29 posts tagged “operation redwing”

Today's Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday September 26th is dedicated to the memory of father, husband and soldier, James "Tre" Ponder

Tre made the ultimate sacrifice for his brothers in arms on a rescue mission in eastern Afghanistan. The date was June 28, 2005. He was killed when his MH-47D helicopter was shot down by enemy fire on it's way to rescue a Navy SEAL team that had run in to trouble. He was a member of the Army 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).

 

From his wife, Leslie Ponder:

Tre was in Afghanistan only to train his fellow soldiers, not to fly. But flying was him and when the opportunity arose for him to be on an aircraft and the QRF (the quick reactionary force), he jumped at the chance. His aircraft dropped off a SEAL team on the mountain and as always, promised those men that if they needed him, he would be there. And so when on June 28, 2005 there was a call for help Tre and his men quickly and without hesitation answered the call. That would be his last earthly mission....his helicopter was shot down by a RPG and all on board were killed. The hero that called for help was Lt. Mike Murphy...a soldier that was honored in the Empire State Challenge.

"Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13

 

Tre was born in Alabama on June 24, 1969 and he grew up in Franklin, TN. He graduated from Battle Ground Academy in 1987 and attended Auburn University. He married Leslie Miller in 1994, they were married in Franklin. Tre was a CH-47 Chinook crew chief and was accepted into 160 Special Operation Aviation Regiment in 1992, and stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY. He held various positions within the Regiment.

Tre was the proud father of Samantha (born 1997) and Elizabeth (born 1999)...Tre worshipped his girls. He called them and his wife "his three crazy girlz". His face would light up at the sight of Samantha and Elizabeth...his family was his everything.

His awards and decorations include: the Air Medal with Valorous device, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal and an Air Medal with Valor device.

 

A Hunter Army Airfield hangar has a new name honoring the memory of an eight-person Night Stalker crew [including MSG James "Tre" Ponder] who died in combat on June 28, 2005. The 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) hangar, formerly known as Building 7902, is now named 'Turbine 33' after the aircraft crew's call sign. It was formally dedicated in a ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., on June 7

 

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Known as the Night Stalkers, the 160th is an elite aviation unit deployed in nearly every conflict since Grenada in 1983 to transport Special Forces units around the world by night in specially modified helicopters. It specializes in flying over water and developed many flying techniques now standard to Army aviators.

The secretive unit was formed in 1981 following the botched rescue attempt of hostages in Iran. It was not until a decade later that the military acknowledged the unit existed.

 

Keep reading about Tre here.

Donations to Soldier Ride can be made by sponsoring TEAM TRE

To learn more about Soldier Ride and it's mission, click here.

 

 ~Lost Heroes of Operation Redwing~

Daniel R. Healy

July 17, 1968-June 28, 2005

Never Forget

 

From Marcus Luttrell: "...scrambling aboard, came the massively built Senior Chief Dan Healy, the man who had masterminded Operation Redwing, who apparently looked as if he'd been shot as he left the barracks." "He loved us all with equal passion ... He guarded his flock assiduously, researched every mission with complete thoroughness, gathered the intel, checked the maps, chats, photographs, all reconnaissance. Also, he paid attention to the upcoming missions and made sure his kids were always in the front line. That's the place we were trained for, the place we liked to go."

 

 

LTMICHAELMURPHYNewportInvite

Lost Heroes of Operation Redwing

Michael P. Murphy

May 7, 1976-June 28, 2005

Never Forget

 

Naval Station Newport to get new command, dedicate new pool

01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, July 7, 2009

By Richard Salit

Journal Staff Writer

NEWPORT — The arrival of a new command — and with it 20 military positions and 40 civilian jobs — will be cause for celebration at Naval Station Newport on Wednesday.

And the following day, Navy brass will gather to dedicate a $4.5-million pool that will be used to train the rapidly rising number of students who come through Newport every year.

The two events underscore how Newport has emerged from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process with a bright future as a Navy education center. The federal initiative resulted in the downsizing, closing and consolidation of many military installations.

The Center for Service Support shut down in Athens, Ga., late in June, and will resume operations here on Wednesday in Fitzgerald Hall on Coasters Harbor Island. The command oversees 13 Service Support schools around the country that provide training in administration, logistics and media for 12,000 officers and sailors annually.

“It’s a big deal,” said spokeswoman Lisa Rama. “It represents more employment in this state.”

Many of the civilian employees in Georgia chose not to relocate, which will result in the need for hiring in Newport, Rama said.

Officer Candidate School returned to Newport in 2008 — after a 15-year absence — bringing with it not only jobs but close to 1,000 students who go through the program each year. Chief Warrant Officer/Limited Duty Officer School also arrived last year.

The Navy Supply Corps School, also being relocated from Athens, is slated to open in new facilities in January, bringing 2,500 students a year, 100 active-duty positions and 80 civilian jobs.

By 2010, the number of students attending educational programs in Newport is expected to increase by 3,600 from the pre-BRAC levels.

Construction of the pool, in an 11,280-square-foot building, began in March 2008. It will be used for combat and survival training, including basic swim instruction and man-overboard exercises. The pool is next to Callahan Hall and was built by Consigli Construction, of Milford, Mass. Training will no longer take place at the pool built on the base in 1945 during World War II.

 

The new pool will be dedicated to Lt. Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., a 2001 graduate of Navy Officer Candidate School who was killed in action while conducting counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan in 2005.

His four-man Navy SEALs team was covertly conducting reconnaissance east of Asadbad, in Kumar Province, when discovered by local nationals. The team soon found itself surrounded and under attack by about 50 fighters allied with the Taliban.

Under heavy fire, Murphy left cover to radio for support. He was shot in the back and dropped the transmitter, but he picked it up, completed the call and then rejoined his team.

A helicopter arrived to rescue the SEALs. But a rocket-propelled grenade hit it, killing all 16 men aboard, before it could land. Three of the four SEALs, including Murphy, died in the battle.

Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007. Members of his family will attend the dedication.

 

Operation Red Wings

Afghanistan June 28, 2005

 

This Park is named in recognition of the substantial Hawaii connection and contribution to Operation red Wings.  On June 28, 2005 Deep behind enemy lines in the remote Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, an elite four-man Navy SEAL team including three SEALs from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was on a reconnaissance mission.  At unforgiving altitudes over 10,000 feet, the SEALs had the vital task of finding Ahmad Shah, a terrorist who grew up in the adjacent mountains to the south.  The SEAL mission was compromised when the team crossed paths with local sheepherders who, after being released as non-combatants by the SEALs, reported their position to the Taliban.

 

Soon, a fierce firefight erupted between the four SEALs and a much larger Taliban Force.  The enemy had the advantage of higher terrain as they launched a three-sided attack on the seals.  The firefight continued relentlessly as the Taliban militia forced the vastly outnumbered SEAL team deeper into a ravine.

 

Despite the intensity of the firefight and suffering grave gunshot wounds, Lieutenant Michael Murphy risked his own life to save the lives of this teammates.  Murphy, realizing that calling for support would be impossible from the ravine position, and with complete disregard for his own life, moved into the open to transmit a call to get help for his men.  Away from his position of cover, Murphy was shot again causing him to drop the transmitter.  Purphy picked up the transmitter and completed the call.  Severely wounded, Lt. Murphy returned to his cover position with his men and continued the battle.

 

An MH-47 Chinook Helicopter, with SEAL team and Army Night Stalker volunteers aboard, was sent in to extract the four embattled SEALs, escorted by heavily armored Army attack helicopters.  Knowing their warrior brothers were badly, shot, surrounded and severely wounded, this rescue team opted to enter the battle by attempting to land in the well-defended and brutally hazardous terrain.  But, as the Chinook raced to the battle, a rocket propelled grenade fatally struck the helicopter, killing all 16 men aboard.

 

On the ground and nearly out of ammunition, the four SEALs, Murphy, Luttrell, Dietz, and Axelson, continued the fight.  By the end of the two-hour gunfight that careened through the mountains and over the cliffs, Murphy, Axelson, and Dietz had been killed while eliminating an estimated 35 Taliban.  Luttrell, the badly wounded fourth seal, evaded and escaped and was later rescued.

 

On this fateful day, Naval Special Warfare Forces experienced the single greatest loss of life in its history, as 11 SEALs and 8 ARMY NIGHT STALKERS were killed in action.  Lieutenant Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

 

We will forever remember June 28, 2005 and the heroic efforts and sacrifices of our Special Operators.  We hold with Reverence the ultimate sacrifice so that others may live in peace and Freedom.

 

http://www.mullady.com/  See for more info about the youtube video-

This song is for ALL the military members that are or have served honorably in every branch. GOD Bless the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Reserves, the Navy, the Army and the Allied Forces. This music was inspired by the Fallen Warriors of Operation RedWing, their families, the "LONE SURVIVOR" and every person that has ever served this country with honor! We Will Always Remember the 11 Navy SEALs and 8 Army Nightstalkers (160th SOAR) that we lost on June 28th 2005 during OP RedWing!

Memorial at NavySEALs.com OR Wikipedia Operation RedWing

This tune was Co-Written by Grammy Nominated songwriter Steven Dale Jones. This emotional heartfelt tune is performed by up and coming artist Leland Grant (see more below the tribute video). The director of the video is Retired Navy SEAL Brett Lynch. We offer a special thanks to Former Navy SEAL Sniper Richard Dudley for his help with this project and many other things. In addition CDR Gregory P. Geisen for putting together the tribute at PETCO park for the families. Plus Marcus and Patrick Robinson for the book of course Peter Berg for making THE "LONE SURVIVOR" movie.

The Executive Producer of "No One Gets Left Behind" created this video so that people would have a clear picture of the selfless actions our military members take on a regular basis. It is hard to explain the depth of their commitment. This tribute was created so that kids and parents together could understand the intensity of the American and Allied Military Mind Set. Plus to express to our service members that we are truly grateful for them, that their actions are noticed and that they are loved.

As a honorably discharged veteran MuLLady (after the video read below for a word from MuLLady) jumped at the opportunity to be the Executive Producer on this project. Each day he directs his thoughts of honor to the brave souls that have created the world that allows him the freedom he experiences. GOD Bless America and A World United!!

We celebrate the diversity of the military and acknowledge individuals from all races and all backgrounds that make up the American and Allied military today and throughout history.

Be sure to remember in the deepest part of your soul the ones that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Keep these brave warriors in your thoughts daily. Direct the emotion of LOVE to the people that keep us safe. We are able to feed our families, build our businesses, LOVE the people close to us and pursue happiness because of the men and women that make sure "No One Gets Left Behind".

Please click on the Lt Michael P. Murphy tag for all the tributes posted here-LIG

Lt Michael P. Murphy USN SEAL 5/7/76-6/28/05 Never Forgotten

 

 

 

Posted on Memorial Day 2008 By Ryan at http://fitquestblog.blogspot.com/2008/05/memorial-day.html :

On June 28, 2005, Lt Murphy was leading a 4-man SEAL team in Afghanistan hunting a top Taliban leader. The team was comprised of Michael Murphy, Danny Dietz, Matthew Alexson, and Marcus Luttrell. A group of sheepherders saw them and alerted the Taliban to the SEAL presence. Unbeknownst to the four SEALs, about 40 Taliban surrounded the SEAL team isolating them on the face of a mountain. An intense firefight ensued, and the SEALs valiantly fought back. Lt Murphy attempted to radio for reinforcements, but the rugged terrain made radio transmissions impossible. With reckless disregard for his own safety, Lt Murphy exposed himself to enemy fire and moved into the open so that he could radio in for reinforcements. At one point, he was shot in the back and dropped the radio transmitter. Despite being mortally wounded, he picked up the transmitter and finished calling in the attack. He even said "Thank you" at the end of the call and hung up the receiver. He then rejoined his SEAL team behind cover.

A helicopter, equipped with 16 Special Forces personnel responded to the location (8 of which were Navy SEALs), but was shot down by an RPG. There were no survivors on board. For the next two hours, the four SEALs continued to fight over rugged terrain as they attempted to flee to safety. Lt Murphy succumbed to his wounds. Two other SEALs Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson, were also cut down. SEAL Marcus Luttrell was blown back by an RPG, and knocked unconscious. Despite his severe wounds, Luttrell evaded the Taliban for a day and eventually was rescued by locals. He was rescued on July 2, 2005 by US Special Forces. You can read his story in his book, Lone Survivor.

The SEALs didn't go quiet into that dark night. Rear Admiral Joseph Maguire, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, told Murphy’s father, “Don’t think these men went down easily…Taliban bodies were strewn all over, 30-40 were killed, with a total of 80 casualties from the four- man team."

Lt Murphy was buried on July 13, 2005 in Long Island. He received the Medal of Honor on October 22, 2007. You can read more about him, his life, and his death at his official (Navy-made/mantained) Medal of Honor site and this special report.

I mention him today, not just because we are going to do the famous "Murph" workout. Rather, I mention him because today as I read the headlines on CNN, I noticed that a journalist had (rather appropriately) written an article on Michael Murphy and his family this Memorial Day. The article discusses today's war heroes. It observes that we as a nation simply don't treat our war heroes as we should. It used to be that sort of courage would be immortalized in people's minds, and recreated on the silver screen (i.e. Sgt York), but now, perhaps of the politics of this war, we seem to gloss over many of these war heroes. This is a tragedy, because these men are the real heroes. The Bible says that there is no greater love then someone who lays down his life for his friends. Men like Lt Murphy die for their country - yes, but many died for their friends. Lt Murphy died to save his SEAL team. Luttrell lived because of Lt Murphy's actions. In a country where heroes do shockingly little good and possesses little more than dashing good looks, lots of money, and a lot of movie/endorsement deals - it would do us good to pay attention and hold in highest honor men like Lt Murphy.

I don't want to neglect to mention the other SEALs with Lt Murphy that day.

Danny Dietz was one of the spotters on the original SEAL team. He died at the age of 25. According to accounts of the story, he refused to back down and continued fighting despite being dragged away by one of the other team members. Dietz suffered 16 gunshot wounds and eventually died from him injuries.

Danny left behind his wife (Maria), whom he had been married to for about 2 years. Today, a memorial stands in his hometown of Littleton, CO. He received the Navy Cross, the second highest award in the military. His father says he couldn't be prouder.

Matt Axelson was one of the snipers on that SEAL team. He died at the age of 29 from numerous gunshot wounds to the body and head.

Matt left behind his wife (Cindy) of nearly two years. He also received the Navy Cross. His family has put together an extremely moving website dedicated to his life and heroism.



Marcus Luttrell was the miraculous lone survivor of the group. Today he is retired from the Navy, and has written book about his experience called Lone Survivor. This article documents his story - check out the video below as well... this is a true warrior.

Take today to remember Lt Murphy, the SEALs with him, and many like them. Over the past several hundred years, thousands and thousands of men and women have given up their lives for this country. Many don't have the medal and ribbon of Lt Murphy, but all are nevertheless heroic. Tonight, maybe instead of reading your kids a feel-good bedtime story, tell them a story of a true hero - a true hero like Lt Michael Murphy, Danny Dietz, Matt Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and the heroes on that helicopter.

The heroes in the rescue helicopter:

Nightstalkers:

• Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio
• Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota.
• Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Florida
• Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Indiana
• Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tennessee
• Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Connecticut.
• Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Virginia
• Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida

SEALs:

• Chief Petty Officer Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana
• Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, New Hampshire
• Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, California
• Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Oregon
• Lt. Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., 30, of Portville, New York
• Petty Officer 2nd Class James E. Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Florida
• Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, West Virginia
• Petty Officer Second Class Eric Shane Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nevada

 

Remembering Special Heroes on Anniversary of Rescue~read news article here

by Daniel Bell | St. Louis ~Former Special Operations Medic, 160th S.O.A.R. (A)  

Three years ago, I woke up to a phone call that would change my perspective on life, forming my understanding of the true meaning of sacrifice for one's nation. The day was June 28, 2005, and I was living on the flight line of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. SEAL Team 10 had just put a team of four into the mountains of the Kunar province the day before, uncertain of exact enemy strength. They had come in contact with enemy fire and needed quick extraction.

My senior medic, SFC Marcus Muralles, arrived to the flight line shortly after the phone call to prepare for the rescue mission, from which he would never return. As we loaded the vehicle with the life-saving equipment, we discussed preparing for our return back to the United States after he went to pick the boys up. Neither of us suspected that a simple rescue mission would end in tragedy.

Crossing the access road to the aircraft, Turbine 33, we passed the air mission commander, who inquired as to the location of the pilots and crews. They had not yet arrived, leaving Sgt. Muralles and me to open up the MH-47 Chinook in preparation for another combat mission.

As we loaded our equipment on the plane, the air crew began to arrive, setting up in preparation for unknown mission requirements. I finished loading Sgt. Muralles and the equipment, gave him some cold water and assured him that things would be ready to out-process Afghanistan upon his return. Stepping off the aircraft, I waved what would be a final farewell to the 16 men of our task force and SEAL Team 10.

Within an hour, we were in a rescue mission for not only the four SEALs on the ground, but also Turbine 33. Ultimately, we lost 19 Special Operations service men that day, leaving a lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell, who would endure a survival scenario that has captured America's attention.

Operation Red Wing will be remembered for the tragedy that became the initial and rescue missions; however, I will remember the warriors for who they were and the mission they believed in. As the last line of the Night Stalker creed states, "I serve with the memory and pride of those who have gone before me, for they loved to fight, fought to win, and would rather die than quit."

Let us remember the service men's sacrifice and belief in the mission on the third anniversary of Operation Red Wing.

Daniel Bell | St. Louis

Former Special Operations Medic, 160th S.O.A.R. (A)

I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day.  I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it.  We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.  ~Benjamin Harrison

 

 

Lt. Michael P. Murphy USN SEAL

Medal of Honor Recipient

May 7, 1976-June 28, 2005

 

 

 I HIGHLY  recommend opening another browser window and going to this link to listen to the song while you read the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEwBZegmcXc

I promise, it’s worth the trouble.

 

In Loving Memory – Alterbridge

Thanks for all, you’ve done

I missed you for so long

I can’t believe you’re gone.

You still live, in me

I feel you in the wind

You guide me constantly

 

I never knew what it was to be alone

Cause you were always there for me

You were always waiting.

And now I come home

And I miss your face

Smiling down on me

I close my eyes to see

And I know, you’re a part of me

And it’s your song, that sets me free

I sing it while, I feel I can’t hold on

I sing tonight, cause it comforts me

 

I carry the things that remind me of you

In loving memory of, the one that was so true

You were as kind as you could be

And even though you’re gone

You still mean the world to me

 

I never knew what it was to be alone, no

You were always there for me

You were always waiting

And now I come home

And it’s not the same

Feels empty and alone

I can’t believe you’re gone

And I know, you’re a part of me

And it’s your song, that sets me free

I sing it while, I feel I can’t hold on

I sing tonight, cause it comforts me

 

Glad he set you free from sorrow

I’ll still love you more tomorrow

And you’ll be with me still

All you did you did with feeling

And you always found the meaning

And you always will

And you always will

And you always will

 

 

 

See the tribute here

Sign the guest book~the family reads the messages~remind them that Michael has not been forgotten.  Legacy.com

Read more here, here, here, and here.

Read

Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10

Marcus Luttrell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://longislandgirl.vox.com/library/posts/tags/lt+michael+p.+murphy+usn+(seal)/  Click for all links on this blog. 

Seminar room named to honor fallen alumnus

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

 

University Park, Pa. -- Students and faculty in Penn State's Department of Political Science use 302 Pond Building as their community center, where they regularly discuss their classes and projects about political life. It is this room that the department and the College of the Liberal Arts recently dedicated in memory of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Penn State graduate who was killed while leading an intelligence mission behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, and who was posthumously recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor in October 2007.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor. The seminar room now will be known as the Navy Seal Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Conference Room. The department's Board of Visitors and Capt. William Hanson and the Penn State ROTC Battalion also participated in the ceremony.

"The seminar room is our main community space for our faculty, students and visitors in learning and service activities," said Donna Bahry, professor and head of the political science department. "A good number of our graduates have pursued careers in the military, as did Michael, and a good number of our current students are currently in ROTC. The Department and our Board of Visitors want the Penn State community to always remember the story about how one person made a difference in the lives of many. And, they too can go on to make a difference with the same spirit of personal leadership."

Murphy was a 1998 graduate in political science with honors who decided to join the U.S. Navy and the SEALS unit. In 2005, he led a four-man team deep behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. His team was besieged by enemy fighters, but he valiantly led his men in the battle, despite being wounded and the overwhelming odds. He made the vital radio call for help and was fatally wounded in the end.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, the U.S. Navy named a destroyer after Murphy. Penn State Board of Trustees and President Graham B. Spanier selected him as a Distinguished Alumnus. The community of Patchogue, N.Y., named its Post Office and a park in his memory.

For photos from the dedication ceremony, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/2031 online.

Click on the tag for Lt Michael Murphy on this page for more about Long Island's hero