Wide array of U.S. warplanes used in Libya attacks

By Larry Shaughnessy, CNN

Washington (CNN) — Nineteen U.S. warplanes, including Marine Corps Harrier jets, Air Force B-2 stealth bombers and F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, conducted strike operations against Libyan air defenses and ground forces Sunday morning, according to Lt. Cmdr James Stockman of U.S. Africa Command.

Four British Tornado jets also took part in strikes against Libya on Saturday, according to the British Ministry of Defence.

The airstrikes are the next phase in Operation Odyssey Dawn, which began about 3 p.m. ET Saturday with the launch of more than 110 Tomahawk Cruise missiles from U.S. and British warships and subs.

The U.S. Navy launched four Harrier “jump jets” from the USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship now in the Mediterranean Sea. The Harriers “conducted strikes against Gadhafi’s ground forces and air defenses, joining an international effort to halt an offensive against the Libyan populace,” said Navy spokesman Cmdr. Danny Hernandez.

The U.S. Navy also flew EA-18 Growlers, which are special versions of the F/A 18 fighter designed to jam enemy electronic signals, such as targeting radar from enemy air defense batteries, Hernandez said.

“Protecting the innocent and conducting combined operations are what we are designed to do,” said Col. Mark J. Desens, commanding officer of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the unit operating off the Kearsarge. “Our forces are doing both as part of the U.S. commitment to protect Libyan citizens.”

From CNN’s Larry Shaughnessy