These photos were shot by a Combat Controller in Special Ops, who was overseeing a double strike from the U.S.S. John C. Stennis on an al-Qaida armored vehicle (an old ex-Russian BMP) with a number of terrorists leisurely riding on top -- Obviously they should have had their seat belts on! The armored vehicle was targeted by forward air controllers (FAC's) of the U.S. Army, 4th Special Operations Group. A flight of two Navy F-14 Tomcats were called in by the Army FAC's. Two BGU-16 laser guided bombs strike the armored vehicle at nearly the same moment. As a bonus, there was a secondary explosion in the middle of the road, towards the end, in photo 12. This is an excellent example of joint, combined arms operation of our U.S. Forces -- and American tax dollars well-spent! Combat Controllers (CCT) are ground combat forces assigned to Special Tactics Squadrons within the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). They are organized, trained and equipped to rapidly establish and control the air-ground interface and provide airmanship skills in the objective area. Functions include assault zone assessment and establishment; air traffic control; command and control communications; special operations terminal attack control; and removal of obstacles with demolitions. The CCTs provide a unique capability and deploy with joint air and ground forces in the execution of Direct Action, Counter- terrorism, Foreign Internal Defense, Humanitarian Assistance, Special Reconnaissance, Austere Airfield, and Combat Search and Rescue operations. An Air Force Combat Controller was attending a close air support proficiency training course when America came under attack. Though he'd completed the academic portion of the exercise, he would not get to conduct the practical portion - at least not in Kansas. The Sgt returned to his base station here within days of the 9-11 terrorist attack. A few short weeks later he would be among the many Air Force Special Operations Command professionals forward deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Fresh from this stateside training and with only two rucksacks on his back to carry just the basic of gear he would conduct close air support proficiency under real-world circumstances in the heart of Afghanistan. The Sgt was charged with supporting Northern Alliance forces in their fight against the Taliban.  He infiltrated Afghanistan in early October, working as part of an Army Special Forces team. For this mission, the Combat Controller's duty was to provide close air support against Taliban targets. Throughout his nearly three-month deployment, he made hundreds of calls to U.S. aircraft to stop and destroy advancing enemy forces to bring the air campaign to bear against the terrorists. Close air support calls are a key mission for Combat Controllers. Using various technological equipment, a Controller can pinpoint the exact location that an aircraft commander needs to put bombs on target. The type of target and various contributing factors - such as surrounding structures - will help the Controller determine what type of bomb and aircraft are best suited for the mission. When passing the CAS request to the headquarters element, the Controller will caveat the request with what airframe can best make the mission happen. Different types of munitions are better situated for different targets. In this case, what was needed was an F-14 with precision-guided bombs.  These bombs can work in conjunction with the Special Operations Forces Laser Marker. The marker provides a Controller with the capability to locate and designate targets. Note:  The above film strip is from an old Russian Documentary, but it represents the type mission's Combat Controllers are accomplishing.  However, the narritive is correct and the men are in real danger.  I want everyone to understand, "This Is Not A Game"