Operation Mobile
Encyclopedia
Operation Mobile was the name given to Canadian Forces
activities in the 2011 military intervention in Libya
. The United States
' counterpart to this was Operation Odyssey Dawn
, the French
counterpart was Opération Harmattan
and the British
counterpart was Operation Ellamy
. The no-fly zone was proposed during the 2011 Libyan civil war
to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi
from carrying out air attacks on Anti-Gaddafi forces
and civilians. The demonstrations in Libya where part of the larger Arab Spring
movement that began in the country of Tunisia on 18 December 2011.
When demonstrations began in Libya, the government of Colonel Muammar Gaddhafi responded with systematic attacks by air and ground forces, and repression of the protesters. In a speech, Colonel Gaddafi promised to chase down the protesters and cleanse the country "house by house". Several countries prepared to take immediate military action at a conference in Paris on 19 March.
The no-fly zone was enforced by NATO's Operation Unified Protector
. NATO took sole command of all operations in Libya from 06:00 GMT on 31 March, which effectively ended the U.S. Operation Odyssey Dawn
, as all U.S. operations were absorbed into NATO's Unified Protector.
announced that would deploy from Halifax on 2 March to take part in Canadian and international operations already under way in Libya. The Charlottetown departed CFB Halifax
, and joined the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 on 14 March, and arrived on station on 17 March.
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
is a under the command of Commander Craig Skjerpen with a crew of about 240 officers and sailors, and a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment. With the other ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, HMCS Charlottetown was engaged in regional maritime security operations in the central Mediterranean Sea. On the 18 August, HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
took the place of HMCS Charlottetown
for the remainder of the NATO mission in Libya. HMCS Charlottetown returned to Canada on 2 September.
was the air detachment participating in the enforcement of the no-fly zone in Libya authorized by Resolution 1973
, adopted by the U.N. Security Council on 17 March. The task force was named for the strong southwesterly wind that blows all year in the Mediterranean Sea. Task Force Libeccio comprised six CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft, two Boeing CC-177 Globemasters, two CP-140 Auroras and about 200 Canadian Forces personnel, including aircrews and ground technicians from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing CFB Bagotville
and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron
at 4 Wing CFB Cold Lake
and other locations across Canada. The force also included two CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refuelling detachment from 437 (Transport) Squadron
at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario
. Task Force Libeccio reached the region on 18 March.
CF-18 Hornets and CC-150 Polaris assets were based at Trapani-Birgi airbase in Sicily
, Italy
.
CP-140 Aurora aircraft were based at Naval Air Station Sigonella
in Sicily
, Italy
Trapani Detachment:
Sigonella Detachment:
as of 05:30 GMT, 25 October 2011
Sorties to date
An additional six CF-18s were placed on standby in Canada, ready to deploy immediately if called upon.
Four CF-18 fighters and two CC-150 Polaris refuellers operating from Trapani-Birgi Airport flew their first mission in Libya
on 21 March, acting as armed escorts to coalition jets conducting bombings. Canada expected to take part in bombings as soon as the following night. HMCS Charlottetown also began patrolling the waters north of Libya in order to help to enforce an embargo on Gadhafi.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay
stated that another six CF-18 fighter jets are on standby to deploy if needed.
Two CF-18s again flew missions on Tuesday, 22 March. However they had to abandon their planned attack on a Gaddafi Libyan airfield as the high possibility of collateral damage was against the strict rules of engagement. For a second day a CC-150 tanker refueled Canadian aircraft as well as other coalition aircraft.
The third day marked the first time Canadian jets bombed Libya since the campaign began. This occurred as four CF-18s flew two missions against an ammunition depot in Misrata, dropping four 227 kg (500-pound) laser-guided
bombs, and supported by two CC-150 Polaris tankers.
In other developments, Commodore John Newton, of the Royal Canadian Navy stated that the crew of HMCS Charlottetown are prepared to conduct boarding operations and has been training for search and rescue of downed pilots.
Two CF-18 flew two air interdiction
patrols over Libyan airspace. A CC-150 Polaris took part of the operations providing fuel for Canadian and other coalition aircraft. Defence Minister Peter MacKay announces Canada will send two CP-140 Auroras to provide maritime surveillance in support of the United Nations arms embargo against Libya. The Canadian Forces has deployed 80 personnel from 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox.
Two CF-18 conducted one sortie and released several precision-guided munitions against electronic warfare
sites near Misrata. Two CC-150 also took part of operation and refueled both Canadian and coalition aircraft. The HMCS Charlottetown has patrolled the north of Libya and has investigated a vessel in distress.
A second ammunition depot, this time located 92 kilometres south of Misrata, was destroyed in an operation by four CF-18s utilizing 227 kg (500-pound) laser-guided bombs; in addition CF-18s coordinated other attacks involving up to 20 other coalition aircraft. Enforcing the arms embargo a CP-140A Aurora flew the first Canadian Maritime Patrol mission.
Two CF-18s help the rebels by attacking targets in Misrata. Canadian CP-140 Aurora
surveillance aircraft recently started a psychological warfare
operation over Libya using airborne leaflet propaganda
and radio transmissions. The recently started broadcast of propaganda
messages over Libyan territory has led to the Gaddafi regime trying to jam the transmissions via electronic warfare
.
From 06:00 GMT, NATO took sole command of air operations over Libya under Operation Unified Protector
, taking over from U.S. Africa Command.
Pilots have flown more than 100 missions over Libya since the beginning of the operation MOBILE. During the past week they were deployed 38 times. They attacked armoured vehicles, ammunition depots, and mobile rocket launchers.
The HMCS Charlottetown
was involved in a naval battle
near the port city of Misrata. The Charlettetown was conducting patrols at around 2 a.m. local time with other Allied warships when a number of fast, small boats launched an attack. No warships sustained any damage.
This is the first time since Korea War that a Canadian warship is involved in a naval battle.
Canadian pilots have participated in NATO air strikes that destroyed eight Libyan warships. The HMCS Charlottetown has also participated in the operation.
Canadian Pilots have dropped 240 laser-guided bombs on Libyan targets since 31 March.
On Monday morning, the HMCS Charlottetown was under heavy fire. The Libyan army had deployed a dozen BM21 at the port city of Mistrata and opened fire against the Canadian warship. Charlottetown did not return fire and did not sustain damage.
During the preceding week throughout four days CF-18 destroyed armoured vehicles, field headquarters, ammunition depots and command-and-control structures with laser guided bombs. During the same week, CF-18s had to be recalled to one target because the laser-targeting system on an allied jet failed.
HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
under the command of Commander Bradly Peats, with 225 crew members and a detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, departed CFB Esquimalt
en-route to the Mediterranean Sea to relieve HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
which has been on station off the Libyan coast since March.
Canadian CP-140 Aurora
surveillance aircraft recently started a psychological warfare
operation over Libya. The surveillance aircraft recently started broadcasting propaganda
messages over Libyan territory while the Gaddafi regime has tried to jam the transmissions using electronic warfare
.
A change of command ceremony was held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain where HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
officially relieved HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
. The ceremony officially marked that Task Force Charlottetown became Task Force Vancouver, and the Task Force command was transferred from Commander Craig Skjerpen to Commander Bradley Peats.
Operation MOBILE officially ceases operations and begins mission closure activities.
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
activities in the 2011 military intervention in Libya
2011 military intervention in Libya
On 19 March 2011, a multi-state coalition began a military intervention in Libya to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, which was taken in response to events during the 2011 Libyan civil war...
. The United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
' counterpart to this was Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Odyssey Dawn was the U.S. code name for the US part of the international military operation in Libya to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. during the initial period of 19–31 March 2011, which continued afterwards under NATO command as Operation Unified Protector...
, the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
counterpart was Opération Harmattan
Opération Harmattan
Opération Harmattan is the codename for the French participation in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. It is named for the Harmattan, which are hot dry winds that blow over the Sahara, mostly between November and March. The United States' counterpart to this is Operation Odyssey Dawn, the...
and the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
counterpart was Operation Ellamy
Operation Ellamy
Operation Ellamy was the codename for the United Kingdom participation in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. The operation was part of an international coalition aimed at enforcing a Libyan no-fly zone in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 which stipulated...
. The no-fly zone was proposed during the 2011 Libyan civil war
2011 Libyan civil war
The 2011 Libyan civil war was an armed conflict in the North African state of Libya, fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and those seeking to oust his government. The war was preceded by protests in Benghazi beginning on 15 February 2011, which led to clashes with security...
to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar Gaddafi or "September 1942" 20 October 2011), commonly known as Muammar Gaddafi or Colonel Gaddafi, was the official ruler of the Libyan Arab Republic from 1969 to 1977 and then the "Brother Leader" of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 1977 to 2011.He seized power in a...
from carrying out air attacks on Anti-Gaddafi forces
Anti-Gaddafi forces
The anti-Gaddafi forces were Libyan groups that opposed and militarily defeated the government of Muammar Gaddafi, killing him in the process. These opposition forces included organised and armed militia groups, participants in the 2011 Libyan civil war, Libyan diplomats who switched their...
and civilians. The demonstrations in Libya where part of the larger Arab Spring
Arab Spring
The Arab Spring , otherwise known as the Arab Awakening, is a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests occurring in the Arab world that began on Saturday, 18 December 2010...
movement that began in the country of Tunisia on 18 December 2011.
When demonstrations began in Libya, the government of Colonel Muammar Gaddhafi responded with systematic attacks by air and ground forces, and repression of the protesters. In a speech, Colonel Gaddafi promised to chase down the protesters and cleanse the country "house by house". Several countries prepared to take immediate military action at a conference in Paris on 19 March.
The no-fly zone was enforced by NATO's Operation Unified Protector
Operation Unified Protector
Operation Unified Protector was an NATO operation enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973 concerning the 2011 Libyan civil war and adopted on 17 February and 17 March respectively...
. NATO took sole command of all operations in Libya from 06:00 GMT on 31 March, which effectively ended the U.S. Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Odyssey Dawn
Operation Odyssey Dawn was the U.S. code name for the US part of the international military operation in Libya to enforce United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. during the initial period of 19–31 March 2011, which continued afterwards under NATO command as Operation Unified Protector...
, as all U.S. operations were absorbed into NATO's Unified Protector.
Royal Canadian Navy
On 1 March, Prime Minister Stephen HarperStephen Harper
Stephen Joseph Harper is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Conservative Party. Harper became prime minister when his party formed a minority government after the 2006 federal election...
announced that would deploy from Halifax on 2 March to take part in Canadian and international operations already under way in Libya. The Charlottetown departed CFB Halifax
CFB Halifax
Canadian Forces Base Halifax is Canada's east coast navy base and home port to the Atlantic fleet, known as Maritime Forces Atlantic....
, and joined the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 on 14 March, and arrived on station on 17 March.
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown is a that has served in the Royal Canadian Navy since 1995.Charlottetown is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the third vessel to carry the designation ....
is a under the command of Commander Craig Skjerpen with a crew of about 240 officers and sailors, and a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and air detachment. With the other ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, HMCS Charlottetown was engaged in regional maritime security operations in the central Mediterranean Sea. On the 18 August, HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
The third HMCS Vancouver is a , launched on July 8, 1989, as the second vessel of her class. She is currently based at CFB Esquimalt.-Construction:...
took the place of HMCS Charlottetown
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown is a that has served in the Royal Canadian Navy since 1995.Charlottetown is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the third vessel to carry the designation ....
for the remainder of the NATO mission in Libya. HMCS Charlottetown returned to Canada on 2 September.
Royal Canadian Air Force
Task Force LibeccioLibeccio
The libeccio is the westerly or south-westerly wind which predominates in northern Corsica all year round; it frequently raises high seas and may give violent westerly squalls. In summer it is most persistent, but in winter it alternates with the Tramontane...
was the air detachment participating in the enforcement of the no-fly zone in Libya authorized by Resolution 1973
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, on the situation in Libya, is a measure that was adopted on 17 March 2011. The Security Council resolution was proposed by France, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom....
, adopted by the U.N. Security Council on 17 March. The task force was named for the strong southwesterly wind that blows all year in the Mediterranean Sea. Task Force Libeccio comprised six CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft, two Boeing CC-177 Globemasters, two CP-140 Auroras and about 200 Canadian Forces personnel, including aircrews and ground technicians from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing CFB Bagotville
CFB Bagotville
Canadian Forces Base Bagotville , commonly referred to as CFB Bagotville, is a Canadian Forces Base located west of Bagotville in the city of Saguenay, Quebec. It is operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is one of two bases in the country using the CF-18 Hornet...
and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron
No. 409 Squadron RCAF
409 Tactical Fighter Squadron is a unit of the Canadian Forces under Royal Canadian Air Force. The squadron operates the CF-18 Hornet from CFB Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada.-History:...
at 4 Wing CFB Cold Lake
CFB Cold Lake
Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake , commonly referred to as CFB Cold Lake, is a Canadian Forces Base located within the City of Cold Lake, Alberta. It is operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is one of two bases in the country using the CF-18 Hornet fighter/interceptor...
and other locations across Canada. The force also included two CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refuelling detachment from 437 (Transport) Squadron
No. 437 Squadron RCAF
437 Transport Squadron is a unit of the Canadian Forces under the Royal Canadian Air Force, based at CFB Trenton in Ontario. The unit operates the CC-150 Polaris, and is responsible for long range military and VIP transportation .-History:437 Squadron was formed at Blakehill Farm in Wiltshire,...
at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario
Trenton, Ontario
Trenton is a community in Southern Ontario in the municipality of Quinte West, Ontario, Canada. Located on the Bay of Quinte, it is the main population centre in Quinte West....
. Task Force Libeccio reached the region on 18 March.
CF-18 Hornets and CC-150 Polaris assets were based at Trapani-Birgi airbase in Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
.
CP-140 Aurora aircraft were based at Naval Air Station Sigonella
Naval Air Station Sigonella
Naval Air Station Sigonella , "The Hub of the Med", is a U.S. Navy installation at NATO Base Sigonella and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. Although a tenant of the Italian Air Force, NAS Sigonella acts as landlord to more than 40 other U.S. commands and activities. It is located west...
in Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
Trapani Detachment:
- Seven CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft (three pairs and a spare) from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta;
- Three transport aircraft configured as in-flight refuellers (tankers):
- two CC-150 Polaris tanker from 437 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, and
- one CC-130J Hercules airlifter from 436 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario; and
- The Mission Support Flight.
Sigonella Detachment:
- Two CP-140 Aurora aircraft, one from 405 Long Range Patrol Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, and the other from 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia.
as of 05:30 GMT, 25 October 2011
Sorties to date
- CF-188 Hornet fighters 946
- CC-150 Polaris tankers 250
- CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft 181
- CC-130J Hercules airlifters 23
- CC-130 Hercules tankers 139
Deployed forces
- Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Air ForceThe history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
- 6 × CF-18 Hornet multirole fighter jets (one more in reserve) from Trapani-Birgi Airport in TrapaniTrapaniTrapani is a city and comune on the west coast of Sicily in Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Trapani. Founded by Elymians, the city is still an important fishing port and the main gateway to the nearby Egadi Islands.-History:...
, ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and... - 2 × CC-177 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft
- 2 × CC-130J Hercules tactical transport aircraft
- 2 × CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refueling tankers
- 2 × CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft
- 6 × CF-18 Hornet multirole fighter jets (one more in reserve) from Trapani-Birgi Airport in Trapani
- Royal Canadian NavyRoyal Canadian NavyThe history of the Royal Canadian Navy goes back to 1910, when the naval force was created as the Naval Service of Canada and renamed a year later by King George V. The Royal Canadian Navy is one of the three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces...
- HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)HMCS Charlottetown is a that has served in the Royal Canadian Navy since 1995.Charlottetown is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the third vessel to carry the designation ....
, a . (Deployed from 2 March 2011 - 17 August 2011)- 1 × CH-124 Sea King (Operated by the Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Air ForceThe history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
)
- 1 × CH-124 Sea King (Operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force
- HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)The third HMCS Vancouver is a , launched on July 8, 1989, as the second vessel of her class. She is currently based at CFB Esquimalt.-Construction:...
, a . (Deployed from 7 July 2011 - Present)- 1 × CH-124 Sea King (Operated by the Royal Canadian Air ForceRoyal Canadian Air ForceThe history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1920, when the air force was created as the Canadian Air Force . In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and granted royal sanction by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968...
)
- 1 × CH-124 Sea King (Operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force
- HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
- Canadian Special Operations Forces CommandCanadian Special Operations Forces CommandCanadian Special Operations Forces Command , is a command of the Canadian Forces...
- Joint Task Force 2Joint Task Force 2Joint Task Force 2 is an elite Special Operations Force of the Canadian Armed Forces primarily tasked with counter-terrorism operations...
- Joint Task Force 2
An additional six CF-18s were placed on standby in Canada, ready to deploy immediately if called upon.
Summary of action
- 21 March: Start of Operations
Four CF-18 fighters and two CC-150 Polaris refuellers operating from Trapani-Birgi Airport flew their first mission in Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
on 21 March, acting as armed escorts to coalition jets conducting bombings. Canada expected to take part in bombings as soon as the following night. HMCS Charlottetown also began patrolling the waters north of Libya in order to help to enforce an embargo on Gadhafi.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay
Peter MacKay
Peter Gordon MacKay, PC, QC, MP is a lawyer and politician from Nova Scotia, Canada. He is the Member of Parliament for Central Nova and currently serves as Minister of National Defence in the Cabinet of Canada....
stated that another six CF-18 fighter jets are on standby to deploy if needed.
- 22 March
Two CF-18s again flew missions on Tuesday, 22 March. However they had to abandon their planned attack on a Gaddafi Libyan airfield as the high possibility of collateral damage was against the strict rules of engagement. For a second day a CC-150 tanker refueled Canadian aircraft as well as other coalition aircraft.
- 23 March
The third day marked the first time Canadian jets bombed Libya since the campaign began. This occurred as four CF-18s flew two missions against an ammunition depot in Misrata, dropping four 227 kg (500-pound) laser-guided
Paveway
Paveway is a generic term for Laser Guided Bombs .Pave or PAVE is sometimes used as an acronym for precision avionics vectoring equipment; literally, electronics for controlling the speed and direction of aircraft...
bombs, and supported by two CC-150 Polaris tankers.
In other developments, Commodore John Newton, of the Royal Canadian Navy stated that the crew of HMCS Charlottetown are prepared to conduct boarding operations and has been training for search and rescue of downed pilots.
- 24 March
Two CF-18 flew two air interdiction
Air interdiction
Air interdiction is the use of aircraft to attack tactical ground targets that are not in close proximity to friendly ground forces. It differs from close air support because it does not directly support ground operations and is not closely coordinated with ground units...
patrols over Libyan airspace. A CC-150 Polaris took part of the operations providing fuel for Canadian and other coalition aircraft. Defence Minister Peter MacKay announces Canada will send two CP-140 Auroras to provide maritime surveillance in support of the United Nations arms embargo against Libya. The Canadian Forces has deployed 80 personnel from 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox.
- 25 March
Two CF-18 conducted one sortie and released several precision-guided munitions against electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
sites near Misrata. Two CC-150 also took part of operation and refueled both Canadian and coalition aircraft. The HMCS Charlottetown has patrolled the north of Libya and has investigated a vessel in distress.
- 27 March
A second ammunition depot, this time located 92 kilometres south of Misrata, was destroyed in an operation by four CF-18s utilizing 227 kg (500-pound) laser-guided bombs; in addition CF-18s coordinated other attacks involving up to 20 other coalition aircraft. Enforcing the arms embargo a CP-140A Aurora flew the first Canadian Maritime Patrol mission.
- 29 March
Two CF-18s help the rebels by attacking targets in Misrata. Canadian CP-140 Aurora
CP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking...
surveillance aircraft recently started a psychological warfare
Psychological warfare
Psychological warfare , or the basic aspects of modern psychological operations , have been known by many other names or terms, including Psy Ops, Political Warfare, “Hearts and Minds,” and Propaganda...
operation over Libya using airborne leaflet propaganda
Airborne leaflet propaganda
Airborne leaflet propaganda is a form of psychological warfare in which leaflets are scattered in the air. Military forces have used aircraft to drop leaflets to alter the behavior of people in enemy-controlled territory, sometimes in conjunction with air strikes...
and radio transmissions. The recently started broadcast of propaganda
Propaganda
Propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position so as to benefit oneself or one's group....
messages over Libyan territory has led to the Gaddafi regime trying to jam the transmissions via electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
.
- 31 March
From 06:00 GMT, NATO took sole command of air operations over Libya under Operation Unified Protector
Operation Unified Protector
Operation Unified Protector was an NATO operation enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions 1970 and 1973 concerning the 2011 Libyan civil war and adopted on 17 February and 17 March respectively...
, taking over from U.S. Africa Command.
- 21 April
Pilots have flown more than 100 missions over Libya since the beginning of the operation MOBILE. During the past week they were deployed 38 times. They attacked armoured vehicles, ammunition depots, and mobile rocket launchers.
- 13 May
The HMCS Charlottetown
HMCS Charlottetown
Several Canadian naval units have been named HMCS Charlottetown after the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island. Uniquely in Canadian naval history, two of these vessels had the same name and pennant number....
was involved in a naval battle
Naval battle
A naval battle is a battle fought using boats, ships or other waterborne vessels. Most naval battles have occurred at sea, but a few have taken place on lakes or rivers. The earliest recorded naval battle took place in 1210 BC near Cyprus...
near the port city of Misrata. The Charlettetown was conducting patrols at around 2 a.m. local time with other Allied warships when a number of fast, small boats launched an attack. No warships sustained any damage.
This is the first time since Korea War that a Canadian warship is involved in a naval battle.
- 19 May
Canadian pilots have participated in NATO air strikes that destroyed eight Libyan warships. The HMCS Charlottetown has also participated in the operation.
- 27 May
Canadian Pilots have dropped 240 laser-guided bombs on Libyan targets since 31 March.
- 2 June
On Monday morning, the HMCS Charlottetown was under heavy fire. The Libyan army had deployed a dozen BM21 at the port city of Mistrata and opened fire against the Canadian warship. Charlottetown did not return fire and did not sustain damage.
- 16 June
During the preceding week throughout four days CF-18 destroyed armoured vehicles, field headquarters, ammunition depots and command-and-control structures with laser guided bombs. During the same week, CF-18s had to be recalled to one target because the laser-targeting system on an allied jet failed.
- 10 July
HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
The third HMCS Vancouver is a , launched on July 8, 1989, as the second vessel of her class. She is currently based at CFB Esquimalt.-Construction:...
under the command of Commander Bradly Peats, with 225 crew members and a detachment from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, departed CFB Esquimalt
CFB Esquimalt
Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is Canada's Pacific Coast naval base and home port to Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific Headquarters....
en-route to the Mediterranean Sea to relieve HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown is a that has served in the Royal Canadian Navy since 1995.Charlottetown is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the third vessel to carry the designation ....
which has been on station off the Libyan coast since March.
- 29 July
Canadian CP-140 Aurora
CP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking...
surveillance aircraft recently started a psychological warfare
Psychological warfare
Psychological warfare , or the basic aspects of modern psychological operations , have been known by many other names or terms, including Psy Ops, Political Warfare, “Hearts and Minds,” and Propaganda...
operation over Libya. The surveillance aircraft recently started broadcasting propaganda
Propaganda
Propaganda is a form of communication that is aimed at influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position so as to benefit oneself or one's group....
messages over Libyan territory while the Gaddafi regime has tried to jam the transmissions using electronic warfare
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare refers to any action involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy assaults via the spectrum. The purpose of electronic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of, and ensure friendly...
.
- 18 August
A change of command ceremony was held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain where HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331)
The third HMCS Vancouver is a , launched on July 8, 1989, as the second vessel of her class. She is currently based at CFB Esquimalt.-Construction:...
officially relieved HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339)
HMCS Charlottetown is a that has served in the Royal Canadian Navy since 1995.Charlottetown is the tenth ship in her class which is based on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project. She is the third vessel to carry the designation ....
. The ceremony officially marked that Task Force Charlottetown became Task Force Vancouver, and the Task Force command was transferred from Commander Craig Skjerpen to Commander Bradley Peats.
- 1 November
Operation MOBILE officially ceases operations and begins mission closure activities.