LIBYA (Merged) Use this thread ONLY
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Europe trying to enjoy retirement “YES”
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well done to the French Airforce. Seemingly before the full suppression of anti aircraft defence was in work.*
Keep safe to all crews involved and clear sky's and a safe six.
Keep safe to all crews involved and clear sky's and a safe six.
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: East Midlands
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Faith Hope and Charity
Apologies if I might repeat something already said but my posts have had to be vetted before appearing, this might be time late!
With Gadaffi threatening to take the war into the Med I hope we are going to look after plucky little Malta. Might be nice to have a flight of Typhoons there on readiness. Faith Hope and Charity ride again?
BTW, from watching the telly this morning Greece doesn't seem to have a problem being on board, Mirage 2000's videoed arriving in Souda (possibly from Qatar). Additionally Greece have thrown four F16's into the mix.
Apart from that E3D shown landing at Akrotiri, impressively big bombs being towed around at Aviano (EF/A 18 Growler in the background), Canadian F18's pitching into the circuit post mission at Trapani, possible a coincidence but a SEAD armed ECR Tornado was landing just ahead of them (Italy have said they would allow basing but wouldn't participate). A shot of an F16 tail at Sigonella while the reporter told us the Danes were there with F16's was a bit out of context, the F16 tail belonged to an Aviano based US aircraft.
Interesting to see XV Sqn and II (AC) Sqn marked aircraft doing the business and being told (by the BBC) that 9 Sqn flew the mission. Guess we can't afford the luxury of sqn's flying their own aircraft any more?
With Gadaffi threatening to take the war into the Med I hope we are going to look after plucky little Malta. Might be nice to have a flight of Typhoons there on readiness. Faith Hope and Charity ride again?
BTW, from watching the telly this morning Greece doesn't seem to have a problem being on board, Mirage 2000's videoed arriving in Souda (possibly from Qatar). Additionally Greece have thrown four F16's into the mix.
Apart from that E3D shown landing at Akrotiri, impressively big bombs being towed around at Aviano (EF/A 18 Growler in the background), Canadian F18's pitching into the circuit post mission at Trapani, possible a coincidence but a SEAD armed ECR Tornado was landing just ahead of them (Italy have said they would allow basing but wouldn't participate). A shot of an F16 tail at Sigonella while the reporter told us the Danes were there with F16's was a bit out of context, the F16 tail belonged to an Aviano based US aircraft.
Interesting to see XV Sqn and II (AC) Sqn marked aircraft doing the business and being told (by the BBC) that 9 Sqn flew the mission. Guess we can't afford the luxury of sqn's flying their own aircraft any more?
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kilmarnock,United Kingdom
Age: 68
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Regime change is a desired side effect of the NFZ"
Desired by many no doubt but not the explicit aim of the UN Resolution.
If change is not seen as being from within there might well an impact on the broad support which allowed the UN to pass Resolution 1973 as a means of protecting the civillian population, not as a way to take sides in a Civil War.
Desired by many no doubt but not the explicit aim of the UN Resolution.
If change is not seen as being from within there might well an impact on the broad support which allowed the UN to pass Resolution 1973 as a means of protecting the civillian population, not as a way to take sides in a Civil War.
Should be remembered that regime change in itself is specifically forbidden under the UN Charter. Would have to be proved that removing Qaddaffi was the only way to protect civilians from genocide, which is v. diff. in an international court no matter how obvious it appears to you, me and the dog.
Looks like the Arab League "dictators" (your choice as to what this means or who it includes) have realised they may be next. Arabs love talking about action, but actually taking it is something else.
Good luck to my old unit, now Typhoon equipped. Looking forward to "counting them all back in", and seeing the groundcrew heading out with the artist's paintbrushes.
Do wish the news wouldn't broadcast the take-off times.
Looks like the Arab League "dictators" (your choice as to what this means or who it includes) have realised they may be next. Arabs love talking about action, but actually taking it is something else.
Good luck to my old unit, now Typhoon equipped. Looking forward to "counting them all back in", and seeing the groundcrew heading out with the artist's paintbrushes.
Do wish the news wouldn't broadcast the take-off times.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Europe trying to enjoy retirement “YES”
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well again the fog of war if I can use the phrase in this case comes into play.*
Military action is used when political aspirations fail. Military actions are a forceful implication of political needs, in this case a UN mandate *and an accepted means of action. The politics of the issue and the expected end result is in my humble view not a issue for the crews involved, as usual a task is given and the restrictions and limitations are governed by the rules of engagement.*
Politicians are not always clear in need, military action is.*
Let's hope that dithering and indecision from the political end is minimised as time moves on.
Military action is used when political aspirations fail. Military actions are a forceful implication of political needs, in this case a UN mandate *and an accepted means of action. The politics of the issue and the expected end result is in my humble view not a issue for the crews involved, as usual a task is given and the restrictions and limitations are governed by the rules of engagement.*
Politicians are not always clear in need, military action is.*
Let's hope that dithering and indecision from the political end is minimised as time moves on.
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Often in Jersey, but mainly in the past.
Age: 79
Posts: 7,810
Received 136 Likes
on
64 Posts
Thanks for all the valuable inputs, gents.
It seems such a long time since I sat at my ASMA terminal in AFOps for GW1, reading the details of mission crew and knowing quite a few of them - and mercifully counting [nearly] all of them back.
God speed to all involved.
It seems such a long time since I sat at my ASMA terminal in AFOps for GW1, reading the details of mission crew and knowing quite a few of them - and mercifully counting [nearly] all of them back.
God speed to all involved.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OoooooH Me Arse!!!!
To the Guys who pooped of the Mx from Marham:
Long trip fellas, good one!
I've done a Op Cyclone- (Falklands), I KNOW what MB arse ache is!
Hope You (or it) Hit!
Recommend a Hot bath and Deep Heat............
NICE JOB. (be proud)
Advo
Long trip fellas, good one!
I've done a Op Cyclone- (Falklands), I KNOW what MB arse ache is!
Hope You (or it) Hit!
Recommend a Hot bath and Deep Heat............
NICE JOB. (be proud)
Advo
Sorry to appear to be a non-jingoistic party pooper, but do the pictures remind anyone else of the Basrah Road in '91? Not really AD assets being hit were they? Meat 'n drink to Libyan/anti-West propagandists.
This coalition needs very visible Arab/ME assets conducting CAPs soon for legitimacy.
However, well done to the GR boys - I'm sure there were numb bums all round! I trust a traditional bomber breakfast was had upon return?
This coalition needs very visible Arab/ME assets conducting CAPs soon for legitimacy.
However, well done to the GR boys - I'm sure there were numb bums all round! I trust a traditional bomber breakfast was had upon return?
Do keep up.
UN 1973 specifically states:
4. Authorises member states that have notified the secretary-general, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, and acting in co-operation with the secretary-general, to take all necessary measures, notwithstanding paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 (2011), to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory, and requests the member states concerned to inform the secretary-general immediately of the measures they take pursuant to the authorization conferred by this paragraph which shall be immediately reported to the Security Council;
Tanks outside a rebel town are an obvious threat to civilian populations, based on Qaddaffi's track record. Taking out AD assets is just another necessary step to establishing a NFZ to defend the civilians, which is the ultimate objective. UN aircrew can and should take out anything that is a threat (direct or otherwise) to innocent civilians.
If you think this includes the Tripoli MacDonalds on the basis of it being bad for civilians, then you're probably right, but that's what the UN signed up for.
UN 1973 specifically states:
4. Authorises member states that have notified the secretary-general, acting nationally or through regional organizations or arrangements, and acting in co-operation with the secretary-general, to take all necessary measures, notwithstanding paragraph 9 of resolution 1970 (2011), to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, including Benghazi, while excluding a foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory, and requests the member states concerned to inform the secretary-general immediately of the measures they take pursuant to the authorization conferred by this paragraph which shall be immediately reported to the Security Council;
Tanks outside a rebel town are an obvious threat to civilian populations, based on Qaddaffi's track record. Taking out AD assets is just another necessary step to establishing a NFZ to defend the civilians, which is the ultimate objective. UN aircrew can and should take out anything that is a threat (direct or otherwise) to innocent civilians.
If you think this includes the Tripoli MacDonalds on the basis of it being bad for civilians, then you're probably right, but that's what the UN signed up for.
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lancashire
Age: 48
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Will these slims get a NFZ?
LiveLeak.com - Graphic: Aftermath of shelling of market place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Thought not.
The 'govern'ment could not care less for it's own people and even sends soldiers to fight wars based on lies, why would they suddenly care about Libya's civilian population???
It's all about the oil............again.
2% of a lot, is a lot.
Also, if you've not got the capability to do the job alone, waiting for others to bulk up your numbers just makes the country look weak and pathetic imo.
LiveLeak.com - Graphic: Aftermath of shelling of market place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Thought not.
The 'govern'ment could not care less for it's own people and even sends soldiers to fight wars based on lies, why would they suddenly care about Libya's civilian population???
It's all about the oil............again.
2% of a lot, is a lot.
Also, if you've not got the capability to do the job alone, waiting for others to bulk up your numbers just makes the country look weak and pathetic imo.
That's right Pious,
The good Colonel was a good mate of Gordon and Tony's, and by extension - you and the rest of your lefty mates.
Tony would never have contemplated making a decision based on the location of oil reserves - would he? Far better to stick to very loose and maleable principles whilst a despot bombs his own population.
The good Colonel was a good mate of Gordon and Tony's, and by extension - you and the rest of your lefty mates.
Tony would never have contemplated making a decision based on the location of oil reserves - would he? Far better to stick to very loose and maleable principles whilst a despot bombs his own population.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: netherlands
Age: 56
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
US media handling of France striking first
I followed CNN international and I'm amuzed by the apparent inability to report on the french striking first.
They are ignoring, generalizing, avoiding, minimizing. Maybe they don't want to confuse the home market.
People want to be confirmed in their opinions, customer satisfaction is king, the advertisers want volumes.
They are ignoring, generalizing, avoiding, minimizing. Maybe they don't want to confuse the home market.
People want to be confirmed in their opinions, customer satisfaction is king, the advertisers want volumes.
Last edited by keesje; 20th Mar 2011 at 17:56.
Were these missions the first bombing raids to be launched from the UK since 1945?
Sorry, should have been more specific. Were these the first RAF bombing missions from the UK since 1945?
Sorry, should have been more specific. Were these the first RAF bombing missions from the UK since 1945?
Late night formation, Sat late evening
Wisbech Cambs.
Last night about 11 O'clock heard some military aircraft overflying.
Went outside to see a formation of Aircraft fairly high, flying south.
Formation well spaced and counted at least three.
A little while later two more jet aircraft circled over the Wisbech area.
Relatively slow and a in loose formation and with only White lights showing.
They circled once and then flew off in same direction south as the earlier formation.
From the little information so far released this sighting and the timing does not seem to tie with any of the known activities.
So I am wondering if anyone else may have heard/seen this activity and any thoughts on what it may have been.
OPF
Last night about 11 O'clock heard some military aircraft overflying.
Went outside to see a formation of Aircraft fairly high, flying south.
Formation well spaced and counted at least three.
A little while later two more jet aircraft circled over the Wisbech area.
Relatively slow and a in loose formation and with only White lights showing.
They circled once and then flew off in same direction south as the earlier formation.
From the little information so far released this sighting and the timing does not seem to tie with any of the known activities.
So I am wondering if anyone else may have heard/seen this activity and any thoughts on what it may have been.
OPF
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Europe trying to enjoy retirement “YES”
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
NO the last strike on Libya was from the UK and a very long routing. I think if memory serves USAF F111s. Result on sky news tonight and that was in the 90s.