The Department of the Navy has activated Task Force 20 (DesRon 10, DesRon 18, CarDiv 2, CruDesFlot 2, CruDesFlot 12), US 2nd Fleet, and issued orders to sortie and begin sailing for Argentinian waters with all due haste. Additionally, the USS Saipan (CVL-48) will be taken off training duty and attached to CarDiv 2 and depart from Norfolk with a full complement of aircraft and crews. 6th Fleet is to detach USS Midway (CV-41), who will sail from the Mediterranean under escort to further augment CarDiv 2 in advance of their arrival in the operational area off the coast of Buenos Aires.

TF-20, centered around the carriers USS Midway, USS Leyte, USS Cabot, and USS Saipan, will initiate a constant combat air patrol upon entering the extreme estimated range of land-based Argentinian aircraft. Aircraft will be under orders to engage any Argentinian military aircraft on a heading towards the carriers if they cannot or will not be dissuaded from their course.

The primary objective of Operation Gaucho is to make an overwhelming demonstration of American force and compel a cessation of hostilities in South America. The rules of engagement for TF-20 are to remain vigilant but not initiate conflict. Overflights of Argentinian territory are provocative and therefore prohibited.

TF-22, US 2nd Fleet, the amphibious operations arm of the Fleet, will be taken out of mothballs and rapidly prepared for combat operations. Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, notably 2nd Marine Division, based presently at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, will be brought to high alert and prepared to transport to Norfolk, join with TF-22, and prepare for the contingency of amphibious operations in Argentina. 2nd Marine Logistics Group will likewise be brought to alert and prepared to support such operations.