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Escalation Off Tobruk

Date: January 4, 1989

Location: Near Tobruk, Mediterranean Sea

Objective: Protect the Task Force, eliminate hostile assets, neutralize Libyan fuel reserves.


1. Background Information:

Tensions are high near Libya. Aircraft have been detected violating Egyptian airspace near Tobruk, as well as approaching dangerously close to civilian and military ships.. Simultaneously, Libyan naval vessels have seized several small cargo ships claiming they violated their territorial waters. These incursions pose a significant threat to regional stability and the safety of free trade. Libya has claimed much of the Gulf of Sidra and parts of the Mediterranean as its territorial waters and subsequently declared a "line of death", the crossing of which would invite a military response. We do not recognize these claims and will defend our freedom to traverse international waters. Libyan aircraft and naval forces may even attempt to move to attack USN aircraft and assets in attempts to enforce this line. Any Libyan military units that pose a substantial threat to the Carrier group must be eliminated. In the case of an attack, we have devised a counter. satellite images and intelligence reports indicate a new fuel storage facility on the coast was constructed. This was necessary to support the increased forces Muammar Gaddafi had assigned to the coastal region. If this facility is destroyed, his ability to control the region will be crippled. If Gaddafi dares to resort to violence to enforce his ludicrous claims, he must be shown the free world will not bend the knee.


2. Mission Objectives:

Primary Objective: Neutralize any Libyan aircraft and vessels that threaten the Carrier Group
Secondary Objective: Neutralize local Libyan forces fuel stores
Tertiary Objective: Ensure the safety of civilian air and sea traffic and maintain air superiority in the region.


3. Order of Battle:

Friendly Forces:

Aircraft: F-14 Tomcats, A-6 Intruders, A-7 Corsairs, E-2 Hawkeyes, EA-6s.

Ships: 1x Iowa Class, 1x OHP Frigate, 2x Kidd Destroyers, 1x Ticonderoga, 1x Los Angeles.

Base: USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, Mediterranean Sea


Enemy Forces:

In an attempt to enforce their territorial claims, Muammar Gaddafi has increased his military presence on the coast. In addition to radar stations and SAM sites, regular air and sea patrols are common over the coastline. He has also been more willing to deploy his limited fleet of Foxtrot-class submarines. The potential of a strike from airborne, surface, and subsurface assets poses a substantial threat. Libyan command has also kept the size and makeup of these patrols varied, preventing us from getting a clear picture of total numbers present in the region. Stay vigilant, and do not underestimate our foes.


4. Rules of Engagement:

Positive identification of hostile aircraft and vessels is required before engagement..
Minimize collateral damage and avoid civilian casualties. Civilian Traffic expected

Good luck and Godspeed.