Hurlburt Field in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Operation Restore Hope
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016
1. Operation Restore Hope Marker
Violence in Somalia was precipitated by a series of civil war, famine, and disease which cost the lives of an estimated 350,000 people. In December 1992, US troops were sent to help contain the lawlessness in Somalia and create a safe environment for relief workers and humanitarian supply delivery.
The 16 SOS deployed four AC-130H gunships to Djibouti 7 June to 14 July 1993. The gunships flew continuous missions over Mogadishu, guided by Air Force Special Tactics personnel. They attacked weapons storage areas, tank and armored vehicle compounds, and several key radio stations, forcing General Mohammed Aideed and his supporters underground.
Special Tactics personnel remained in Somalia after the gunships departed , becoming part of Task Force RANGER. On October 3-4, 1993, teams assaulting a rebel stronghold engaged in a fierce firefight to rescue the crews of two MH-60 helicopters that were shot down. The heroic actions of these special tactics personnel earned TSgt Timothy Wilkinson the Air Force Cross, two members the Silver Star, and eight others the Bronze Star.
The gunships returned to Africa shortly after this and maintained a presence until the withdrawal of U.S. Troops in 1995. Sadly, one gunship, Jockey 14, crashed during operations in March 1994 with loss of eight personnel.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Heroes • Notable Events • War, Cold. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1994.
Location. 30° 24.936′ N, 86° 42.034′ W. Marker is in Hurlburt Field, Florida, in Okaloosa County. Marker can be reached from Independence Road. Located at the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park and access to the base is restricted. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 Independence Road, Hurlburt Field FL 32544, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina (here, next to this marker); Operation Provide Comfort (here, next to this marker); Operation Uphold Democracy (here, next to this marker); Desert Shield and Desert Storm (here, next to this marker); Operation Assured Response (here, next to this marker); Captain Hilliard A. Wilbanks (a few steps from this marker); O-1E Bird Dog (a few steps from this marker); The Forward Air Controller (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hurlburt Field.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Global Security article on Operation Restore Hope. (Submitted on November 19, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016
2. Operation Restore Hope Marker (closest marker from the extreme left three).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
