Forum: Air Power

The US Navy has already fired dozens of cruise missiles at targets in Libya. I imagine the next phase for the US Navy is to send in their planes. What role will US Navy CAG(s) play in the no fly-zone? Will we see the combat debut of the EA-18G Growler?

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If not 'fully equipped' EA-18G, perhaps E/F mods could tag along with Rafale and their Thales EA escort pods? Hmmm. Or purchase a few and integrate them under an -18E? Cool

There's at least 4 Growlers at a base in Italy so far. So there's the jamming capability. I can't imagine the US Navy not using their Hawkeyes. The more, big, giant spinning radars you have in the sky, the better. E-3s combined with E-2 coverage would provide a pretty good air picture. I hope they have a pretty good ASM net out there in the Med. Iraq used Mirage F-1s and Exocet ASMs to nail the USS Stark back in the early 80s. What are the chances Libya has Exocets and some airworthy F-1s?

Some US Navy F/A-18F pilots and NFOs are certified in FAC-A .. finding targets for other aircraft. During OIF exactly 8 years ago... 4 F-14s were taken off the USS Kittyhawk and flew with US and Coalition aircraft to do FAC-A ..forward air control. So you wonder when some news reports had American F-18s landed in Italy. The USS Enterprise has two squadrons of two seat F/A-18Fs currently in the region.

The Pentagon says Growlers were involved.

Quote:

(Reuters) - [Link pending approval] fighter planes backed by electronic warfare aircraft carried out air strikes early on Sunday on Muammar Gaddafi's ground troops and air defenses in Libya, the Pentagon said in a statement.
"[Link pending approval] Navy Growlers provided electronic warfare support over Libya while AV-8B Harriers from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted strikes against (Gaddafi's) ground forces and air defenses," the military said in a statement.

Maybe this is a silly question, but why Harriers?

Here them Growlers...at Aviano..

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=59195

Here's what the Navy has to say:

By JFMCC Odyssey Dawn Public Affairs

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- 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 to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from further harm, Mar. 20.

Navy Growlers provided electronic warfare support over Libya while Harriers from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted strikes against Qadhafi 's ground forces and air defenses joining an international effort to halt an offensive against the Libyan populace.

"Protecting the innocent and conducting combined operations are what we are designed to do," said Col. Mark J. Desens, commanding officer of 26th MEU. "Our forces are doing both as part of the U.S. commitment to protect Libyan citizens."

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 Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

USN Video of USMC planes going in over Libya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDWHgbkzTS8

And the first Tomahawk launch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JlZpg2SvSs

Both have nice audio.
Very Happy

EDIT: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/libya-us ... d=13178174

The Arab League isn't happy about the Tomahawks and Airstrikes, apparently...Glorious.

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4596853/new- ... n-in-libya Details on the Mig-23 or 27(?) shot down yesterday. Rebel fighter shot down by AA... Sad

The pilot delayed his ejection and sacrificed his life so the jet wouldn't hit any populated areas... Salute

geogen wrote:

If not 'fully equipped' EA-18G, perhaps E/F mods could tag along with Rafale and their Thales EA escort pods? Hmmm. Or purchase a few and integrate them under an -18E? Cool

I used to think you just disagreed with the majority on this site but now I see that you're just another Keyon troll.

You do know that there are only trashfire and MANPADS assets where the French have attacked near Benghazi, don't you? No IADS.

You do know that Growlers are providing EW support for coalition attacks, don't you?

Do you not know or do you not let the facts get in the way of your trolling?

Quote:

Maybe this is a silly question, but why Harriers?

You know, I was thinking the same thing. I think it's maybe to re validate STOVL operations so that the USMC can have their F-35Bs. At any rate, it looks like that bird probably only carried one JDAM or LGB as the rest of the pylons were used for fuel tanks, Litening pod and Sidewinders.

Everyone wants in the justify their budget. The Tornado strike was with 2 cruise missiles a piece. The Marines want the F-35 so they'll use the Harrier even if only one pylon has anything that gets used.

discofishing wrote:

Quote:

Maybe this is a silly question, but why Harriers?

You know, I was thinking the same thing. I think it's maybe to re validate STOVL operations so that the USMC can have their F-35Bs. At any rate, it looks like that bird probably only carried one JDAM or LGB as the rest of the pylons were used for fuel tanks, Litening pod and Sidewinders.

Ever think it's becuase that's all we currently have in the Med?

Just say'n...

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Ever think it's becuase that's all we currently have in the Med?

Hey, you might be on to something there! I thought we had some carriers out there, but seeing how those Growlers are on the ground at Aviano makes me start to think otherwise. I've heard that the USAF has used B-2s, F-16s and F-15s and the USMC has used Harriers. No word on what kind of missions the US Navy is flying, so maybe they aren't in the region yet. Harriers could be the only naval airpower available.

noah30 wrote:

The Arab League isn't happy about the Tomahawks and Airstrikes, apparently...Glorious.

They kvetch to the West to set up an NFZ and then have the cajones to bitch about how it's executed? Pure class, that bunch. Rolling Eyes

I guess the Arab League has no clue on what it takes to setup a no-fly zone. Why would they setup air patrols over Libya without first causing damage to Libyan C2 and SAM sites? Those Arabs really that ignorant? I would've loved to see the look on the Arab League delegates faces had the UN/NATO asked them to do it all by themselves. "You want a no-fly zone over Libya? Go for it! Knock yourselves out!"

discofishing wrote:

Quote:

Ever think it's becuase that's all we currently have in the Med?

Hey, you might be on to something there! I thought we had some carriers out there, but seeing how those Growlers are on the ground at Aviano makes me start to think otherwise. I've heard that the USAF has used B-2s, F-16s and F-15s and the USMC has used Harriers. No word on what kind of missions the US Navy is flying, so maybe they aren't in the region yet. Harriers could be the only naval airpower available.

The USS Enterprise is down in the Red Sea area and supposedly was kept there so not to give the US a more dominant role... now that the French are sending their carrier into the Gulf of Sidra..

Forum: Air Power

US Naval Airpower for no-fly zone over Libya