Friday, July 01, 2011
Gannett’s Air Force Times directly contradicts Obama’s claim of limited US role in Libya
by Larry Geller
The Air Force Times, published in print and on-line editions by Gannett Government Media, has undermined claims by President Obama that the US role in Libya is limited, and therefore not subject to Congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution.
Air Force and Navy aircraft are still flying hundreds of strike missions over Libya despite the Obama administration’s claim that American forces are playing only a limited support role in the NATO operation.
An Africa Command (AFRICOM) spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday that since NATO’s Operation Unified Protector (OUP) took over from the American-led Operation Odyssey Dawn on March 31, the U.S. military has flown hundreds of strike sorties. Previously, Washington had claimed that it was mostly providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and tanker support to NATO forces operating over Libya.
[Air Force Times, AFRICOM: AF, Navy still flying Libya missions, 6/30/2011]
Moreover, the paper reported that US=based units have been tapped for the Libyan attacks:
Earlier this month, Malta Today reported that two F-16s from the 77th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Wing, made emergency landings on the island. The 20th Fighter Wing is based at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.
The AFRICOM spokeswoman did not address why U.S.-based units were deployed for the mission.
The Navy’s Growlers are based at Whidbey Island, Wash.
The fact that US-based units have been called into service is certain to add fuel to Congressional opposition on both sides of the isle.
What good has he done for Hawaii anyway? Seriously. At least have enough respect for congress to get their approval, even if you coerce them into it anyway.
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