53 years ago, a top-secret mission was launched into North Vietnam to rescue American prisoners of war. Operation Kingpin, known as the Son Tay Raid, was the first ever highly classified joint service operation of its kind. Now, US Army veterans turned documentary producers Dan Smith (former Green Beret), John “Stan” Stanfield and Molly Huggins, along with award-winning director and producer Ehren Parks, have teamed up with the Global Special Operations Foundation and a dying breed of legendary American heroes to tell their incredible story, with an exclusive sneak peek community screening coming to Fort Liberty, NC as a part of Modern Warfare Week.

On November 21, 1970, U.S. Special Forces soldiers and U.S. Air Force airmen executed a swift and stunning raid of the Son Tay prison camp with zero American casualties. The Son Tay Raiders were 23 miles from Hanoi, within 5 miles of 112,000 N.V.A. regulars, and flying into the teeth of the most heavily defended airspace in the world. At the same time, Navy carriers executed the largest night carrier operation of the entire Vietnam conflict in rolling seas to suppress the enemy air defenses.

Not a single prisoner was found. Despite this, the raid stands as one of the most significant operations in modern military history. 27 Minutes at Son Tay is the true story of the raid the way the Raiders want it told; thoughtful, compelling first-person account of the planning and execution of a never before attempted rescue mission into the heart of enemy territory.

Director Ehren Parks, whose previous projects include the award-winning documentary My Life in China, was clear on the import of the film, echoing the vision of the mission ground commander COL Bull Simons. “The Son Tay Raid’s greatness lies in the fact that it brought together the separate branches for a greater purpose: to fulfill the pledge of ‘no man left behind.’”

27 Minutes at Son Tay interviewees include CSM (Ret) “Jake” Jakovenko, Ranger Hall of Fame member known for his prowess with the M-60 Machine Gun and often called the real-life Rambo; SGM (Ret) Tyrone Adderly, fellow Ranger Hall of Fame member and 2022 recipient of the U.S. Special Operations Command Bull Simons Award; Col (Ret) Lee Ellis, Hanoi Hilton resident; Col (Ret) Larry Ropka, master Air Force and CIA covert operations mission planner; Col (Ret) John Gargus, navigator and author of the definitive work on the mission, The Son Tay Raid: American POWS in Vietnam Were Not Forgotten, and RADM (Ret) Larry Chambers, the first African American to attain flag rank in the Navy. The film also features post-humous appearances from Col Bud Sydnor, Gen Leroy Manor, Col Frederic “Marty” Donohoe, and CSM Joe Lupyak.

The producers have partnered with the Global Special Operations Foundation to show a sneak peek community screening of the unreleased film as a part of the Modern Warfare Week, a joint event held for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community to both educate and connect over the future of warfare from a SOF perspective. Members of the Raid as well as support and planning personnel will be in attendance. Former Green Beret and Executive Producer Dan Smith, whose connections provided the impetus for the film, highlighted what an honor it was to create this film as an educational tool for follow on generations, having served under the legacy of many of these legendary soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Additionally, according to Smith, “The value of the Son Tay Raid cannot be overstated. It is probably one of the most studied special operations since 1970. It has been used as a template to plan, train and conduct high risk missions by international as well as within the US. special operations community.”

The screening will be held Nov. 15th, 3 PM, at the Iron Mike Conference center, Fort Liberty. The event is free and open to the community, but attendees must register here.

The film is in final post-production, but current events has made raising money to complete the documentary a challenge. “Fundraising has been difficult during covid and the film industry labor strikes,” Parks noted, “But as we enter our final stretch to finish the film, we’re hoping the military community will join with us to get this story told the way the raiders want it told without outside influence.” Donations can be made via GoFundMe.

A trailer of the film, exclusive video shorts, and more information are available for preview at
27minutesatsontay.com.

****

27 Minutes at Son Tay is a production of Kingpin-27 Minutes at Son Tay Film, LLC; Long Tale; Veritas Art Pictures, producing socially relevant content surrounding current events; and Gepadeaux Media, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business specializing in film and video production and distribution. For media inquiries, please contact Producer Molly Huggins at molly@thegreenglasspen.com or
907-978-4694.

Defense Strategies Institute is proud to announce the 12th Annual SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium, occurring this November 29-30 in Tampa, FL. The 2023 Symposium will convene senior leaders and decision makers across the SOF community, regional combatant commands, DoD, nonprofits, and industry to discuss the complexities and multifaceted nature of special operations in the 21st century.

SOF will continue to play an increasingly important role in competition with countries such as China, Russia, and Iran, particularly in irregular warfare. The Symposium will highlight the latest developments across U.S. combatant commands in the realm of special operations and irregular warfare. The integration of intelligence gathering, analysis, and technology in irregular warfare scenarios will be a focal point of discussion. Senior level speakers will delve into a diverse array of topics, addressing the growing importance of information warfare and cyber operations of emerging technologies in irregular warfare contexts.

Speakers.
– Maj. Gen. Michael Martin, USAF, Director, Operations, USSOCOM
– MG Patrick Roberson, USA, Deputy Commanding General, USASOC
– Todd Breasseale, SES, Office of Information Operations, SO/LIC
– William Innes, SES, Deputy Director, Acquisition, USSOCOM
– Tom Searle, PhD, Course Director, Joint Special Operations University
– Col. Rhea Pritchett, USA, PEO Digital Applications, SOF AT&L

Topics.
– Empowering Special Operations: Leading in an Era of Complex Warfare
– Transforming the SOF Enterprise to Achieve the Goals of the NDS
– Harnessing the Power of Information in Modern Warfare
– Developing the AFSOC Force of the Future by Modernizing Capabilities in Contested Environments
– Navigating the 21st Century Battlefield: Adversarial AI and Emerging Tech as a Cyber IW Operation
– Bolstering Deterrence Measures within NATO to Counter the Evolving Challenge of Hybrid Warfare

Info. DSI is now welcoming Sponsors and Exhibitors for the forum. To learn more please contact Amanda Delgado at adelgado@dsigroup.org. Active military and government and state personnel attend complimentary. Those interested in participating in the SOF & Irregular Warfare Symposium can visit Defense Strategies Institute’s website at https://sof.dsigroup.org/. Anyone interested in learning more or sending questions contact Erica Noreika at enoreika@dsigroup.org, 201-896-7802.

Contact

Defense Strategies Institute
Erica Noreika
201-896-7802
https://sof.dsigroup.org/

The rankings for the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Combat Diver Competition 2023 have been announced. The three-day event took place in September 25-27, 2023, in Key West, Florida. The host was the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS). The competition took place on and around the Naval Air Station Key West installation. This was an inaugural event which should take place on a yearly basis.

There were 13 two-man teams in the competition – taking part in ten competitive events that tested their mental and physical toughness while proving their ability to demonstrate their knowledge of advanced combat dive capabilities. The events took place on land, sea, and air incorporating dive, pool, kayak race, academic testing, and water parachute jumps.

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition validate their equipment and undergo pre-competition training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 25, 2023. (Photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army)

Competition Events:

• Day 1: Academic Exam, Physical Fitness Test
• Day 2: Static line parachute jump into a water drop zone morphing into a 1,500 klic kayak race, pool events, and a 1,500-meter navigation dive in Fleming Bay.
• Day 3: 1,500-meter navigation dive, contour dive, helo cast, surface swim, and four-mile run.

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition validate their equipment and undergo pre-competition training at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 25, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) entered four teams; the remaining teams came from Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) units. The Marine Raiders and Air Force Special Warfare teams withdrew from the competition – but should be present next year. The 13 two-man teams were from the USAJKFSWCS, 1st SFG(A), 7th SFG(A), and Navy SEALs.

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition descend into Patton Water Drop Zone at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 26, 2023. (Photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army)

Rankings:

• 1st Place: 5th Special Forces Group
• 2nd Place: 2nd Special Warfare Training Group
• 3rd Place: 5th Special Forces Group
• SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1

Photo: Competitors in the 2023 U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Dive Team Competition take part in a 1,500-meter kayak race after parachuting into the water at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at NAS Key West, Florida Sept. 26, 2023. (Photo by K. Kassens, U.S. Army)

**********

Video – Inside the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course, Coffee or Die Magazine, September 18, 2022, 18 minutes. Watch this video about the six-week dive course conducted at Key West, Florida. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaNuUU10kTc

Video – Army Special Forces Underwater Operations School, U.S. Army, August 21, 2015, 4 minutes. Watch a video about the Army’s dive course. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW-dFhkV1qQ

Photos: Courtesy of United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

The Combat Diver Foundation is holding its annual Deep Dive 2023 get-together on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in Perdido Key, Florida. There will be a memorial 5K on the beach, a charity dinner, live music, auction, raffle, a display of combat diver gear, and a tactical demonstration.

Entertainment will be provided at the Flora-Bama Lounge – one of the best beach bars in the USA. The venue is located on the Alabama-Florida line. The auction and raffle feature some very good prizes to include a Florida Keys cruise, combat diver art, Miami Dolphins CLUB tickets, knife by Spartan Blades, mobile phone diving case, Divex Submariner watch, t-shirts, and more. The event has a number of sponsors associated with the diving industry.

For those coming from afar the best option is flying into Pensacola International Airport to get to the Flora-Bama. Rental cars and taxis are available. By car from airport to venue is about 50 minutes.

**********

Images. All graphics are by the Combat Diver Foundation.

Combat Diver Deep Dive

Attending SOF Week 2023 here in Tampa, Florida has been very beneficial. It was an opportunity to see hundreds of displays of equipment and services that are available to the special operations community. The many presentations and panel discussions were extremely informative about the future of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the role the command will have as the United States transitions from a CT/COIN focus to one of strategic competition.

The week featured presentations by many of the leading members of the SOF community; from those wearing a uniform, retired military members, academia, and government. All were extremely informative. An added benefit for the Editor of SOF News was running into numerous old acquaintances and colleagues from years past!

Today, Thursday, is the last day of SOF Week 2023. Over the next several weeks I will be doing a series of articles on the various presentations, discussions, and displays that I had to opportunity to listen to or view.

The articles published this week by SOF News will likely be at a slower pace than usual. The Editor of SOF News will be in Tampa, Florida attending SOF Week 2023. This event is hosted by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and it promises to be a superb week. The program features exhibitions, defense demonstrations, speakers, discussion forums, presentations, and more. While the pace of publication this week may be slow, we anticipate providing our readers with a number of interesting articles from our SOF Week 2023 experience in the weeks to come. Stay tuned!

**********

Click here to register for SOF Week 2023.

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is conducting its SOF Week 2023 in the first week of May. This national convention for the U.S. special operations community will include a diverse slate of programs, speakers, forums, defense industry exhibitions, and more.

The event takes place at the Tampa Convention Center with some activities at adjacent hotels. USSOCOM has partnered with industry to host an annual conference in Tampa for many years. This year brings an increase in exhibit hall space. There will also an increase in participation by TSOCs and COCOMs. In addition, certain new events will focus on SOF health, military transition, and SOF families – in keeping with SOF Truth #1.

The SOF Week agenda is robust with a variety of special events each day. The list of speakers is very impressive with a variety of people from the special operations, academic, and interagency community – a ‘Who’s Who’ of the special operations community. The Exhibit Hall will be filled with defense exhibitors and a number of industry demonstrations are planned. There are many other additional events that are not part of the official SOF Week 2023 program; but that are taking place the same week in Tampa and are SOF-related.

Click here to register for SOF Week 2023.

**********

Note: SOF News will be attending SOF Week 2023 in Tampa. See you there!

The Green Beret Foundation is kicking off SOF Week in Tampa by hosting a HALO Happy Hour for Green Berets, special operations community members, and defense industry professionals and leaders. The event is scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the American Social Bar & Kitchen. There will be food, beverages, and a raffle. The drawing for the raffle will be held at the event. The Green Beret Foundation will be accepting donations and sponsorships; and will have numerous fun and one-of-a-kind items to be raffled off in support of the Green Beret Foundation. The venue is about 1/3 of a mile or 5 minute walk from the site of SOF Week at the Tampa Convention Center.

America Social Bar & Kitchen
601 South Harbour Island Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33602
Google Map

The Green Beret Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that serves the U.S. Army’s Special Forces by connecting them with the resources they need to succeed in the mission ahead.

**********

To register for the HALO Happy Hour use the link below:
tinyurl.com/2023halohappyhour

To register for SOF Week use the link below:
SOF Week Registration

SOF Week will take place the first week of May 2023, in Tampa, Florida. The venue is the Tampa Convention Center and it will be a gathering spot for special operations professionals, industry representatives, academics, researchers, policy makers, and others. SOF News is excited to announce it is an Official Media Partner with SOF Week. We will be represented at the event by the Editor of SOF News and look forward to providing our readers with interesting and important articles about the week-long event. Register for SOF Week here.

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Special Operations Command and Global Special Operations Foundation (GSOF) will co-host Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week in Tampa, FL, 8-11 May, 2023.

SOF Week combines a defense industry conference with a national convention for Special Operations Forces at a large downtown campus around the Tampa Convention Center, the Marriott Water Street and the Westin Tampa Waterside.

“SOF Week presents an opportunity for the SOF community from around the world to come to Tampa to discuss matters crucial to the special operations profession. GSOF has attracted more than 600 exhibitors this year, making SOF Week an outstanding chance to collaborate with and educate industry on SOF’s requirements to support the National Defense Strategy.”

SOCOM Acquistion Executive jim Smith.

At SOF Week, SOF community members and stakeholders will hear the USSOCOM Commander, GEN Bryan Fenton, discuss his priorities of People, Win and Transform. Attendees will also hear from Smith and, many more defense leaders on USSOCOM’s acquisition priorities and requirements.

Discussions will also cover emergent technologies, critical capabilities, military transition from active duty, warfighter health and wellness issues, and strategies for the current and future fight.

GSOF’s industry exhibition will cover multiple floors and is organized by Program Executive Office (PEO) areas of focus (C4 & Special Reconnaissance, Digital Applications, Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, Maritime, SOF Warrior and Services & Support Activity) to facilitate the interaction between SOF and Industry.

Registration is now open for both participants and media and is required for everyone who wishes to attend SOF Week. Those assigned to or employed by the USSOCOM enterprise and its subordinate commands will be sent instructions from their Chain of Command on how, where, and when to register. All others can find more information on SOF Week and registration instructions by visiting

SOF Week Registration.

-30-