Contributing forces

June 19, 1996

Nations contributing forces have been: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

Surface ships

Sharp Guard - Surface ships

Country Ship type Name Code

France Frigate FS La Fayette F 710

Frigate FS Commandant Blaison F 793

Germany Frigate FGS Emden F 210

Greece Destroyer HS Themistokles D 221

Italy Frigate ITS Libeccio F 572

Frigate ITS Lupo F 564

The Netherlands Frigate HNLMS Karel Doorman F 827

Spain Frigate SPS Asturias F 74

Frigate SPS Reina Sofia F 84

Turkey Destroyer TS Kocetepe D 354

United Kingdom Destroyer HMS Nottingham D 91

United States Frigate USS Samuel B Roberts FFG 58

Fighter aircraft

Various aircraft from allied forces operating in the area contributed to the defense of ships from attacks by surface ships.

Maritime patrol aircraft

Continuous Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) support to the naval forces of CTF 440 was provided by assets from eight NATO nations.

MPA support to CTF 440

Country Aircraft

France Atlantique

Germany Atlantique

Italy Atlantique

The Netherlands P-3C

Portugal P-3P

Spain P-3B

UK Nimrod

US P-3C

The above aircraft operated from the airbases at Sigonella (Sicily) and Elmas (Sardinia), in Italy.

Airborne Early Warning

Eight E-3A and two E-3D from NATO's Airborne Early Warning Force (NAEWF) supported Operation Sharp Guard, as well as Operation Joint Endeavour.

The E-3A aircraft operate from Geilenkirchen, Germany, Aviano (Italy), Trapani (Italy) and Action (Greece) and are flown by multi-national crews provided by 11 NATO nations. The E-3D aircraft from the UK's Number 8 Squadron flew from RAF Waddington (UK) as well as Aviano and Trapani. French E-3F aircraft participated under the auspices of the WEU and operated from either Avord (France) or Trapani.