ChuckThunder
03-04-2004, 08:04 PM
Special Operations Troops Recount Iraq Missions
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2004 –- Multi-service special operations troops have led the way to victory in overseas campaigns during the war against terrorism, a senior U.S. military officer said here today.
Special operators' expertise was a factor in driving the Taliban out of Afghanistan, noted Air Force Lt. Gen. Paul V. Hester, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, as well as in the ouster of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Hester told attendees at the 15th annual National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict symposium that a small group of special operations troops was inserted into Afghanistan early in the conflict.
The U.S. special operators worked with Northern Alliance forces, the general noted, enabling "the airpower of America to be brought quickly to the battlefield of Afghanistan."
U.S. special operations troops also contributed to victory in Iraq, Hester said. He introduced three special operators, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Cartwright, Army Sgt. 1st Class Frank Antenori, and Air Force Capt. John Traxler, and asked them to relate their experiences during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Read the rest here (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2004/n02052004_200402057.html)
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2004 –- Multi-service special operations troops have led the way to victory in overseas campaigns during the war against terrorism, a senior U.S. military officer said here today.
Special operators' expertise was a factor in driving the Taliban out of Afghanistan, noted Air Force Lt. Gen. Paul V. Hester, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, as well as in the ouster of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Hester told attendees at the 15th annual National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict symposium that a small group of special operations troops was inserted into Afghanistan early in the conflict.
The U.S. special operators worked with Northern Alliance forces, the general noted, enabling "the airpower of America to be brought quickly to the battlefield of Afghanistan."
U.S. special operations troops also contributed to victory in Iraq, Hester said. He introduced three special operators, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Cartwright, Army Sgt. 1st Class Frank Antenori, and Air Force Capt. John Traxler, and asked them to relate their experiences during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Read the rest here (http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2004/n02052004_200402057.html)