Operation Laser Strike
Pacullpa, Peru
1996
Operation Laser Strike was a counter narcotics operation headed up by Southern Command  in Panama. Commanded by Major Bob Cole and Master Sergeant Chris Diggons, units from 2d Marine Division (2d SRIG & 7th Comm Bn.) and 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MACG-28, MACS-6, MWCS-28, 2d LAAD, MASS-2, & MTACS-28) were ordered to Pacullpa, Peru in April, 1996. The GO/NO GO games lasted until August before we finally went. We headed to Howard AFB in Panama to stage out of (directly attached to the Air Force's 612th Tactical Aircraft Group) and flew to Peru in a combination of Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Southern Air Transport (?) C-130s during the first week. Once we got there we all got busy setting up equipment and building fighting positions. We were assisted by host nation air control liaison and our security was augmented by Peruvian Air Force (FAP), all under the command of Comandante Oviedo. Our mission was to integrate into an air, land, and sea radar surveillance command and control system to identify airborne narco traffickers.
                                                                        
                        Me at the front gate.                                                                                                                                    Me at security post #1.

            Me and HM3Volbrecht in front of the chow hall.                                                                                          Utilities Section.

                        GySgt Roberto Quinones & me in the Compound.                  GySgt Quinones & me receiving awards from Maj Bob Cole & MSgt Chris Diggons.

                                                   Comm Section                                                                                                          Hootches
                                                                         
              AN/TPS-59 Surveillance Radar                                                                                                             Deluxe Accommodations, Field Expedient Urinal.