On 12 September 2001 NATO implemented Article 5 of the Washington
Treaty following the 11 September attacks against the United States.
Following US requests, NATO subsequently agreed to implement 8
specific measures to expand the options available in the campaign against
terrorism. These measures included the deployment of elements of
NATO’s Standing Naval Forces to the Eastern Mediterranean in order to provide a NATO presence and demonstrate resolve.The NATO Operation
ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR formally began on 26 October 2001, when the
activation order was issued. However, patrolling in the Eastern
Mediterranean had already started on 6 October, when the Standing Naval
Force Mediterranean was dispatched to conduct maritime presence
operations in support of the international campaign against terrorism.
Awarded for 30 days continuous or 60 cumulative days service as part of
an element of the Standing Naval Force (SNF) operating in the
international waters of the Mediterranean Sea and in the air space above it
commencing the 26 October 2001 and terminating at date to be
determined. Aircrew will accumulate one day’s service for the first sortie
flown of any day in the Area of Operation; additional sorties flown on the
same day receive no further credit. This requirement exists for support as
well as combat aircraft, support aircraft including tanker, airlift and
surveillance platforms.