He also backed Nato's decision to expand Operation Allied Force to include attacks on Yugoslav forces in the field.

BBC: News | EUROPE | Nato loses first plane

Richard Holbrooke, appearing on CNN's "Larry King Live, " said NATO made the right choice by implementing Operation Allied Force after months of intense negotiations fell through.

CNN: Captured U.S. soldiers face military court in Yugoslavia

In 1942, in Singapore, a British-led allied force of some 85, 000 troops, bombarded and cut off from support and supplies after a week-long battle, surrendered to a Japanese invading force less than half its size.

CNN: Saturday,

The new NATO Response Force and Allied Command-Transformation in Norfolk are examples of combined allied transformation efforts.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Transforming the United States Global Defense Post

The 2, 600 troops, part of the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Force (AARC) headquartered in Rheindahlen, Germany, could be ready to take up position as early as Sunday.

CNN: NATO approves initial Bosnia force

The official said U.S. or allied personnel wouldn't board the ship by force and would search the ship only with the permission of its crew.

WSJ: U.S. Fortifies Hawaii to Meet Threat From Korea