The Adventures of Rudder and Friends

Honoring Operation Redwing and Meeting Marcus Luttrell

2010-07-03T23:37:00.000-05:00

Honoring Operation Redwing and Meeting Marcus Luttrell

by BRYAN BLACK on JUNE 28, 2010

I distinctly remember the news circulating around the Naval Special Warfare Center on June 28th, 2005, that four SDV SEALs were missing following a SR (Special Reconnaissance) mission in North Eastern Afghanistan.

Later that day I also learned of a downed MH-47 Chinook carrying a QRF (Quick Reaction Force) of 8 SEALs and 8 Night Stalkers attempting a rescue mission. It was a bone chilling realization that I had just heard about the greatest loss of life the community had seen since WWII.

It briefly flashed me back to the events of September 11th, as I had many of the same feelings of wanting to do something, but being unable to. All I could do is stand by for further news of the tragedy.

Everyone in the office I was stationed at huddled around the computers and telephones eagerly awaiting news of the four missing SEALs. By the end of the day that Tuesday, we still had no confirmation that any of the four SEALs had survived.

Standing By

During the next three days, it looked as if there was little hope in finding the missing SEALs, but no one lost faith. We were all pulling for them. Murphy, Dietz, Axelson and Luttrell. Everyone was talking about them, and in such a small community, everyone had stories to share. Not only about those still missing, but also those who had been lost in the rescue attempt.

Late Friday afternoon, July 1st, we finally received news that a message had been delivered to Camp Blessing, a Marine outpost in the Kunar Province, with word on our guys. At this point we didn’t know who had sent the message, or if all four of the SEALs were still alive.

That evening and into the morning of the 2nd, a massive search and rescue operation was unfolding to rescue the SEALs. Armed with the information given to them by Marcus Luttrell, who had been taken in by a village, the S&R force was able to locate Luttrell on July 2nd.

I received a call from my Chief that Saturday, letting me know that Luttrell had been found, and they were still looking for the others. It wasn’t for another six days that Murphy and Dietz were located, and Axelson around the 10-day mark.

While we were all thankful for Luttrell’s rescue, it was still a very somber vibe that circulated around the Center for the next few weeks. While I hadn’t personally known any of the 11 SEALs killed, I felt very connected to the event.

Meeting Luttrell

Later that July, I was busy with my usual tasks around the Naval Special Warfare Center, and was leaving the office to run an errand when I almost ran right into a man entering the office. As I looked up from the flip flops, shorts and t-shirt, I couldn’t help but affix my gaze onto the longest beard I’d ever seen while in the Navy.

This man before me had long hair, sunglasses and a beard that no joke, went all the way down to his stomach. As he pulled off his sunglasses, I briefly felt that I’d seen his face before, but asked if I could help him with anything.

After all, it wasn’t everyday that a civilian, or a brother with a serious No-Shave Chit entered the office. He extended his hand and said “Just here to see the guys, I’m Marcus Luttrell.” I immedietely got the chills, shook his hand and said what an honor it was to meet him.

I dropped what I was doing to stay in the office and eagerly listen in on what this patriot had to say. After reuniting with some of his former classmates from BUD/s that I worked with, he proceeded to tell everyone the story of Operation Redwing.

A lot of what he mentioned is still classified and not included in the book Lone Survivor, which I’d highly recommend everyone read. It was fascinating, yet humbling, to hear the details first hand of the operation.

Luttrell is every bit the humble Texan that you’ve seen in the interviews, and it was indeed an honor to meet him and see the smirk on his face when I told him I was from the best damn state in the nation too.

Haunting Memory

There was a video we received shortly after Luttrell’s rescue and the bodies of Murphy, Dietz and Axelson had been located. It showed these patriot’s bodies being stripped of their weapons and belongings by the Taliban.

Memories of the video still sends chills down my spine when I think about it. I’ll never forget the erie music playing and “Allah Akbar” being chanted.

It fires me up just thinking about it to this day, and I will never forget the sacrifice these patriots have made four our great nation. Please take a moment of silence today to remember those lost during Operation Redwing.

Navy SEALs

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

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.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2, Virginia Beach, Va.

Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz, 25, of Littleton, Colo.

SEAL Team 10, Virginia Beach, Va.

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.

Army Night Stalkers

3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Hunter Army Air Field, Ga.

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.
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, 31, of Stafford, Va.
Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach, 40, of Jacksonville, Fla.

HQ Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III, 36, of Franklin, Tenn.

Tribute Video

Operation Red Wing + 5 Years

2010-06-28T22:27:00.031-05:00

Note: this post originally appeared on CTT on last year's anniversary.

Anniversary of Operation Red Wing

On June 28, 2005, four members of the elite Navy SEALs were running a CI mission in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The team was discovered by goat herders but refused to kill them, even though they knew that they risked discovery in letting them go. The herders did betray the team, which immediately encountered an overwhelming and numerically superior hostile force.

After killing dozens of the enemy, the SEALs became encircled and all four were wounded. Despite incredible heroism, three of the SEALs were killed and a fourth - Marcus Luttrell - barely survived. He was hidden and protected by local tribesmen until his eventual rescue by U.S. troops.

Tragically, an MH-47 helicopter bringing more SpecOps troops to assist the SEALs was shot down, killing all sixteen on board. It was the largest loss of SpecOps personnel in the war.

The battle was well documented in Marcus Luttrell's excellent read Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Red Wing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.

Today we honor and remember those great men. You are not forgotten.

* Lt. Michael P. Murphy, SEAL, Medal of Honor, posthumously, KIA
* P.O. Matthew Axelson, SEAL, Navy Cross, posthumously, KIA
* P.O. Danny Dietz, SEAL, Navy Cross, posthumously, KIA
* P.O. Marcus Luttrell, SEAL, Navy Cross
* LtCmdr Erik Kristensen, SEAL, KIA
* MM2 Shane Patton, SEAL, KIA
* FCC Jacques Fontan, SEAL, KIA
* ITCS Daniel Healy, SEAL, KIA
* ET1 Jeffery Lucas, SEAL, KIA
* Lt Michael McGreevy, SEAL, KIA
* QM2 James Suh, SEAL, KIA
* HM1 Jeffery Taylor, SEAL, KIA
* MAJ Stephen Reich, Nightstalker, KIA
* CWO Chris Scherkenbach, Nightstalker, KIA
* CWO Corey Goodnature, Nightstalker, KIA
* SSG Shamus Goare, Nightstalker, KIA
* SGT Kip Jacoby, Nightstalker, KIA
* SFC Marcus Muralles, Nightstalker, KIA
* SFC Michael Russell, Nightstalker, KIA
* MSG James Ponder, Nightstalker, KIA

Operation Red Wing + 5 Years

Thank You Military Working Dog Teams

2010-05-28T06:17:00.004-05:00

Search Amazon.com for Marcus Luttrell's book Lone Survivor

Treat Your Dogs to Great Supplements

2010-05-27T16:04:00.002-05:00

DMG Training Chews:

DMG Training Chews are formulated to support performance, focus and immunity. DMG Training Chew delivers 25 mg of DMG per chew. It has been designed to support performance, stamina, stress reduction, muscle recovery, mental focus and everyday immunity which makes it perfect for various training, competition and athletic needs.

Weight Gainer:

Formula M.A.S.S. Weight Gainer is a unique blend that provides highly digestible fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to sustain energy for the athletic canine. The high energy density of Formula M.A.S.S. Weight Gainer is derived from premium quality vegetable fats that are of high nutritional value. Formula M.A.S.S. Weight Gainer also contains direct fed microbials to support gut health. Canines love the taste of Formula M.A.S.S. Weight Gainer.

RECOMMENDED FOR:

- Weight Gain or weight stability

- Maintaining musculature

- Supports skin and coat

- Quicker recovery following exertion

● Formula M.A.S.S. Weight Gainer is the most advanced product available to help maintain the weight of all classes of canines without subjecting it to the stresses of unnecessary over feeding.

Best In Show:

B.I.S. is a complete multi-vitamin/mineral formula with digestive enzymes for dogs of all ages and breeds.

• B.I.S. is specifically formulated with a balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and other factors that work synergistically to help maintain the physical well-being of your canine.

• B.I.S. provides rapid conditioning of sick or post operative dogs, and helps to maintain optimum health in dogs and puppies of all breeds, sizes, ages, and activity levels. It is also beneficial for breeding dogs, pregnant and lactating bitches and stud dogs.

Muscle Builder:

Formula M.A.S.S. is a state-of-the-art formula that is designed to provide ingredients that are important for muscle development, enhancement, definition, maintenance and functions in canines of all breeds. It contains Creatine, a compound important for muscle definition and growth, as well as complementary amino acids along with lecithin to enhance the effectiveness of the high quality colostrums, soy, and whey proteins that are supplied in this formula. DMG is included to support muscle metabolism, reduce lactic acid accumulation, and optimize oxygen utilization within muscles.

Future Star:

B.I.S. FUTURE STAR is a full spectrum multi-vitamin/mineral formula that provides needed support for a healthy, growing puppy.

• B.I.S. FUTURE STAR is specifically formulated with nutrients not found in other puppy formulas such as fish oil containing DHA for brain health and development, Vitamin C for immune system support, Lactobacillus acidophilus for G.I. tract health and Biotin for healthy skin and coat.

• B.I.S. FUTURE STAR is recommended for puppies up to 1 year. Your puppy will love the great chicken liver flavor.

• B.I.S. FUTURE STAR for Puppies Supports:

- Bone health

- Correcting dietary deficiencies

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- Skin and coat health

- Young puppies of large breeds during rapid growth periods

Electrolyte Formula:

IGNITE K9 is an isotonic electrolyte supplement that maintains mineral balance within the canine’s body.

IGNITE K9 is an isotonic pellet for canines that contains 4 strains of microbial cultures to support digestive tract health along with alfalfa, wheat bran, molasses and dextrose in a highly palatable pellet form.

IGNITE K9 is formulated for effective electrolyte replacement for all classes of canines. Electrolytes are an extremely important factor in regulating muscle function, fluid balance, and metabolism. Deficiencies can result in muscle fatigue and dysfunction.

During strenuous activity or exercise the canine’s body temperature, pH, osmolarity and energy levels must be maintained.

Recommended for: -All Forms of Exercise -Canines in Training -Performance and Endurance canine Athletes -Canines Under Stress

Fit and Lean:

Formula FIT & LEAN K9 supports weight loss in overweight canines, especially those in need of joint and connective tissue support, canines eating high carbohydrate diets and for those fed table scraps.

• Formula FIT & LEAN K9 contains the clinically proven carb blocker Phase 2 Pet to promote weight loss for a healthier canine lifestyle.

• Phase 2 Pet is the first clinically and scientifically proven, all natural ingredient for neutralizing starch to induce weight loss in canines of all breeds. Phase 2 Pet is shown to cut starch absorption by up to 75%, so it safely and naturally reduces absorption of carbohydrate calories to support weight loss without the use of stimulants.

• Combating canine obesity is often the first step in improving canines’ overall health. Obesity can increase your canine’s risk for diabetes, joint dysfunction, orthopedic problems, heart disease, and liver problems. Lower these risks and help manage your canine’s weight with Formula FIT & LEAN K9.

Lose fat, not muscle. In a published veterinary conducted canine trial, 15 dogs showed an average weight loss of almost 5% of their body weight over an eight week period and an average abdominal girth reduction of 1.44 inches per dog due solely to use of Phase 2 Pet starch blocker.

Joint Formula:

Formula FLEX K9is formulated to support hip, joint, and connective tissue functions in small and large canines at any stage of life. Formula FLEX K9 is recommended to support joint flexibility and comfort for better mobility.

•Formula FLEX K9 is an easy to administer, chicken flavored, chewable tablet that is recommended for maintaining healthy joints and connective tissues in canines, especially for those with special joint needs.

There are many factors that can affect the health of any joint’s structure and function including age, breed, diet, lifestyle, injury and stress. Formula FLEX K9 supports the proper structure and function of synovial joints and supports range of motion.

Now partnered with LinkShare

2010-05-26T15:27:00.003-05:00

I just joined LinkShare...look for many exciting products to follow.

Sunday Fun

2010-05-24T01:28:00.000-05:00

Rudder spent Sunday afternoon in Buda with my family. He enjoyed all the extra attention and getting to play fetch the "squirrel" in the huge yard.

Keep Your Dogs Safe in the Heat

2010-05-22T20:05:00.003-05:00

The "dog days" of summer can be dangerous for dogs — especially those dogs left inside hot cars. Every year, countless dogs die after being locked in cars while their owners work, visit, shop, or run other errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable.

2010-05-20T10:25:00.000-05:00