Weapons systems officer hopes to make F-15E Strike Eagle history

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  A 389th Fighter Squadron weapons system officer has been nominated for a Mackay Trophy for her efforts during her deployment in Afghanistan April 2010.

Capt. Leigh Larkin, a Dayton, Ohio, native, was nominated for the award -- which is given to a pilot who had the most meritorious flight of the year -- by her commander.

In Afghanistan, Captain Larkin was headed north on a mission with a team of three Strike Eagles and a tanker when suddenly, the tanker unexpectedly took a 90 degree turn west. After speaking with the tanker's driver, she learned their mission had changed and that they had been tasked to go out and replace a B-1 bomber that had been supporting ground troops. The team immediately headed out for an area several hundred miles away, not really knowing what to expect.

"There are a lot of tasks involved in setting up for a no-imagery area, especially since we didn't know the scenario," Captain Larkin said. "No big deal -- we had great leadership and instructors who taught us everything we need to do. We can show up on station and support the guys on the ground and meet the ground commanders intent, which is what our overall mission objective is."

En route, Captain Larkin's team received updates from the B-1 about all the threats and targets of the area, and that a reconnaissance patrol had been ambushed and pinned down by enemy forces. A response team had been sent to assist but they struck an improvised explosive device and was subsequently attacked by machine gun fire.

"Captain Larkin began making contact with the joint terminal attack controller on-scene," said Lt. Col. Donald Cornwell, the director of operations for Captain Larkin's team. "She obtained a situation update and provided immediate reassurance to the ground force commander that we were on our way and ready to assist."

Days prior the reconnaissance, patrol sent out flyers saying they were going to go on a patrol through that particular part of town. The patrol encouraged the innocent civilians to vacate the town in preparation for the attack -- they didn't want any casualties. The terrorists intercepted the message and set up an ambush. The ground troops were pinned down and started running out of ammunition and the B-1 was unable to get below the clouds to actually support them.

"We tried one quick pass to see what was going on and to show the enemy that the Strike Eagle was there," Captain Larkin said. "We were hoping the terrorist would clear out so the troops would be safe and there would be enough time for them to get out of the town."

Unfortunately, the team's plan didn't work as they hoped as they initially couldn't see through the clouds. When they were finally able to break the clouds, the terrorist dropped heavy fire on the ground troops in retaliation.

"I can't tell you what it feels like hearing over the radio the crack in someone's voice when they are being shot at or what it sounds like when the piercing of the bullet goes right by them through the mud hut they are taking cover in," Captain Larkin said.

The captain knew she and her team needed to act fast -- they needed to consider collateral damage, take out the terrorists and leave town. They began unloading bombs on the mountain sides to stop the terrorist from popping in and out of holes shooting at the ground force.

Eventually, danger close was needed, where a bomb is dropped within a certain area was someone could be incapacitated if they didn't take enough cover.

"I had never dropped danger close in my whole life," the captain said.

As soon as the bomb was released, Captain Larkin contacted the ground troops, to see if the positions were good hits - there was no response. After 45 seconds, a pilot called back and said they killed the ground troops.

"I kept thinking, I hope not -- that was the scariest feeling," she said.

Finally, they heard from the ground troops. They confirmed good hits and explained they were unable to respond quickly as they were taking cover and were unable to get to the radio.

"It was a great feeling knowing the ground troops were okay," Captain Larkin said. "It was very heart wrenching thinking you just hurt the ones you were trying to save."

The captain's team went back to their base knowing they saved their fellow servicemembers. Without their assistance close-air support, those troops would not have made it home safely. The captain gives most of the credit of the save to the highly capable F-15E.

"This was our own Strike Eagle community performing at its best," Captain Larkin said.

However, Colonel Cornwell, who is back at his home station with the 333rd Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.,  feels the captain deserves praise as well.

"Captain Larkin is a selfless warrior, officer, leader and friend," he said. "Her tireless effort on behalf of her fellow Airmen, her country and the U.S. Air Force make her a priceless asset. As a weapon systems officer, she is amongst an elite group of warriors. Her energy and desire to be the best at everything she does keeps her on a very short list of WSO's I would fly with in any situation."

Captain Larkin asked not to be the only one nominated for this trophy, and her request to have the whole flight team nominated was accepted. Now she waits for the announcement of the winner, hoping the outcome will become a part of the F-15E Strike Eagle history.