Commander, Operation Odyssey Dawn Meets With USS Barry

AUGUSTA BAY, Italy (NNS) -- Commander, Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, met with Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during a scheduled port visit by the ship to Augusta Bay, Italy, March 31.

Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, recognized Barry crew members for their efforts and achievements in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn.

Locklear explained that in a very difficult time for the nation of Libya, the United Nations Security Council met and made a decision to give more power to the coalition forces to stop the human suffering.

"Within several days a large force was put together and within hours after it was assembled we were affectively dismantling the military capability of Moammar Qadhafi's regime," said Locklear. "This particular ship was instrumental in the many ways of making that possible."

Barry had previously conducted operations in support of Joint Task Force (JTF) Odyssey Dawn, a U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.

UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi's regime forces.

JTF Odyssey Dawn was disestablished March 30.

"This ship has had a tremendous history, and that history continues today," said Locklear. "Each and everyone of you should be very proud of what you are doing and what you have been able to accomplish."
Operation Odyssey Dawn has concluded, NATO's Unified Protector assumed command of the entire mission March 30 and the United States will remain in a supporting role.

Barry is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/phibron4/.