[topher]

They can if they have tankers (aircraft -- KC-135 or KC-10).

They can if they have a Carrier Task Group nearby or at least US Navy ships capable of Helicopter Ops.

I believe in the testimony on Wednesday, it was stated that there were no aircraft tankers available despite the fact that US fighters could be there in 2 to 3 hours from NATO bases.

The Dimwits (Democrats) muddled the hearing intentionally so that points like this did not immediately come out.

[crosslink]

The distance from Aviano to Benghazi is 1680 kilometers or 1044 miles only, F-16 could make it in under 2 hours and still have enough fuel to take care of business. They are lying.

[Mr. Lucky]

Maybe one of you younger guys will know better, but wouldn't there be one or two Marine Expeditionary Units floating around on assault ships with the 6th Fleet?

Those gentlemen have sort of a thing about rescuing people from the shores of Tripoli.