Bosnia & Scott O’Grady December 2, 2011
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: maritime piracy, Maritime Security, Scott OGrady, USMC
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I recently came across a former Marine Reservist who was claiming to have helped save Captain Scott O’Grady. To remind everyone, Scott O’Grady was the F16 pilot who was shot down in Bosnia in 1995. He evaded capture for a week or so and was rescued by the Marines.
I read this bio and thought…”this doesn’t seem right”. As any military vet from any service can tell you, it is often not too difficult to pick out a fraud. Anyhow, he claims to have helped save Scott O’Grady in 1995 while with the 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable (MEU SOC). Here is where the story breaks down.
Marines deploy in MEUs. In short, a battalion of Marines and their support will jump on ships and float around either the Mediterranean or Western Pacific (or elsewhere) for about 6 months at a time doing training or supporting missions. It is a way of life in the Fleet Marine Force. Your world revolves around ‘floats’. So, the 22 MEU floated from Oct 20, 1994 – April 15, 1995. They were replaced by the 24 MEU. It just so happens that I served with the MEU CO and Battalion SGTMajor in Somalia in the previous deployment of the 24 MEU. Captain Scott O’Grady was rescued in June, 1995 by the 24 MEU as Colonel Burndt was the CO. In short, the 22 MEU was back home on leave when Scott O’Grady was rescued. More bizarre is I have a picture taken in Hawaii while doing amphibious exercises in June, 1995. I question how he could have been in K Bay with the unit during the day and then rescuing Scott O’Grady in Bosnia at night? Maybe I am simply not ‘high speed’ enough to understand.
In today’s world, there are many people who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are others who want to appear ‘larger than life’ and will attempt to embellish their records to achieve some level of ‘credibility’. Always question the military service of the person with whom you are speaking. You may find out that it is not quite what has been told.
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 
Isn’t that the truth. We all have sat on airplanes next to some folks who love to embellish stories about how they are running the roads and dodging the bullets, real super-hero types. Let them talk………..it all comes back to them and not in a good way.
Wouldn’t you tell some stories too if you “washed the clothes” for operators on base and knew they were running around out in red zone with weapons? ha ha It is so funny when someone would ask, Yall go outside the wire? ha ha YES, that is how personal security details get paid. We take clients to venues, in a safe fashion, and provide 360 security for them while they conduct their business wherever, then return them to their camp or base.
Semper Fi Bro!
Train hard, expect success!
Amen Brother!!
Unfortunately that is the way of the world, many posers wish they were heroes or simply believe they are. In truth had I been a part of that operation or any operation for that matter, there is no purpose to discuss it with others who were not there. When asked, I have a standard response, lie, deny, and, don’t admit, in other words, what are you talking about, I have no idea, you are asking the wrong guy… While I have much pride for the services I have performed for my nation, beyond my superior’s, it is no ones business.
On a completely seperate note, can anyone assist me with the most effective method to obtain port agent charges for anti-piracy operations for ports in or near high risk waters for the GOA and Red Sea. I would be grateful for any assistance with this matter.
[…] seemingly accurate military speak and stories. One individual actually tried to claim credit for rescuing Scott O’Grady. It so happened I was a little more familiar with that particular event than the person […]