OCTOBER 28, 2022 – “PROCEED DIRECTLY TO KEATING. IT IS BEING OVERRUN.” Those were the first words we heard over the radio on the morning of Oct. 3, 2009. In response, 1st Lt. Aaron “Finch” Dove and I, who were the lead aircraft in a formation of two F-15E Strike Eagles, positioned ourselves for immediate takeoff out of Bagram Airfield in northern Afghanistan. Flying at near the speed of sound, we arrived overhead Combat Outpost Keating in less than nine minutes.
Our mission that day 13 years ago to defend and save Combat Outpost Keating was a defining moment for anyone involved in the battle. But as the U.S. Air Force continues celebrating its 75th anniversary, the mission reflects something else as well. The way we performed, and flew, how we worked together and the decisions we made; how we innovated, problem-solved and ultimately succeeded, were in many respects byproducts of the Air Force’s accumulated knowledge, training and culture since it began in 1947.
We used all of it that day.
Once we arrived, the gravity of the situation was sobering and overwhelming. “THE ENEMY IS INSIDE THE WIRE,” one of our three radios blared into our ear. Using the F-15E’s array of sensors, coupled with old-fashioned visual lookout, we saw absolute chaos on the ground. People were running in every direction, much of Outpost Keating was on fire, and muzzle flashes could be seen pointing into the compound from all the surrounding mountain tops, engulfing the small U.S. base in a blanket of enemy fire.
It took Finch and me a few minutes, to process the fire hose of radio communication and the slew of aircraft sensor data pouring into our cockpit. To the Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron of the 61st Cavalry Regiment who were fighting for their lives, those few minutes seemed like an eternity. Prior to dropping weapons, it was first imperative that we precisely established the location of all 103 friendly Soldiers, including a small number of NATO troops and several Afghan National Army personnel. Once we pinpointed all the friendly positions, we immediately began to employ the F-15E’s lethal ordnance against the enemy forces in an attempt to push them back from Keating. We dropped 500 and 2,000-pound GPS-guided munitions and also used the old-fashioned technique of strafing, using our 20-millimeter Gatling gun.
Not long after we dropped our first bomb, other U.S. military aircraft from all over Afghanistan began to arrive above Keating. Due to the severe mountainous terrain and limited communication with ground controllers, it became our duty to safely manage the ever-growing traffic jam of airplanes offering their assistance. This task became even more challenging as a cell of massive midday thunderstorms moved into the area. In total, 19 different aircraft, including bombers, fighters, reconnaissance and aerial refuelers, supported the Soldiers at Keating. As my formation depleted our arsenal of weapons, in addition to working as a makeshift air traffic controller, we continued to remain overhead taking on the new role of coordinating bomb strikes from the aerial armada over the COP.
As the sun began to set, the bravery of the men on the ground at Keating, coupled with the overwhelming and constant support of the Airmen in the skies, eventually turned the tide of the battle. Suffering over 250 casualties, the enemy eventually retreated, and Keating was saved. However, eight American Soldiers gave their lives defending that small Outpost in northern Afghanistan.
As I reflect on my role that day, I feel proud and honored to be part of a legacy of American Airmen, who, since the end of World War II, have controlled the skies over every battlefield contested by the United States. I can think of no other organization, private or government, that over three-quarters of a century has established a track record of dominance in its field like the United States Air Force.
As the nation celebrates the Air Force’s 75th birthday, it is important to recognize past accomplishments and honor the sacrifice of so many. However, make no mistake, the nation’s Airmen are keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead and understand that relying on past legacies to counter evolving threats is a losing formula. I am proud and humbled to continue to serve in an organization that encourages innovation, drives change, and expects excellence. These virtues, coupled with a selfless desire to serve, are embodied in the great men and women of the United States Air Force and are the fundamental characteristics that will enable another 75 years of air dominance for our nation.
Air Force Lt. Col. Michal Polidor currently works at the Pentagon for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specializing in nuclear command, control, and communication. He is a native of Pittsburgh, graduated from West Allegheny High School, and went on to play college hockey at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
This article is part of a collection of essays by Air Force personnel commemorating the service’s 75th anniversary on Sept. 18.
By Lt. Col. Michal Polidor
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs