June 28, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary of Operation Red Wings—one of the most harrowing and heroic missions in the history of U.S. Special Operations. Conducted in the rugged mountains of eastern Afghanistan, the operation aimed to disrupt anti-coalition militia activity but resulted in a tragic loss that continues to resonate across the military community and the nation.
On June 28, 2005, a reconnaissance team was accidentally discovered by local goat herders. Faced with a moral and strategic dilemma, the SEALs chose to release the civilians rather than eliminate them—an act that aligned with the rules of engagement but ultimately exposed their position.
Shortly after, the team was ambushed by a large force of Taliban fighters. An intense firefight ensued in the steep terrain. Outnumbered and outgunned, the SEALs fought valiantly.
LT Michael Murphy knowingly exposed himself to enemy fire to make a satellite call for backup. He was mortally wounded during the call. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts that day.
As soon as LT Murphy made contact requesting backup, a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was launched to assist. This team included 8 members of the U.S. Army’s elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the Night Stalkers, and 8 Navy SEALs.
As the Chinook approached the landing zone to insert additional SEALs to aid the embattled team, it was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired by Taliban fighters from the mountainside. The helicopter exploded midair and crashed into the terrain below. All 16 Americans on board were killed instantly.
Nineteen American heroes gave their lives during the mission, including 11 Navy SEALs and 8 Army Night Stalkers. Among them was Navy SEAL Matthew Axelson, whose courage, selflessness, and commitment to his teammates reflect the highest ideals of service. The lone survivor of the mission, Marcus Luttrell, later told their story in the book and subsequent movie Lone Survivor, preserving their memory and highlighting the unbreakable brotherhood of Special Operations Forces.
At Special Operations Warrior Foundation, we carry forward their legacy through action. Our commitment to the families of the fallen is unwavering—from cradle to career. The children of those lost in Operation Red Wings are among the students we proudly support, ensuring they receive the educational opportunities their parents would have wanted for them. Every diploma earned, every milestone reached, stands as a living tribute to their sacrifice.
A Weekend of Remembrance and Gratitude
Later this month, SOWF is honored to attend the Matthew Axelson Foundation Golf Tournament, taking place in Genoa, Nevada. This annual event brings together Veterans, families, and supporters to reflect on the sacrifice of the Axelson family and all who were lost during Operation Red Wings.
We are deeply grateful to the Axelson family for including SOWF in this powerful weekend of remembrance. It is a privilege to stand alongside those who continue to honor our fallen Special Operators by lifting up the families they left behind.
Through remembrance, we reaffirm our enduring promise: to never forget—and never fail—the families of our nation’s Special Operations heroes.
Photo: Navy file photo of Navy SEALs operating in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From left to right, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson, of Cupertino, Calif; Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Daniel R. Healy, of Exeter, N.H.; Quartermaster 2nd Class James Suh, of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell; Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Eric S. Patton, of Boulder City, Nev.; and Lt. Michael P. Murphy, of Patchogue, N.Y.
Sources:
- Remembering the Men of Operation Red Wings: Seventeen Years Later
- Ethics and the “Rules of Engagement” Theme Analysis
- Operation Red Wings – Murph Foundation
