Intent on saving more American lives, Spirit 03 flew back into the fray, but it was hit by a surface-to-air missile in the left wing. Spirit 03 made the split-second decision to turn around, despite being low on fuel and losing the valuable cover of darkness. Marine FAC asking for close air support to deal with an Iraqi rocket battery. At the edge of the combat zone, the crew of Spirit 03 received a radio call from a U.S. As the daylight began to break, all AC-130H’s were recalled back to base once again. Marine forward air controllers (FAC) and slowing the movement of Saddam’s columns. Spirit 03 was fully loaded for combat and spent the night raining terror on Iraqi forces, answering the calls of multiple U.S. Ground forces continued to push the invasion back until the Spectres were unleashed once more into the night of January 30th. Providing close air support and air interdiction, the gunships were able to inflict large casualties against the invading Iraqi army, but the coalition forces were unable to completely stop the advance and the city of Khafji was briefly occupied by Saddam’s forces.Īs the gunships conducted operations solely under the cover of darkness, the impending sunrise forced both Spirits back to base in order to refuel and reload ammunition. That night, two AC-130H Spectre gunships, Spirit 01 and Spirit 02 of the 16th SOS at Hurlburt Field, Florida, joined the battle. Norman Schwarzkopf’s decision to utilize air power as the primary force. Coalition intel reports showed large columns of Iraqi forces moving towards the border of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, influencing theater commander Army Gen. Commonly known as the last AC-130 gunship shot down in combat, Spirit 03 is a story of heroes, harrowing combat and sacrifice.Īccording to the Air Force Special Operations Command history office, the Iraqi army planned to invade Khafji, Saudi Arabia at the end of January, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. “Where there is Spirit, there is freedom” is seen on many plaques throughout the 16th SOS squadron building, memorializing the crew of Spirit 03. The 16th Special Operations Squadron conducted a memorial flight over Cannon Air Force Base to honor the crew of Spirit 03, Jan. 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |