126th deploys in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn

An Aircrew member from the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Illinois Air National Guard performs pre-flight checks on a KC-135 Stratotanker as it prepares to deploy in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, March 25, 2011 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. The KC-135's will provide air-refueling support to coalition aircraft enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the 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 regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Brian J. Valencia)