Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center monitoring all surface and aerial contacts in the area March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are currently conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.