Call Sign Extortion 17

Call Sign Extortion 17 examines the events surrounding the deadliest incident in U.S. Navy SEAL history - the 2011 helicopter crash in Afghanistan that claimed 31 American lives. Former U.S. Navy JAG Officer Don Brown reconstructs the mission and subsequent investigation through declassified military records and extensive research. The book provides context about the heightened military operations in Afghanistan during this period and details about the specialized units involved, including SEAL Team Six. Brown analyzes the mission planning, operational decisions, and battlefield conditions that preceded the fatal Chinook helicopter flight. Through investigation records and interviews, the narrative traces questions about equipment choices, tactical decisions, and the official explanations provided to the families of the fallen servicemembers. The book maintains a focused examination of the documented evidence while respecting operational security requirements. The work stands as both a military investigation and a tribute to the sacrifices of elite special operations forces, raising important questions about transparency and accountability in modern warfare.

Readers describe this as a detailed investigation into the 2011 helicopter crash that killed 31 American special operations personnel in Afghanistan. Many cite Brown's military background and research as lending credibility to his analysis. Positive reviews focus on: - Clear presentation of technical and military details - Exposure of potential military protocol failures - Documentation supporting claims of negligence - Military families praising the quest for answers Critical reviews mention: - Some assertions lack conclusive proof - Occasional repetitive sections - Political bias in certain chapters - Complex military terminology can be hard to follow Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.7/5 (800+ reviews) Goodreads: 4.2/5 (400+ ratings) One military parent wrote: "Finally someone is asking the hard questions about what really happened." A critical reviewer noted: "Makes valid points about command failures but sometimes stretches to find conspiracy where simple human error may exist."

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🎯 The Chinook helicopter (call sign "Extortion 17") was struck by Taliban fighters just three months after SEAL Team Six's successful mission against Osama bin Laden. 🏅 Author Don Brown served as an officer in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps and has written multiple military-themed books, bringing his legal and military expertise to this investigation. ⚔️ The mission was a "quick reaction force" response to support Army Rangers who were engaged in a firefight with Taliban forces, a common but dangerous type of operation in Afghanistan. 📊 The book reveals that the helicopter was not equipped with a black box recorder, which complicated the subsequent investigation and left many questions unanswered. 🎖️ Among the fallen warriors were 17 members of the prestigious SEAL Team Six, marking the largest loss of life in the unit's history since its formation in 1980.