26th MEU Marines join the conflict in Libya

USS KEARSARGE, LIBYA

03.20.2011

Audio by Sgt. Andrew Milner 

Defense Media Activity - Marines

U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from any further harm from the Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi regime, now involves 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aircraft, as part of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 20.

Strikes from 26th MEU’s AV-8B Harriers against Qadhafi 's ground forces and air defenses commenced in the early morning hours 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 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 Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2011
• Date Posted: 03.21.2011 08:26
• Category: Newscasts
• Audio ID: 26848
• Filename: 1103/DOD_100145464.mp3
• Length: 00:01:12
• Location: USS KEARSARGE, LY