The coalition air operation against Muammar Ghadaffi has demonstrated the enormous capacity of the U.S. military. Precision weapons took out Ghadaffi's surface-to-air missile sites and aircraft shelters. E/A-18G Growlers jammed Libyan electronics. F-15s and F-16s conducted both counter-air and surface-attack missions. Unmanned systems, most likely the Global Hawk, provided critical reconnaissance and surveillance.
One system that is providing a critical service in this operation is the Harrier jump jet. This Marine Corps close support aircraft has been operating from U.S. large deck amphibious warfare ships in the Mediterranean. Without an aircraft carrier in the area the Harriers are the only system available to conduct responsive air missions. The Harriers provide prompt air power from the coalition platform closest to the Libyan coast.