By: Erik Krueger and Max Weiss Period 6, US History II H Operation Redwing By: Erik Krueger and Max Weiss Period 6, US History II H

Background Info Navy SEAL operation in Afghanistan. Took place on June 28th, 2005 Four man group included: Lt. Michael Murphy Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew Axelson Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Lutrell Main objective was to capture/kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah

Map Of Operation Redwing

Start of the Action The SEALs’ hiding place was found by Afghani goat herders. The SEALs voted to let the goat herders go rather than killing them. Soon they were surrounded by 200 Afghani fighters. Knowing the terrain was a huge advantage for the Afghanis. Both groups began open firing, soon the SEALs were in trouble.

Getting Backup Soon, the SEALs began jumping down the mountains and were forced into a ravine. Murphy tried to get help by calling for more ground and air troops. Things began to look hopeful when the helicopters came. However, the Chinook helicopter carrying 8 SEALs and 8 Army Night Stalkers was blown up by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG).

End of Action After the fire fight, Lutrell was the only SEAL alive. Very weak and badly injured, Lutrell began to crawl/walk. Seven miles later, local villagers found him and took him to their village. The locals hid him from the Taliban and healed him until US help came.

Resolution Lutrell was eventually rescued from the small town on July 2nd. The death toll was one of the worst in six years for U.S. Special Forces. This operation was “the single largest loss of life for Naval Special Warfare since WWII.”

Lessons of Operation Redwing The Taliban is a serious threat to the US and the world. Despite having advanced technology, US forces are at a disadvantage fighting in the Afghan mountains. The US may have to change its tactics, especially now when President Obama is considering sending more troops to Afghanistan to battle the Taliban.

Casualties Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y. Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, Calif. Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton, 22, of Boulder City, Nev. Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy, 36, of Exeter, N.H.  Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, Fla. 

Casualties, Cont. Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La.  Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Erik S. Kristensen, 33, of San Diego, Calif.  Electronics Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery A. Lucas, 33, of Corbett, Ore.  Lt. (SEAL) Michael M. McGreevy Jr., 30, of Portville, N.Y.  Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffrey S. Taylor, 30, of Midway, W.Va. 

Casualties, Cont. Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, 29, of Danville, Ohio. Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature, 35, of Clarks Grove, Minn.  Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, 21, of Pompano Beach, Fla.  Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, 33, of Shelbyville, Ind.  Maj. Stephen C. Reich, 34, of Washington Depot, Conn. 

Casualties, Cont. Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va.  Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla. Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, 25, of Littleton, Colo.  Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn.   

Sources 1) http://www.navy.mil/moh/mpmurphy/soa.html 2) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article542369.ece