Pre Libya no-fly-zone buildup

[boonens]

I think... Malta. A Canadian CC-130J (130604) was spotted today in Malta by Al Jazeera TV.
Also according to them some E-3 NATO aircraft are operating from Malta.

Unlikely, as Malta stated earlier today that they will not support any military operation to enforce the no fly zone.

[Antilliaan]

Indeed, Malta will not open its airport for aircraft enforcing the no-fly zone, just its air space. The Maltese government has stated Malta will not be used as a military base.

Herks have been used to evacuate people from Tripoli to Malta, just like two CC-177s. Moreover, Malta is a regular stop for Canadian Herks on their way to and from Afghanistan.

So not Malta, but where else?

[Antilliaan]

The six Hornets have departed this afternoon from 3 Wing Bagotville 425 squadron and the Canadian force is dubbed Task Force Libeccio.
The Canadians have requested they be based in Italy, but as of this morning no diplomatic clearance from Italy was received.

[Vasilis]

The Greek goverment decided to offer:

4-6 F-16

1 EMB-145H Erieye AEW&C

2 AS-332 Super Puma for SAR/CSAR

C-130

[Trabanti]

Possibly support a/c operate from Malta (tankers, CSAR, AEW) while fighters are based at Birgi, Sigonella, Solenzara, Deci etc. Politically easier to sell? Although I understood people have heard fast jets take off from Malta tonight already. Just passing through, or..?

[LV84]

I wonder why Belgium got a request from NATO to send F-16's and the Dutch government didn't.
Could it have something to do with an MLD Lynx standing somewhere in Libya right now????

Belgium didn't get a request from NATO, as NATO hasn't issued any requests yet. Belgium offerd the jets like France, Canada, UK and Denmark. I think that if there are Clear plans on how to maintain the "No Fly zone" The dutch will participate aswell.

[wamovements]

The following aircraft arrived last night at Prestwick:

15004 A310 CFC3815
15005 A310 CFC3816
140101 CP140 CFC0496
188734 CF188 CFC0852
188739 CF188 CFC0862
188752 CF188 CFC0860
188756 CF188 CFC0850
188759 CF188 CFC0853
188760 CF188 CFC0861 e/l
188769 CF188 CFC0851

[joost]

6 Danish F-16's were heard this morning enroute down south

[PilotoRico]

The Portuguese government decided that they might offer 4 F-16's and one EADS C-295 when they are needed.
One C-295MPA is already patrol the Libian coast, operating from south Italy...

http://maquina-de-combate.com/blog/archives/14588

Cheers

[Starman]

Israeli newspapers Wednesday carrried a US Navy press release photo (undated of course, but recent) of a mighty flat-top heading thru the Suez Canal. Probably means there are a pair of them in theatre by now!

[michel N]

The USS George Bush should take part in an exercise near the UK in a short time. Maybe this one will also be diverted to the Med, or is already there?

[joost]

The USS George Bush should take part in an exercise near the UK in a short time. Maybe this one will also be diverted to the Med, or is already there?

Believe that will be in May, Believe USS Enterprise was/is near currently..that is see here

[maurits]

The following aircraft arrived last night at Prestwick:

15004 A310 CFC3815
15005 A310 CFC3816
140101 CP140 CFC0496
188734 CF188 CFC0852
188739 CF188 CFC0862
188752 CF188 CFC0860
188756 CF188 CFC0850
188759 CF188 CFC0853
188760 CF188 CFC0861 e/l
188769 CF188 CFC0851

Hi,

According Fightercontrol website the Canadians will depart to Trapani,Italy
http://fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 77&t=29703
15004 CC150 HUSKY4 with 4 CF188 (188756, 869, 734, 759) HUSKY41-44 etd 19/3 1100 to LICT (Trapani, Italy)

Regards,

Maurits

[Starman]

It was indeed the Enterprise, but couldn't tell if she was North, or Southbound in the canal.

[Arjan]

The Enterprise was in the Red Sea area last week. So if she is seen in the Suez, she'll be travelling north.