Mike Durant

And so we're over the ocean.

We're not far over the ocean, but we're right there watching.

And I'm like, okay, when's the Apache going to take this freaking guy out because these 130s are coming in.

And, you know, it's just firing into the air.

And the Apache comes on the radio and says, we're returned to base.

We got mechanical problems.

And 60 Minutes actually did a show on this.

The Apache was brand new.

It's a great helicopter.

I'm not bashing the aircraft.

Anytime you feel new capability, you're going to encounter stuff that just didn't get tested thoroughly enough, or the requirements were slightly off.

I think primarily it was a humidity issue with the Apaches because it's obviously very humid in Panama.

But I know there was also a vibration issue where when they turned the turret gun, which is a 30 millimeter, it was creating vibration that was popping breakers, I think.

Again, I don't know 100% sure, but all I can tell you is they mission aborted like right after we got there.

And I have one regret.

Actually, I have a couple.

We should have just maneuvered our Blackhawk in and shot the shit out of that AAA gun.

Because it's mechanically driven.

It's not a ZSU-23-4 that's got electric motors that could just, you know, and then take us out.

It's a guy cranking this freaking thing.