Leadership under pressure: the personal account of the commander of the Royal Naval Task Group deployed to Libya in 2011.
In April 2011, the newly created Royal Navy Response Force Task Group deployed to the Mediterranean to provide a range of military options in response to the Arab Spring. For the next six months the group planned and prepared for a range of potential operations including noncombatant evacuations from Libya, Yemen and Syria, maritime interdiction operations off the Libyan coast, and amphibious landings.
On 3 June the group began launching attack helicopter strikes into Libya and in the nights that followed planned 47 and executed 22 strikes destroying a range of targets including: 54 vehicles, 2 rigid hull boats, 2 BM 21 rocket launchers, 4 main battle tanks, 1 zsu antiaircraft vehicle and 3 command and control nodes. The operation saw the first operational use of Apaches from the sea and the first embarkation of US Army combat search and rescue teams and Blackhawk helicopters in an RN warship.
This is a personal account by the Group’s Commander, which brings to life the challenges of command – including authorizing strikes and mitigating risk to UK aircrew – in a complex and challenging environment. It reveals how closely the RN Group worked with its French counterpart, the support provided by the United States, together with the complexity of working alongside NATO and of simultaneously dealing with a range of UK authorities.
This is a story of leadership under pressure and the remarkable professionalism of all involved and the bravery of Army aircrew. It was modern defense and joinery at its best – British Army and USAF helicopters operating from RN ships, supported by Fleet Air Arm aircraft and fixed wing jets as part of a largely air campaign.
About the Author
John Kingwell joined the Royal Navy in 1984. He had four sea commands: the patrol vessel Pursuer, the frigate Argyll, the Assault Ship Albion and the RN Task Group off Libya in 2011. He also served in the Ministry of Defence on four occasions. Promoted to Rear Admiral in 2013 he became the Director of the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC) - the MOD's independent strategic think tank. In 2016 he became the Deputy Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies and his final role before leaving the service in 2020 was as Commandant.
Industry Reviews
This account focuses on [Kingwell's] role and the decisions he made while the group carried out 22 strikes without losing a helicopter... or ship. You will appreciate the day-to-day activities of commanding a task group ... Enjoy the command-seat perspective. * The Historical Miniatures Gaming Society 14/12/2022 *
[A]n excellent study in leadership in a complex operational environment. This book is well written and clearly describes an extremely complex operational environment through the eyes of a competent commander. Kingwell does an excellent job connecting British policy/strategy to tactical operations against Muammar Gaddafi's forces in Libya to protect the civilian population and support Libyan opposition forces. * Military Review *
A welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic 21st Century Naval Military History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. * Midwest Book Review *
This book is an important addition to post-Cold War military history. * Seapower 10/12/2022 *
Maritime Strike is an excellent, highly readable account of Rear Admiral Kingwell's naval career, his perspective as COMUKTG, and the maritime contribution to Operation ELLAMY ... Throughout the text, the reader is provided with a glimpse into what is required of a naval officer, especially one placed into a position of command. Kingwell also sheds light on the political and interservice dynamics - and tensions - both in joint and combined contexts ... A most enjoyable and informative read. Highly recommended. * The Naval Review *
John Kingwell is not only an accomplished sailor, he is a man with a special gift as a recaller of the mood, moment and broader context that went into the making of an extraordinary episode. In these pages you are back with him in the Mediterranean in 2011. Maritime Strike has a bonus to offer - a fascinating story of the progress of a working-class lad to the rank of Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy. * Peter Hennessy, Lord Hennessy of Nympsfield *
Maritime Strike provides an excellent, highly readable account both of UK maritime operations off Libya in 2011 and the author's career, from a working-class entrant at Dartmouth through to Rear Admiral commanding the Royal Navy's principal task group. Moreover, John Kingwell sheds light on the responsibilities of command and leadership, including the burden of placing service personnel in harm's way. This book will greatly appeal and is highly recommended. * James Bosbotinis *
