/mar/22/libya-no-fly-zone-air-strikes-live-updates |location=London |work=The Guardian |first1=Adam |last1=Gabbatt |first2=Mark |last2=Tran |first3=Jonathan |last3=Haynes |title=Libya air strikes – Tuesday 22 March part 1 |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=17 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922004328/http://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2011/mar/22/libya-no-fly-zone-air-strikes-live-updates |archive-date=22 September 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418 |publisher=BBC News |title=Libya air raid 'killed civilians' |date=31 March 2011 |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322142004/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12776418 |archive-date=22 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6252&lang=0 |title=U.S. Africa Command Home |publisher=Africom.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512045041/http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=6252&lang=0 |archive-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/africa/23libya.html?_r=1&hp |title=Obama Seeks to Unify Allies as More Airstrikes Rock Tripoli |newspaper=The New York Times |first1=Mark |last1=Landler |first2=Steven |last2=Erlanger |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820123924/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/africa/23libya.html?_r=1&hp |archive-date=20 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/military-f15-crashes-in-libya-032211/|title=F-15 crashes in Libya; crew 'safe'|first=Scott|last=Fontaine|author2=William McMichael|date=22 March 2011|work=Marine Corps Times|access-date=22 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405061449/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/military-f15-crashes-in-libya-032211/|archive-date=5 April 2012}}</ref>

Six local villagers, including a young boy, were reported to have been injured by gunfire from the rescuing U.S. forces,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/news/third-night-of-bombing-in-libya/ |title=Channel Four TV |date=22 March 2011 |publisher=Channel4.com |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024195603/http://www.channel4.com/news/third-night-of-bombing-in-libya/ |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> A Marine spokesperson aboard USS ''Kearsarge'' denied that shots were fired, saying: "The Osprey is not armed, and the Marines barely got off the aircraft. I was in the landing center the whole time, where we were monitoring what was going on, and firing was never reported",<ref name=autogenerated1 /> Pentagon sources were later reported to have confirmed that shots were fired,<ref name="USMCrescue" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Gus Lubin |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/libya-osprey-rescue-six-villagers-2011-3 |title=REPORT: U.S. Marines Shot Six Villagers While Rescuing Downed Pilot |publisher=Business Insider |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512024710/http://www.businessinsider.com/libya-osprey-rescue-six-villagers-2011-3 |archive-date=12 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> but the source of the civilian casualties is still being investigated.<ref name=autogenerated1 />

Overnight, the U.S. bombed the wreckage of the downed F-15E "to prevent materials from getting into the wrong hands."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42231027/ns/world_news-africa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326182831/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42231027/ns/world_news-africa |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2011 |title=U.S. bombs wreckage of F-15 fighter jet in Libya |publisher=MSNBC |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011}}</ref>

In a 24-hours period; 175 air sorties were conducted (113 US, 62 coalition).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4794 |title=DOD News Briefing with Rear Adm. Hueber via Telephone from USS Mount Whitney |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense (Public Affairs) |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513064547/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4794 |archive-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Around this time, the U.S. changed its target priorities from air defenses to Libyan ground forces.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bumiller |first1=Elisabeth |first2=David D. |last2=Kirkpatrick |date=23 March 2011 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/africa/24libya.html?partner=rss&emc=rss |title=Allies Pressure Qaddafi Forces Around Rebel Cities |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820113633/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/world/africa/24libya.html?partner=rss&emc=rss |archive-date=20 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===24 March===
[[File:Operation Odyssey Dawn - Last 12 Hours - &nbsp;24&nbsp;March&nbsp;2011.jpg|thumb|24 March]]
[[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] F-16s were assigned to the U.S. African Command and Operation Odyssey Dawn. A number of [[Norway|Norwegian]] F-16s took off from the [[Souda Bay]] Air Base on the island of [[Crete]], Greece for their first mission over [[Libya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/libya/artikkel.php?artid=10091511 |title=Her flyr norske jagerfly mot Libya – VG Nett om Libya |publisher=Vg.no |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910161300/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utenriks/libya/artikkel.php?artid=10091511 |archive-date=10 September 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/24/nyheter/libya/utenriks/muammar_kadhafi/15933136/ |title=To norske F16-fly har tatt av fra Souda Bay-basen – nyheter |publisher=Dagbladet.no |date=24 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427174005/http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/24/nyheter/libya/utenriks/muammar_kadhafi/15933136/ |archive-date=27 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===25 March===
Three laser-guided bombs were launched from 2 F-16s of the [[Royal Norwegian Airforce]] against Libyan tanks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4073163.ece |title=Norske fly i kamphandlinger i Libya – Nyheter – Innenriks |publisher=Aftenposten.no |access-date=19 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204214105/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article4073163.ece |archive-date=4 December 2011  }}</ref> F-16s from the [[Royal Norwegian Airforce]] bombed an airfield in Libya during the night.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/26/nyheter/utenriks/libya/15959765/ |title=Norske fly bombet flybase i Libya i natt – nyheter |newspaper=Dagbladet |date=26 March 2011 |access-date=26 March 2011 |language=no |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014023957/http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/03/26/nyheter/utenriks/libya/15959765/ |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Coalition planes flew 164 sorties and coalition leaders reported damage to Gadhafi's ground forces.<ref name=CNNhold>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/26/libya.war/index.html?hpt=T2 |title=Rebel forces hold key city, advance west |publisher=CNN |date=26 March 2011 |access-date=27 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110025350/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/26/libya.war/index.html?hpt=T2 |archive-date=10 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===26 & 27 March===
[[Lockheed AC-130]] gunships and [[Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II]] ground attack aircraft began operations, attacking ground forces.<ref name="afp gunships"/> These were the first aircraft used against troops; previous strikes had targeted command and anti-aircraft infrastructure.<ref name="afp gunships">{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ivqpxZ7v8PLAE_wbXJFCsZSVUYhQ?docId=CNG.46ed509ca7a9eeedf960f4296681ac80.e31 |title=New air missions attack Kadhafi troops: Pentagon |access-date=29 March 2011 |date=28 March 2011 |agency=AFP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217080840/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ivqpxZ7v8PLAE_wbXJFCsZSVUYhQ?docId=CNG.46ed509ca7a9eeedf960f4296681ac80.e31 |archive-date=17 February 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Two [[Rockwell B-1 Lancer|B-1]] bombers from [[Ellsworth Air Force Base]] attacked undisclosed targets in Libya.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_7477796e-5a81-11e0-b42d-001cc4c002e0.html|title=Ellsworth Airmen join Operation Odyssey Dawn|publisher=Rapid City Journal|date=29 March 2011|access-date=30 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402083439/http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_7477796e-5a81-11e0-b42d-001cc4c002e0.html|archive-date=2 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

Attack submarine {{USS|Providence|SSN-719|6}} completed all assigned strike missions and left the area to return to its previous duties.

At this point in the mission, the U.S. was responsible for 80% of air refueling, 75% of aerial surveillance hours and 100% of electronic warfare missions.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4803| title=DOD News Briefing with Vice Adm. Gortney from the Pentagon on Libya Operation Odyssey Dawn| publisher=U.S. Department of Defense (Public Affairs)| date=29 March 2011| access-date=29 March 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015021245/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4803| archive-date=15 October 2012| url-status=live}}</ref>

===28 & 29 March===
On 28 March, a USAF A-10 and a USN P-3 attacked a Libyan Coast Guard vessel and two smaller craft after U.S. forces observed them firing into Misurata and at merchant vessels. The P-3 fired [[AGM-65|AGM-65F Maverick]] missiles at the patrol boat '''Vittoria''', forcing the crew to beach her. The A-10 strafed the other two smaller boats with its [[30mm]] [[GAU-8 Avenger]] cannon rounds, sinking one and forcing the crew to abandon the other. The {{USS|Barry|DDG-52|6}} provided situational awareness for the aircraft by managing the airspace and maintaining the maritime picture.<ref>{{cite web |last=Farley |first=Robert |url=http://www.informationdissemination.net/2011/03/p-3-and-10.html#disqus_thread |title=P-3 and A-10 |publisher=Information Dissemination |date=29 March 2011 |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501125539/http://www.informationdissemination.net/2011/03/p-3-and-10.html#disqus_thread |archive-date=1 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===31 March===
From 08:00 [[Eastern European Time|EET]], [[NATO]] took sole command of air operations over Libya under [[Operation Unified Protector]], taking over from U.S. Africa Command.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-4618E83B-9204E6B0/natolive/opinions_71897.htm|title=NATO Press Briefing|publisher=NATO|date=31 March 2011|access-date=1 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018154725/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-4618E83B-9204E6B0/natolive/opinions_71897.htm|archive-date=18 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59406 |title=US Navy P-3C, USAF A-10 and USS Barry Engage Libyan Vessels |publisher=Navy.mil |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430112235/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59406 |archive-date=30 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63384|title=NATO Assumes Command of Libya Operations|publisher=Department of Defense|date=31 March 2011|access-date=1 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406163620/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63384|archive-date=6 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The four Danish F-16 fighters flew a total of 43 missions and dropped 107 precision munitions in operation Odyssey Dawn before transiting to NATO command.<ref>[http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/missionupdate/Pages/Missionupdate1april.aspx Mission update 1. april] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528050132/http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/missionupdate/Pages/Missionupdate1april.aspx |date=28 May 2013 }}. Forsvaret.dk (11 October 2011). Retrieved on 16 August 2013.</ref>

==Criticism==
{{Main|US domestic reactions to the 2011 military intervention in Libya}}
There has been criticism over the handling of the operation and the belief that the Obama administration failed to adequately consult the U.S. Congress. The Obama administration defended its handling of the Libyan crisis, drawing a clear line between military and political objectives. On 24 March White House Press Secretary [[Jay Carney]] told reporters "We are not engaged in militarily-driven regime change." Instead, the administration is engaged in "time-limited, scope-limited" action with other countries to protect civilians from forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/24/libya.obama.criticism/index.html |publisher=CNN |title=White House defends Libya response |date=25 March 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110025435/http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/24/libya.obama.criticism/index.html |archive-date=10 November 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, this conflicts with multiple statements seeming to imply regime change as at least one objective of the Operation, including a report made to Congress as required by [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.res.292: House Resolution 292] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215024037/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112:h.res.292: |date=15 December 2012 }}:

<blockquote>Establishing these conditions would pave the way for a genuine political transition – of which Qadhafi's departure is a critical component. To bring about this objective, along with the international community, the United States responded to this crisis by developing, implementing, and monitoring sanctions and freezing billions in Government of Libya assets, building a broad international coalition focused on escalating diplomatic pressure on Qadhafi and increasing his isolation, and initiating and sustaining political support for military operations. ... Politically, U.S. leadership continues to play an important role in maintaining and expanding this international consensus that Qadhafi must step down, sending an unambiguous message to the regime. We continue working with the international community to enhance the capabilities of the Libyan opposition and increase the ability to achieve political transition. After many meetings with senior opposition members in Washington and abroad, combined with daily interactions with the U.S. mission in Benghazi, we have stated that the TNC has demonstrated itself to be the legitimate interlocutor of the Libyan people, in contrast to the Qadhafi regime that has lost all legitimacy to rule.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/204680/united-states-activities-in-libya-6-15-11.pdf|title=United States Activities in Libya|date=9 June 2011|website=s3.documentcloud.org|access-date=24 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019235409/http://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/204680/united-states-activities-in-libya-6-15-11.pdf|archive-date=19 October 2011|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>

==See also==
{{Portal|Politics|Libya}}
* [[Bombing of Libya (1986)|Operation El Dorado Canyon]] – 1986 U.S. air-strikes against Libya
* [[Operation Unified Protector]] – NATO operation for enforcement of UNSCR 1970 and 1973

==Footnotes==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

;References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Operation Odyssey Dawn}}
* [http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2011/0311_libya2/ Official Department of Defense Operation Odyssey Dawn page]
* [http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R41725.pdf Operation Odyssey Dawn (Libya): Background and Issues for Congress] by [[Congressional Research Service]]

{{2011 Libyan civil war}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Foreign intervention in the Libyan civil war (2011)]]
[[Category:International security]]
[[Category:Military operations involving the United States|Odyssey Dawn]]
[[Category:Foreign policy of the Barack Obama administration]]
[[Category:No-fly zone operations]]
[[Category:2011 in the United States]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps in the 21st century]]
[[Category:Libya–United States military relations]]

[[es:Operación Amanecer de la Odisea]]
[[it:Guerra civile libica#Intervento dell'Organizzazione delle Nazioni Unite]]