AV-8B Harrier II pilots with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 Reinforced, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice alternate landing techniques on the flight deck of USS Kearsarge, Jan. 18, 2011. Normally the fighter jet lands headed from stern to bow. The alternate techniques are practiced in case the ship is unable to maneuver into position for the aircraft’s safest landing conditions. Elements of 26th MEU debarked the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group to conduct sustainment training and exercises with regional allies and partners in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle M. Bacon

26th Marine Expeditionary unit joins Odyssey Dawn

20 Mar 2011 | Staff Headquarters Marine Corps

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Aircraft from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit joined Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn in the early morning hours of March 20, in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which is centered on protecting Libyan citizens from any further harm from the Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qadhafi’s regime.

AV-8B Harriers targeted Qadhafi’s ground forces and air defenses, joining the effort to halt an offensive against the Libyan population.

“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, commanded by Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of UNSCR 1973, which authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians there.