Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

International Information

International Operation Name: Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

International Mission Name: Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

Canadian Operation: No Canadian operation name

Mandating Organization: United States

Region Name: Middle East

Location: Iraq

Mission Date: 19 March 2003 - 1 May 2003

Mission/Operation Notes: In the early hours of 19 March 2003, United States Special Operations Forces entered Iraq, thereby commencing Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Eleven Canadians serving with the Canadian Contingent, 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, participated through the deployment of AWACS aircraft to the operation. Canadian CC-130 Hercules, deployed in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation APOLLO were temporarily diverted from supporting that operation to supporting Operation IRIS in Iraq.