4D-Inspiration: Libyan Incidents (1981-89)

Conflicts between the US and Libya impressed upon me that the US had re-established force projection to protect our national security and enforce international law. These incidents further inspired me to serve in the US Armed Forces to do my part in defending against terrorism and coercion.

FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION INCIDENTS (1981-1989)
Libya claimed the Gulf of Sidra as a closed bay and part of its territorial waters. This prompted the United States to conduct Freedom of Navigation (FON) operations in the area since the claim did not meet the criteria established by international law. In 1981, F-4J (VF-74 / VFMA-115) and F-14A (VF-41 / VF-84) aircraft intercepted numerous Libyan aircraft searching for the USS Nimitz carrier group. F-14 aircrews from VF-41, directed by an E-2, shot down two Libyan Su-22M aircraft attempting to attack an S-3 on orbit near the coastline but in international waters.
• E-2C Hawkeye (USN)
* F-4J Phantom II (USN/USMC)
* F-14A Tomcat (USN)
* S-3A Viking (USN)

Tensions between the United States and Libya heightened after the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 and two airport attacks in Italy. The United States claimed Libya was involved in these actions through support of the Palestinian terrorist Abu Nidal. In response, the US initiated Operation Prarie Fire, in which three carrier groups were sent to the Gulf of Sidra to perform FON exercises. In March 1986, Libya attacked by firing long-range SAMs and launching interceptors at US aircraft, and sending patrol boats toward the US fleet. US aircraft successfully avoided the SAMs, and although there were multiple dogfights, no shots were fired. The US Navy sank two Libyan warships, damaged two others, and damaged or destroyed several Libyan SAM sites.
* A-6E Intruder (USN)
* A-7E Corsair II (USN)
* EA-6B Prowler (USN/USMC)
* F-14A Tomcat (USN)
* F/A-18A Hornet (USN)

In January 1989, as the USS John F. Kennedy was performing FON operations in the Gulf of Sidra, two Libyan MiG-23MF fighters were launched toward the carrier group. F-14A Tomcats of VF-32 intercepted them, and the MiG-23 pilots engaged. Both MiG-23 aircraft were shot down by the F-14 aircrews.
• E-2C Hawkeye (USN)
* F-14A Tomcat (USN)

OPERATION EL DORADO CANYON (1986)
In response to a terrorist attack on a West German night club known to be frequented by US soldiers, the US executed Operation El Dorado Canyon in April 1986. Libyan airfields, SAM sites, and military depots were destroyed. Libya retaliated by launching Scud missiles at a nearby US Coast Guard station in Lampedusa, Italy. The retaliation was unsuccessful with the Scud rockets missing their target.
* A-6E Intruder (USN)
* A-7E Corsair II (USN)
• EF-111A Raven (USAF)
• F-111F Aardvark (USAF)
* F/A-18A Hornet (USN)

FRANCE
Operation Manta / Operation Épervier (1983-1988)
During the same timeframe as the US conflicts with Libya, France came to the aid of Chad after Libyan interventions escalated into a larger scale war with aerial bombardment and armored vehicles. French and Chadian military forces eventually forced Libya's retreat from the occupied Aouzou Strip, an area rich in uranium.
• Jaguar A (French Air Force)
• Mirage F.1C (French Air Force)

LIBYA
Interceptors
* Su-20 Fitter-C (Libyan Air Force)
* Su-22M Fitter-J (Libyan Air Force)
• MiG-23MF Flogger-B (Libyan Air Force)
• MiG-25 Foxbat (Libyan Air Force)
• Mirage F.1 (Libyan Air Force)

Air Defense Systems
* Crotale II (Libyan Ground Forces)
• SA-2 Guideline / Low Blow (Libyan Ground Forces)
• SA-3 Goa / *Fan Song (Libyan Ground Forces)
• SA-5 Gammon / *Square Pair (Libyan Ground Forces)
- SA-6 Gainful / *Straight Flush (Libyan Ground Forces)
* SA-8 Gecko (Libyan Ground Forces)
• ZSU-23-4 Shilka (Libyan Ground Forces)

Offensive Weapons
• SS-1C Scud-B (Libyan Ground Forces)
* Tu-22B Blinder-A (Libyan Air Force)

* Wishlist
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