The USS San Antonio (LPD-17), one of the U.S. Navy warships attacked by missiles fired by Yemini Houthis in early October, is now conducting airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Libya.

She transited into the Mediterranean from the Red Sea off Yemen and replaced the USS Wasp (LHD-1), a multipurpose amphibious assault ship that's been attacking ISIL targets since Aug. 1. Prior to this combat deployment, her first in 11 years, the Wasp tested the Marines' F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter.

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The Wasp supported Operation Odyssey Lightning. This air campaign over Libya is being conducted at the request of the country's government of national accord as part of the fight to retake the key city of Sirte from ISIL.

She initially used AV-8B Harriers as strike aircraft and added AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters to provide close air support on these strike missions.

So far, the U.S. has conducted 330 strikes since the mission began, an average of more than four strikes per day.

The San Antonio will contribute AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1Y Huey Venom utility helicopters from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's aviation combat unit, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (reinforced) to the air campaign against ISIL, said United States Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM).

"USS San Antonio is more than capable of sustaining the current mission," said Charles Prichard, U.S. AFRICOM spokesman.

"The sailors and Marines of the Wasp (Amphibious Ready Group)/22nd MEU team will receive follow-on tasking and continue their deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet area of operation."

The San Antonio will continue providing precision airstrikes in support of Libyan forces and government of national accord-aligned forces fighting to re-take compounds and structures used by ISIL to launch attacks on friendly forces.

U.S. AFRICOM noted the airstrikes have significantly reduced Daesh's ability to utilize heavy weapons and enemy fighting positions. The bombings have also reduced the number of vehicle-borne improvised explosive (VBIED) devices intended for attacks on government and government-aligned forces.

Both the San Antonio and the Wasp are part of the 22nd MEU, which deployed from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in June. 

TagsUSS San Antonio, USS Wasp, Libya, Operation Odyssey Lightning, United States Africa Command, U.S. AFRICOM