Posted on March 23, 2017 by Ray Starmann
The U.S. Air Force Must Have the Right Stuff
By Joe Ragonese
A CH-47 Chinook helicopter took off on a mission deep in the Takur Ghar mountains of eastern Afghanistan in the early morning hours of March 4, 2002. The special operators aboard consisted of Navy SEALs and an Air Force Combat Controller (CCT). As the aircraft closed in on its landing zone it was met with unexpected gunfire, including a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) that went through its walls; fortunately not exploding.
As the pilot of the stricken helicopter jinked his aircraft out of harm’s way, one of the occupants, Navy SEAL, Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts fell out and landed on the ground. As the helicopter retreated, Senior Chief Petty Officer Britt Slabinski, who was commanding this SEAL Team on the mission, realized that Roberts was missing and requested the aircraft return. The pilot landed the CH-47 under intense fire, taking several more hits that would disable the aircraft. The SEAL Team, along with Air Force CCT, John Chapman, exited to attempt a rescue. While rushing up the mountain, Chapman raced ahead of Slabinski, killing at least two al-Qaeda fighters.
http://usdefensewatch.com/2017/03/the-u-s-air-force-must-have-the-right-stuff/
