phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
Agree that it's BS that it was held up for so long, especially considering the ridiculously high availability rates of Phrogs in Iraq. Again, it was gut wrenching to watch the insurgents video.Interesting that DOD finally acknowledged that this incident was a combat loss and not a mechanical failure. Personally, I'd like to beat the sh!thead bureaucrat who held this up. These folks lost their lives in combat and not because of a poorly maintained aircraft.
Great NPR story on Jennifer Harris (The HAC on this aircraft apparently). Looks like she was an amazing woman and leader. I thought the story was thoughtfully done, even for NPR.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7407239
I know Jen Harris very well, she was in Iraq the same time as I was (with HMM-364, I was with HMM-264) and she was well known as a good stick. Some buddies also know her from her days at the Naval Academy. We lost a truly great American that night. The worst part about it is that she had 10 days left in country...
Another good article about Jen: http://www.townonline.com/swampscott/homepage/8998938167205691391
Found another good article about it: http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=335930&Category=17. My favorite line in the article is: "Marines take the best and brightest to fly the CH-46E Sea Knights." Had to send that off to everyone I know...