Fighter Sweep
  • Home
  • Military Aviation
  • Air Force
  • Navy
  • Spec Ops
  • Expert Analysis
  • Careers
  • Photos
Home Previous Post Next Post
Follow @fightersweep

October 3, 1993: Gothic Serpent Revisited

October 3, 2015 Gothic Serpent Revisited
Scott Wolff No Comments Special Operations

In conjunction with our sister sites under the Force 12 Media umbrella, we here at FighterSweep are embarking on a pretty awesome adventure this month.

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, a Navy SEAL veteran, introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives on 18 September, proposing October be designated Special Operations Appreciation Month.  The whole idea is to raise the public’s awareness level about SOF, as well as show support for the “Quiet Professionals” and, more importantly, the unique sacrifices made by their families.

“Too often our warriors do not get the recognition they deserve. From the mismanagement at the VA to the high rates of homelessness and unemployment, I know we can do more. I mentored young SEALs my entire career, and after retiring from the Navy, I wanted to continue serving them and their families,” said Zinke.

So we decided today would be the appropriate day, since 3 October holds a special level of significance. As many of you will recall, it was this day in 1993, during Operation Gothic Serpent, that a particular mission was launched during daylight hours to capture top lieutenants of warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Participating forces were U.S. Army Rangers from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; SEALs from a U.S. Navy Special Mission Unit, Air Force Pararescue (PJs) and Combat Control Technicians, as well as assaulters from a U.S. Army Special Mission Unit. Supporting their efforts on the air side was the amazing 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), better known as the “Nightstalkers.”

BattleOfMogadishuDeaths

The mission in question, designed to take approximately an hour at most, turned into an eighteen-hour ordeal and resulted in what has come to be known as the “Battle of Mogadishu.” It was beautifully documented in Mark Bowden’s best-selling book, Blackhawk Down: A Story of Modern War, and a movie of the same title. Nineteen Americans died during that twenty-four-hour period, and 73 were wounded. Two of the 160th’s Blackhawks were shot out of the sky with Rocket Propelled Grenades.

The day was wrought with extraordinary heroism, and even resulted in two Medals of Honor being (posthumously) presented to Sergeant First Class Randy Shugart and Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, both Special Operations snipers who defended one of two downed MH-60 Blackhawks to their last breath.

The incident was a pivotal moment in the history of U.S. Special Operations, especially for the 160th, and the brave men who fought and died in Somlia are worthy of our gratitude, and our remembrance.

Lest we forget…

 

 

About the Author

Scott Wolff is an accomplished writer and renowned aviation photojournalist. He has held the position of Managing Editor for a print flying lifestyle magazine, and is the Host and Editor for FighterSweep. Scott's area of expertise is military flight operations, drawing on ten years of experience working extensively with all branches of the armed forces. He holds an FAA pilot certificate, the culmination of a life-long passion for flying airplanes. Scott has received military altitude chamber training, emergency egress training, and has logged time in a variety of civilian and military aircraft. He is also a member of the International Society of Aviation Photographers and Nikon Professional Services.

Related Posts

  • Watch: Russian Jet Goes Off End of Runway – Does Not End WellWatch: Russian Jet Goes Off End of Runway – Does Not End Well
  • Indonesia Faces Budget Dilemma With F-15, KF-21, RafaleIndonesia Faces Budget Dilemma With F-15, KF-21, Rafale
  • NASA’s Day of RemembranceNASA’s Day of Remembrance
  • Brandon Webb: Navy SEAL Author Flying BFM!Brandon Webb: Navy SEAL Author Flying BFM!
  • BACN Surpasses 100,000 Flight Hours!BACN Surpasses 100,000 Flight Hours!

Find Us on Facebook

FighterSweep.com

Sign Up
for the Newsletter

What’s Hot

  • From The Cockpit: VMFA (AW)-242 Bats Cruise Video
    June 20, 2015

    From The Cockpit: VMFA (AW)-242 Bats Cruise Video

  • abandoned-f-14-f-4
    May 14, 2017

    Abandoned US Military F-14 and F-4 Found in a Field. Anyone Know How They Got There?

  • September 4, 2019

    Photo Gallery: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Follow Us

Facebook Twitter Twitter

Recent Comments

  • pak152 " the team came up with what the Brits dubbed as Mustang, powered by a [...]
  • P K Polish AF never has and never will operate Su-27, An-26 aircraft has been out [...]
  • bnarfhyde The best book is also great. have a [...]
  • TerrorTrike ive never survived this long with such a clumsy FL- cG.866B.CO/NC6155hc
  • D4rksupeme yessss truck kunnnnnnnn i needddd you m.866E.CO/vC6155H

© Copyright 2023 SOFREP Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers
 

Loading Comments...