FAILURE AT DESERT ONE

Today-The Rescue Fails

I prepared a flip chart for the SecDef and CJCS to follow the rescue attempt as it unfolded. Here is what occurred with them.

THE TIMING MAP

We have shoved the table back and spread our chairs around the MAP. The map is covered in plastic and we have put the operational graphics over it and taped the CHART next to it. Off to the side are a bank of radios and the red phone with FLASH OVERRIDE installed. The radios connect each element with the JTF Operations Center and the phone goes to the Pentagon and then the White House. We have made one small error. We didn’t get enough clocks. One of our resourceful Naval types scrounged two old aircraft instrument clocks which we taped above the map with masking tape. The tape doesn’t hold very well and Iran always requires adjustment and additional reinforcement.

We know from the CHART when something should happen and track the action from that or the sporadic radio messages. NSA is our best source – if they ever really target the Mafia, Sicily will dry up. As traffic comes in, it is logged in the ledger. Our Chief of Staff moves from our room to the Chairman’s room with the information. A red mark is made on the flight route indicating our best guess as to the forward progress of the flight.

The monitoring indicates a Gendarmerie station picked up the sound of some C130s along the coast at about the time ours were going feet dry. It’s a long coastline. They got the directions wrong. Not our birds or if they were they have been discounted by the police as Iranian.

Reports received of the launch of a pair of fighter aircraft. Moments later we are informed that it is in reaction to a border incident to the North with Iraq. Adrenalin recedes. 

A helicopter is down. Not sure where or why. Chairman comes in. We give him our best guess based on airspeed predicted. All units are on radio silence. Adrenalin returns.

Report that a second helo has picked up the downed crew and is moving on. Anxiety replaces concern.

C130s should be down at Desert One now. No signs that the Iranians know what’s going on. Emotional pause.

NSA reports Blue Beard Five (helo) is trying to raise the Nimitz. One of the RH 53s has turned back. That leaves only six heading for Desert One – the minimum essential to continue. Anxiety and adrenalin.

Kyle reports that one of six helos to make the refuel site has hydraulic trouble and can’t go on. Vaught asks him for options. Kyle reports consensus is to go back and come again another day. 

Vaught advises Chairman we have an abort condition. Recommends to Chairman for relay to SECDEF and President that mission be aborted/postponed at this time. National Command Authority approves.

We are stunned. We stare at the map. After all this effort and devotion it’s all over. It’s just not fair. We all go blank and speechless.

 LATER

Col Paschall is about to open the door to Vaught’s office but is almost bowled over by the Sec Def, Doctor Brown. He makes a very audible “Oh shit,” and strides out the door.

The Chiefs are silent as they depart. The Chairman remains and gives Paschall some guidance. The Chairman then leaves.

I turn out the office lights.

The backroom is chaos.