ASSAULT INTO THE SANGIN VALLEY —“THAT’S WHAT HEROES DO”

Photo: “Assault into the Sangin Valley – ‘That’s What Heroes Do’ ” by Fred Rothenbush — a print given to Alex Quade, signed by some of the men on the op. (Courtesy Alex Quade)

By Alex Quade, War Reporter, Honorary SFA National Lifetime Member

On May 30, 2007, the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (Task Force PEGASUS) led by Task Force CORSAIR with elements of Task Force DESERT HAWK and Task Force TALON, air assaulted the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment 4th Brigade Combat Team (Task Force ONE FURY – The Theater Tactical Force) of the 82nd Airborne Division into Kajaki, a known Taliban stronghold within the Upper Sangin Valley in the northern Helmand Province of Afghanistan. OPERATION KULANG HELLION was the largest air assault since the onset of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and became a defining moment against a determined enemy force. This coalition assault force composed of American, Canadian, British and Dutch forces demonstrated valorous combat action by seizing key objectives, destroying insurgent forces and restoring security while aiding the terrorized Afghan people within the Upper Sangin Valley.

The feats and heroism by the air assault force throughout the battle were not without loss. One CH-47 Chinook helicopter (call sign Flipper 75) was shot down while exiting the objective area after its troop insertion was complete. With the battle raging on for several hours, an anti-tank platoon and scout platoon from Task Force ONE FURY… and a small Special Forces Detachment (7th Special Forces Group/Task Force-71), without orders from higher, took the initiative and moved to and secured the crash site despite intense enemy resistance. The Green Berets, ONE FURY Troopers and Task Force PEGASUS AH-64 Longbow crews fearlessly fought through ambushes and hundreds of determined enemy, securing the downed aircraft and crew… BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT HEROES DO.

While the ground combat raged on, Task Force PEGASUS flight crews continued their mission by inserting the remainder of Task Force ONE FURY by CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, landing in the face of enemy forces, while AH-64 Longbow helicopters engaged enemy positions and provided supporting fire to Task Force ONE FURY. Despite the loss of an aircraft and intense enemy fire, Task Force PEGASUS aircrews continued the mission without hesitation, inserting the remaining forces on time and on target, because the lives of the Troopers on the ground and the success of the operation depended on it… BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT HEROES DO.

Photo: CH-47 (from Flipper unit at KAF) delivers usable vehicle to ODA-725 and ODA-726 at FOB Rob, Sangin, after one of their vehicles “shot to shit” in ambush during Chinook shootdown op. (Courtesy SOTF -71)

Photo: SOTF-71 Green Berets and UAE SF partner stack on house, Helmand, Afghanistan, May 2007. (Courtesy SOTF -71)

After the mission, the Task Force ONE FURY Commander conveyed his reassuring words of condolence and gratitude by stating, “As parachute infantrymen, we have not lost sight of the fact that the crews continued to deliver their chalks to the objective area and allowed our Paratroopers to get their feet on the ground, despite their loss. We hope you and your team can take comfort in the fact that on this crew’s last flight, they accomplished their mission.” As you visualize the assault into the Sangin Valley, imagine the feats of heroism of all involved and never forget the devotion of the air and ground forces as they were aviators, crewmembers and Paratroopers, giving selflessly for each other and a grateful nation. They accomplished their mission… BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT HEROES DO.”

Photo: Ramp Ceremony honors Flipper-75 aircrew KIA. KAF, Afghanistan, June 2007. (Courtesy 82nd CAB)

COL Pat Mahaney received this note from Aviation Command:

“On behalf of all Task Force Corsair I want to express my gratitude for the extraordinary effort by your soldiers in response to the loss of Flipper-75. From the instant the event occurred it was readily apparent that nothing would come between your troopers and their desire to secure, safeguard and recover our fallen comrades.

In the face of heavy and organized resistance (your SFODA troopers) conducted themselves with bravery and gallantry in the highest traditions of special forces. The debt we owe them is one we can never hope to repay. It is truly an honor to serve beside your outstanding unit.”

Brian McFadden, Lieutenant Colonel Aviation Command

Photo: At left, LTC Brian McFadden and, right, SOTF-71 CMDR Pat Mahaney, “Flipper” CH-47 unit behind them, KAF 2007.(Courtesy Pat Mahaney)

Editor’s note: Check out Alex Quade’s truly riveting 10-minute video Chinook Down, which was made as a tribute to the soldiers she was embedded with and nearly died with at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O86cWWNcDAQ&pp=sAQA.

About the Author:

Alex Quade is an award-winning war reporter and documentary filmmaker who prefers flying under the radar downrange and letting her life’s work speak for itself. Former Commanding General of USASFC, and SOCEUR, MG (ret.) Michael Repass describes Alex’s work this way: “War correspondent Alex Quade is this generation’s Joe Galloway, who tells intensely personal stories. Alex nails the essence of sacrifice found in America’s Special Forces operators and their families. Alex Quade is the real deal. She’s spent more time with Special Forces operators in combat zones and back home after deployments than any other reporter. Alex knows them and their families, and is uniquely qualified to tell their intensely-lived, extraordinary stories.” Hachette is publishing Alex Quade’s book on this operation. For more info: alexquade.com

Photo: Alex and Maggie

Photo: Alex and Joe Galloway