22 February 2002 - Two PJs killed in the Philippines
 

Synopsis - The 320th Special Tactics Squadron, Kadena AB Japan was tasked to deploy forces to the Philippines in support of Balikatan 02-1. Both PJs and CCT were deployed. Ballikatan is a joint combined military operation between the Philippine and American military. The purpose of the operation is to conduct counter terrorist operations against Abu Sayyaf. This terrorist group is associated with El Qaeda and is one of the cells President Bush has vowed to bring to justice. Abu Sayyaf presently holds two American missionaries hostage and has demanded a one million dollar ransom or the hostages will be beheaded. The U.S. military it providing training, intelligence and logistics support to the Philippine (PI) Army. The PI Army will conduct the counterterrorist raids. Very small numbers of U.S. troops (normally 2) will accompany the PI troops as advisors. Major segments of the PI government have placed restrictions on U.S. troops conducting combat operations against Abu Sayyaf. The stated reason for these restrictions is that it is a matter of national pride that their own army fights this war.

On 22 February 2002, two MH-47s had just finished ferrying troops to a neighboring island and the were returning to base. At 2:30 a.m. one of the MH-47s crashed into the sea. Witnesses stated that the helicopter was on fire prior to impacting the water. After impact, the main wreckage quickly sank. On the waters surface there was some wreckage and a jet fuel fire. There were 10 persons on board the downed chopper. Two of these men were PJs, MSgt William McDaniel and SSgt Jaun Ridout.

The second MH-47 immediately began rescue operations. On board this helicopter were two other PJs, SSgt Tim Tweeter and SrA Aaron Butler. In spite of floating and flaming debris, they vigorously volunteered to low and slow to the downed chopper. They had hoped to get to the main fuselage prior to it completely submerging. Unfortunately, the chopper sank before they got to it. Both PJs then conducted a surface search for survivors. They found no survivors.

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