On March 4, U.S. Africa Command established a Joint Task Force for Operation Odyssey Dawn to support operations in the region in response to the current situation in Libya.

On March 17, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 authorizing "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack while excluding foreign occupation force of any form on any part of Libyan territory. It authorized the use of force with an explicit commitment to pursue all necessary measures to stop the killing, to include the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Libya. It also strengthened sanctions and the enforcement of an arms embargo against the Muammar Al-Qadhafi regime.

Men and women of the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, along with joint and coalition partners, worked around the clock in support of Operation Odyessy Dawn, all the while in close coordination with the Joint Task Force.