JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Narro, a 344th Training Squadron Instructor who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with 23 other Airmen May 11 at Hurlbert Field, Fla., uses his experiences excelling in critical mission environments to train the next generation of special operations aircrew Airmen to do the same.
While deployed, Narro and fellow AC-130U Spooky Gunship crew members from the 4th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron, provided over watch for 114 American and Afghan Special Operations Forces during a high-risk, daylight, armed assault in Nangahar Province, Afghanistan.
As the friendly forces pushed deeper into a valley, more than 50 insurgents executed a complex ambush utilizing higher terrain and buildings to effectively surround the friendly forces with multiple fortified positions and strongpoints.
The crew precisely employed danger-close 105mm howitzer rounds within 120 meters of friendly forces while continuously working through gun malfunctions. When the gunship crew ran low on fuel, they coordinated the launch of another available gunship to provide backfill, but upon arrival, enemy forces began a new wave of firing. Both gunships established a formation and immediately began engaging with four guns simultaneously.
Low on fuel and ammunition, the crew coordinated for the launch of the other available gunship to provide backfill, to allow them to refuel and rearm. As the third gunship arrived, the enemy began a new wave of firing on friendly forces. The AC-130s quickly established a gunship formation and immediately began engaging with four guns simultaneously, providing lethal effects on the insurgents. In total, the crew flew 12.3 hours in support of ground forces which led to zero friendly fatalities, 31 enemies killed in action and 28 structures destroyed.
“I remember the experience pretty well,” Narro said. “The main thing I remember though was being tired. We were all so exhausted but it’s what the mission required so we just pressed on until the end.”
As a 344th TRS Instructor, Narro uses this experience to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful aircrew member.
“I’ve got to make sure these Airman coming right out of high school understand the high expectations we put on them,” Narro said. “The mission requires operations like the one we were awarded the DFC for on a regular basis.”
One of Narro’s students, Senior Airman Atriom Kurznetsov, affirmed some of the lessons Narro has passed onto his pupils.
“He’s really focused on teaching us to pay attention to the minor details and speak up when we somethings not right,” Kurznetov said. “One of the unique parts of our job is how little rank matters up in the aircraft. We all have an important responsibility to speak up regardless of how many stripes we have.”
While deployed operations are often in the spotlight, Narro said the impact of teaching at the schoolhouse can have just as much significance on the mission.
“Teaching might not have a direct impact on whether or not people live or die,” Narro said. “But the Airmen that leave here have a huge responsibility and impact. It’s my job to make sure they’re prepared for all the challenges ahead so they can go on to complete missions and save lives.”