# @airforcespecialtactics on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJLPDYgsoc
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/17641621-airforcespecialtactics-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/fd9aff5323.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-04-17T16:06:49.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Air Force Special Tactics (@airforcespecialtactics) — https://gondola.cc/airforcespecialtactics

## Caption

#ICYMI Last week one of our very own was the focus of 'Stories of Service'. Tsgt Cam Kelsh was featured because of his heroic actions during a 2018 deployment in support of #OperationEnduringFreedom.

Story below:

Some missions require exceedingly specialized skills and knowledge to be successful in highly contested environments. To win in these environments, highly trained battlefield Airmen embed with #Army, #Navy and #Marine units to provide lethal airpower in the fight.
During a deployment in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Resolute Support, one such #AirForceSpecialWarfare #TACP Specialist Tech. Sgt. Cam Kelsch, put years of training and preparation into action by providing guided precision strike airpower as close as 35 meters away to turn the tide of battle against an overwhelming enemy ambush.
In the span of six hours, with no regard for his own safety, he stepped into heavy enemy fire, and directed dozens of 40 mm and 105 mm rounds, two 500-lbs. bombs and saved the life of a wounded teammate … even after being shot himself in the chest plate.
Kelsch, alongside Army Rangers and Afghan special forces, were directed to find a high-value target in enemy-held territory. With clear skies and the moon’s illumination sitting high at 90%, Kelsch’s team made first contact with enemy forces outside of the target compound.
According to Kelsch, the contact resulted in a small firefight that quickly neutralized the enemy.
As the team successfully secured the target compound and interdicted the targeted individual, the force continued to encounter small enemy forces. Intelligence gathered during the operation within the compound led Kelsch and his team to believe there was a second high-value target nearby.
Due to the brightness of the night, Kelsch utilized the oversight of an AC-130-U “Spooky” gunship to develop a low-profile route for the assault force to maneuver to the next target compound: a creek bed with a 1-foot-wide path.
“When we were down in the creek bed, it was pitch black because we were covered in trees, and there were high walls on either side of us,” Kelsch said.
Then … chaos.

Story continued in first comment.

#SpecialTactics

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,124
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- **Comments:** 17

## Tags

marine, army, icymi, operationenduringfreedom, navy, tacp, specialtactics, airforcespecialwarfare

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