Tensions between the United States and Libya heightened after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 on 14 June 1985 , and the Rome and Vienna airport attacks on 27 December , that same year . The United States claimed that the Libyan leader was involved in these actions through his support of the alleged perpetrator , Palestinian terrorist Abu Nidal . At the same time Libya began the installation of SA-5 surface-to-air missile batteries and radars they received from the Soviet Union in late 1985 , to bolster their air defense . As the United States Navy had done for several years , they continued to challenge Libya 's claim to the Gulf of Sidra by crossing the so-called " Line of Death . " Following the terrorist attacks in Rome and Vienna , the U.S. Navy began several " Freedom of Navigation " operations in the area around Libya in an operation named " Attain Document " , the first two parts of the operation being held from 26 – 30 January , and 12 – 15 February , without incident . The third part of the operation began on 23 March , with a surface action group from the United States Sixth Fleet consisting of three aircraft carriers – , and ; five cruisers , six frigates , 12 destroyers , 250 aircraft and 27,000 personnel conducting three carrier operations near the gulf . , and USS Mount Baker were the fuel , ammunition and combat stores ( food and supplies ) replenishment ships that supplied the entire battle group
TWA Flight 847
TWA Flight 847
Action in the Gulf of Sidra (1986)