Oak Harbor has already established itself as a strong supporter of the Navy, and the healthy turnout Tuesday for the monthly meeting of the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League was further proof of the city’s commitment to maintaining that support.

Several local dignitaries were on hand for the luncheon, including Rep. Barb Bailey (R-District 10), Island County Commissioners Angie Homola and Kelly Emerson, Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, Oak Harbor city administrator Paul Schmidt and Oak Harbor city council member Jim Campbell.

This month’s intelligence briefing was conducted by Intelligence Specialist Second Class Ryan Mosley, from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137. A native of Beaverton, Ore., Mosley enlisted in the Navy in 2000. He reported for duty with the Rooks of VAQ-137 in July, 2010.

Mosley’s briefing included a recap of the death of Yemeni Muslim Cleric Al-Awlaki, who was reportedly killed by a CIA drone strike in Yemen.

“He was considered one of the AQAP’s (Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula) operational leaders and his death will be considered a heavy blow to AQAP  in Yemen,” Mosley said.

Moving on to the situation in Libya, Mosley said the focus has been on the city of Sirt.

“At this point in time, its unknown where Col. Ghaddafi is at, however the  TNC (Libyan Transnational Council Forces), or the rebel forces, have surrounded the major city of Sirt and are looking to actually commence an offensive, and it’s like that this will actually continue on for the rest of this week,” he said.

In addition, Mosley said the evacuation of about 1,200 African migrants continues from the city of Sabha, which was captured by pro-Ghaddafi forces last month.

Mosley’s briefing also included statistics on the Afghan War. In the past 10 years, more than 2,700 U.S. and Coalition forces have died: 1,780 U.S. troops, 382 British and 157 Canadian.

“The leading cause (of death) is roadside bombs, however the secondary cause is small arms fire and third being helicopter crashes,” said Mosely.

The meeting also included a birthday serenade and three cheers for treasurer Jo Balda. Navy League copresident Beth Munns gave a recap of the recent Military Appreciation event for VAQ-132 held at Whidbey Island Bank and Dave Williams went over plans for the upcoming Veterans Day program. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 11 at the Oak Harbor High School Student Union Building.