HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Editor's Note: The majority of information pertaining to the flight comes from an award nomination presented by the 319th Special Operations Squadron.
The Air Force Special Operations Command nominated an aircrew with the 319th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron for the ‘most meritorious flight of the year’ in the Air Force.
The aircrew of Ratchet 29, call sign for their U-28A, protected friendly forces during a convoy overwatch mission, July 19, 2015, exemplifying airmanship under extremely challenging and life-threatening circumstances, according to the award citation.
Ratchet 29 consisted of Capts. Michael Foglietti, Seth Jefferson, Stephen Koltonski and U.S Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Shoemaker, all attached to the 319th ESOS.
“Friendlies were in trouble, and the members of this crew stepped up with courage and precision. Their actions exemplify the qualities that U-28 aviators strive to embody. Their relentless dedication to the mission, and more importantly our brothers-in-arms, provides a shining example of Air Commandos in action," said Lt. Col. Allison Black, commander of the 319th Special Operations Squadron.
The U-28A provides a manned fixed wing, on-call/surge capability for improved tactical airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of Special Operations Forces.
In July 2015, detachments from the 319th ESOS, equipped with two U-28A aircraft, were assigned to provide overwatch of a Special Operations Forces operation in the African Command area of responsibility, according to the citation.
Friendly forces began a convoy more than 55-miles long through opposed territory to recapture an enemy-held town. Opposing forces were armed with medium anti-aircraft artillery and man-portable air defense systems firing heat-seeking missiles.
On July 19, 2015, the fourth day of the operation, the crew of Ratchet 29 relieved Ratchet 28 at its normal surveillance altitude. At this time, low overcast weather had developed in the region, restricting full view of the situation on the ground.
Almost immediately, the crew was informed that the convoy was under enemy fire from all directions and requested immediate air support. With no other capabilities available to provide support at the needed lower elevation, the crew Ratchet 29 decided to descend below the weather to provide the needed support.
Despite enemy fire and defensive friendly mortars from all directions, the crew of Ratchet 29 broke through the weather and began defensive scans around the convoy. Even with the low contrast and dense 20-foot tall tree terrain, the crew maintained a short-range scan around friendly ground forces and a longer-range scan of all directions so that no enemy would go unnoticed.
The crew found 15 adult males armed and approaching toward the convoy. Ratchet 29 began setting up for support and recommended directing toward the two who appeared to be leading the group.
As a result of Ratchet 29’s quick thinking skillful employment, the strike was a success, neutralizing two and deterring the other remaining enemies, allowing the convoy to continue undeterred.
The MacKay Trophy is presented to an individual or group who achieves the ‘most meritorious flight of the year’ in the Air Force and is proudly showcased at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
The award’s first recipient was Henry H. ‘Hap’ Arnold, back in 1912, when he flew over Virginia while participating in a reconnaissance competition.
The U.S. Air Force determines the winner and the National Aeronautic Association presents the trophy to the winner at the Falls Award Dinner.