RELEASE NUMBER: 070608-01
DATE POSTED: JUNE 08, 2007

Night Stalker hangar named in honor of ‘Turbine 33’ crew
By Kimberly T. Laudano
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Public Affairs

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. (USASOC News Service, June 8, 2007) – A Hunter Army Airfield hangar has a new name honoring the memory of an eight-person Night Stalker crew who died in combat on June 28, 2005.

The 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) hangar, formerly known as Building 7902, is now named “Turbine 33” after the aircraft crew’s call sign.  It was formally dedicated in a ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., on June 7. 

“Today should not be a day of sadness, but rather a day to pay tribute and honor to the memory of the crew of Turbine 33,” said Lt. Col. Manfred L. Little, Commander, 3rd Bn. 

Nearly two years ago, the crew died when their Chinook helicopter crashed after being struck by enemy fire during combat operations in Afghanistan while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

Those honored through the hangar dedication are: Maj. Stephen C. Reich, Chief Warrant Officer Four Chris J. Scherkenbach, Chief Warrant Officer Three Corey J. Goodnature, Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles, Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell, Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare, and Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby, who were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 160th SOAR(A), at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.; and Master Sgt. James W. Ponder, III, who was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 160th SOAR(A), at Fort Campbell, Ky.

“Each of these men loved their country and they were willing to put their lives on the line not only for each other but for the special operations ground forces they supported,” said Little.  “They unselfishly sacrificed their lives in the hope that others might live.  These men were heroes in the truest sense of the word.” 

Little told the audience of Soldiers, families and friends that the Army’s best facilities, aircraft and equipment are unique to the 160th, but those technologies are not what truly makes the regiment special.  “It’s the Night Stalker Soldier,” he emphasized. 

“The 160th has been blessed since its inception to attract the best pilots, crew chiefs medics and support personnel that our country and our Army has to offer,” he said.  “This is particularly true of our heroes that we are here to honor today.” 

Their names, likeness and assignment, along with the circumstances of their death, are engraved on a plaque prominently displayed near the hangar entrance.  The visual will serve as a reminder of sacrifice and living the Night Stalker Creed for this and future generations of Night Stalkers.

“Thousands of Soldiers will come and go through this hangar through the years to come,” Little told his battalion.  “Whenever you enter it or drive by, remember the valor, the service and the ultimate sacrifice our fallen heroes made for this nation.” 
 
Hanger Turbine 33 will house the battalion’s Chinook helicopter companies.  The hangar has been entered into the National Archives as an Army memorial and the call sign ‘Turbine 33’ has been retired from operational use. 

--usasoc--

A Hunter Army Airfield hangar has a new name honoring the memory of an eight-person Night Stalker crew who died in combat on June 28, 2005. The 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) hangar, formerly known as Building 7902, is now named “Turbine 33” after the aircraft crew’s call sign.  It was formally dedicated in a ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., on June 7.