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American hero visits America’s AOC

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Andrew Scott
  • 601st AOC PA
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  A former captive of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, or FARC, paid a visit to the 601st Air and Space Operations Center here recently and spoke to AOC members about his five-and-a-half-years in captivity.

"When I was taken into captivity, no one had ever really heard of iPods," said Keith Stansell, survivor of FARC imprisonment. "To visit this AOC and see the capabilities and improvements since I was taken captive is amazing."

His tour included the center's operations floor, which monitors all of the air traffic in the Continental United States, and discussions with the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division.

Stansell's time at the AOC also included an opportunity to talk with military members of all branches. During an informal lunch, Stansell spent time sharing stories, after which he delivered a presentation depicting his years in captivity, from his plane crash in February 2003 to his rescue in July 2008.

"It was an honor to have Keith visit us and share his story with our folks," said Col. Sheila Jimenez, ISR Division chief. "We can learn a lot from his experiences and his words served as a reminder of why we wear the uniform."

Working for U.S. Southern Command as a contractor, Stansell was a part of small team of pilots and technicians that would locate targets associated with the illegal drug trade.

Stansell, along with four others, was on a drug surveillance mission over the southern jungles of Colombia when their single engine Cessna plane crashed in FARC territory on Feb. 13, 2003. The pilot and one other member of Stansell's crew were killed by FARC gunmen.

"When we first were taken captive I had a few broken ribs, and a fellow hostage had a large gash on his forehead," said Stansell. "For days we were forced to march deep into the jungle with no medical attention."

On July 2, 2008, after more than 5 years years in captivity, Stansell, the two other American hostages, Ingrid Betancourt (former Colombian presidential candidate), and 11 other members of the Colombian security forces were rescued in a military operation called Checkmate. Disguised as humanitarian aid workers, Colombian army agents convinced the FARC to load the hostages aboard a helicopter. Not a single shot was fired as the helicopter left the jungle flying them to safety.

Navy Adm. James Stavridis, then commander of U.S. Southern Command, awarded the Secretary of Defense's Medal for the Defense of Freedom to Stansell and his two fellow hostages on March 12, 2009.

America's AOC is responsible for detecting, deterring, defending, and if necessary defeating any aviation threat to the citizens of the United States and to U.S. critical infrastructure.

"This AOC screams capability -- when you walk in, you understand," said Stansell. "It represents a command on the cutting edge."

For more information on America's AOC and their mission visit www.facebook.com/AmericasAOC and log on to become a fan today.