Expeditionary
Libya Intervention (Op ODYSSEY DAWN/UNIFIED PROTECTOR)
The Libya intervention was the American and allied military campaign mounted to protect civilians and enforce a United Nations mandate against the forces of Muammar Gaddafi during the uprising that arose in the Arab Spring.
The campaign began with an American-led phase that struck Gaddafi's air defenses and forces to establish a no-fly zone and halt his offensive against the rebels, before transitioning to a NATO-led effort that continued the air campaign until the regime fell. The Marine contribution centered on aviation flown from amphibious shipping offshore and on the dramatic recovery of a downed American aircrew from hostile territory. The Marines projected air power and expeditionary capability from the sea in support of the coalition, their role focused on the air campaign and personnel recovery rather than a ground commitment. The intervention achieved its aim of protecting the civilian population and contributed to the collapse of Gaddafi's rule, with the Marines lending the reach and readiness of the force afloat.
Engagements in this conflict (2)
Record no. 879