itizen, 2 March 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2011.</ref>

An additional six CF-18s were placed on standby in Canada, ready to deploy immediately if called upon.

Summary of action
21 March: Start of Operations
Four CF-18 fighters and two CC-150 Polaris refuellers operating from Trapani-Birgi Airport flew their first mission in Libya on 21 March, acting as armed escorts to coalition jets conducting bombings. Canada expected to take part in bombings as soon as the following night. HMCS Charlottetown also began patrolling the waters north of Libya in order to help to enforce a NATO blockade of Libya.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay stated that another six CF-18 fighter jets are on standby to deploy if needed.

22 March
Two CF-18s again flew missions on Tuesday, 22 March. However they had to abandon their planned attack on a Gaddafi Libyan airfield as the high possibility of collateral damage was against the strict rules of engagement. For a second day a CC-150 tanker refuelled Canadian aircraft as well as other coalition aircraft.

23 March
The third day marked the first time Canadian jets bombed Libya since the campaign began. This occurred as four CF-18s flew two missions against an ammunition depot in Misrata, dropping four 227 kg (500-pound) laser-guided bombs, and supported by two CC-150 Polaris tankers.

In other developments, Commodore John Newton, of the Royal Canadian Navy stated that the crew of HMCS Charlottetown were prepared to conduct boarding operations and had been training for search and rescue of downed pilots.

24 March
Two CF-18s flew two air interdiction patrols over Libyan airspace. A CC-150 Polaris took part of the operations providing fuel for Canadian and other coalition aircraft. Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced Canada would send two CP-140 Auroras to provide maritime surveillance in support of the United Nations arms embargo against Libya. The Canadian Forces deployed 80 personnel from 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox.

25 March
Two CF-18s conducted one sortie and released several pre