United States and Libyan personnel trained together in a mission that built capacity to conduct effective joint tactical air control. The work also had another goal: to promote the reunification of long-divided Libyan military and security institutions.
The February 26 event, conducted on the ground and in the air in a sparse, desert locale near Sirte, Libya, involved U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), U.S. Strategic Command, and forces from Libya’s Government of National Unity and the Libyan National Army.
Ground personnel working as joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs) used laser range finders, Android tactical assault kits and GPS tools to gather and mark target positions and to survey landscapes. U.S. pilots from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, in Louisiana flew two B-52H Stratofortress bombers over the training area and communicated with ground personnel.
The event was conducted to show Libyan military unity and professionalism while demonstrating the U.S.’s commitment to cooperating with international partners, AFRICOM said. Missions such as this help the U.S. and its partners maintain readiness, proficiency and the ability to operate together effectively to meet mutual security challenges.
“We are committed to continued cooperation with Libyan forces in support of a stable, unified and sovereign Libya,” said Lt. Gen. John Brennan, AFRICOM deputy commander.
The joint training demonstrated what’s known as the “close air support 9-line,” which is a standard process for relaying information from ground command to fixed and rotary wing aircraft flying above an area of operation.
The typical 9-line includes, among other things, information on the location, distance, elevation and description of the intended target. It also provides aircraft information on how ground forces will mark targets — such as with infrared, laser or smoke — and how close the target is to friendly forces.
To build a successful 9-line, ground forces must know each participating aircraft’s speed and altitude limits, munitions specifications, and fuel levels, according to the journal Air Observer. JTAC personnel compile this information, along with locations and battle space details, in minutes.
The B-52H Stratofortress is one of three types of bombers in the U.S. Air Force inventory. The long-range heavy bomber can fly at subsonic speeds at an altitude of up to 15,000 meters, has an unrefueled range exceeding 14,000 kilometers, and it can be refueled in midair.
The joint air training is the latest in a series of U.S. engagements with Libya. In December 2024, U.S. Embassy in Libya charge d’affaires Jeremy Berndt announced the signing of a lease for a new U.S. embassy in Tripoli.
Brennan and others met with GNU and LNA leaders from February 4 to 6 in Benghazi, Sirte and Tripoli to promote increased security cooperation.
“On this trip, we were able to witness a lot of positive reconstruction and efforts to increase military professionalism in Tripoli, Benghazi and Sirte,” Brennan said during the visit. “What we observed demonstrates Libyan resolve, resilience and desire for stability, economic development, and prosperity through cooperation with the U.S. government and private investment.”