Photo credit: 9/11 Memorial staff
Accession Number: C.2023.43.1
Dimensions: 22 in X 27.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 55.88 cm X 69.85 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 55.88 cm X 69.85 cm
Source: Greg Galassi
Credit Line: Gift of Gregory Galassi
Description
Art print depicting the painting by Susan Tobey White titled Exfil, commemorating Operation Neptune Spear. The print depicts the interior of the MH47 Chinook helicopter loaded with the mission’s operatives, including passengers from the disabled Blackhawk, as they leave Pakistan following the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. The soldiers are wearing special camouflage gear and tactical night-vision helmets. No one's face is visible. At the bottom of the print are signatures as well as printed text that reads:
"Exfil" | 1 May 2011 | Culminating a ten-year man hunt, Operation Neptune Spear was the final mission in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. The daring raid, executed with extraordinary courage and capability by a small group of elite Special Operation Warriors. Titled "Exfil," the painting depicts an MH47 loaded with the crew and passengers of the highly modified Blackhawk, which crash landed during the early stages of the raid. The image represents the commitment of these warriors, living a creed in which they dedicate themselves to accomplish the impossible and never leave a comrade behind. Their success in both on this night honors the legacy of all that have gone before them. | Avenging the attacks of September 11, 2001, these men will forever be remembered for their gallantry | For God and Country | Geronimo.
Art print depicting the painting by Susan Tobey White titled Exfil, commemorating Operation Neptune Spear. The print depicts the interior of the MH47 Chinook helicopter loaded with the mission’s operatives, including passengers from the disabled Blackhawk, as they leave Pakistan following the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. The soldiers are wearing special camouflage gear and tactical night-vision helmets. No one's face is visible. At the bottom of the print are signatures as well as printed text that reads:
"Exfil" | 1 May 2011 | Culminating a ten-year man hunt, Operation Neptune Spear was the final mission in the hunt for Osama bin Laden. The daring raid, executed with extraordinary courage and capability by a small group of elite Special Operation Warriors. Titled "Exfil," the painting depicts an MH47 loaded with the crew and passengers of the highly modified Blackhawk, which crash landed during the early stages of the raid. The image represents the commitment of these warriors, living a creed in which they dedicate themselves to accomplish the impossible and never leave a comrade behind. Their success in both on this night honors the legacy of all that have gone before them. | Avenging the attacks of September 11, 2001, these men will forever be remembered for their gallantry | For God and Country | Geronimo.
Historical Notes
Two helicopters piloted by Army aviators transported 23 SEALs, an interpreter, and a combat dog to carry out the raid. It was dubbed Operation Neptune Spear, a nod to the U.S. Navy SEAL insignia.
On May 1, 2011, at 10:30 p.m. local time, the team took off from a U.S. base in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Two additional helicopters followed into Pakistan with extra fuel and a backup force.
Arriving at the compound, one helicopter became unstable, forcing a hard landing inside the compound. The team of SEALs onboard were safe, and the mission continued. At the compound’s guesthouse, SEALs killed Osama bin Laden’s primary courier, Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti, in a firefight. In the main building, SEALs killed the second courier and his wife on the first floor and bin Laden’s son, Khalid, who was armed, on the second-floor landing. They killed Osama bin Laden in his third-floor bedroom, where he was found with at least one weapon nearby.
Two helicopters piloted by Army aviators transported 23 SEALs, an interpreter, and a combat dog to carry out the raid. It was dubbed Operation Neptune Spear, a nod to the U.S. Navy SEAL insignia.
On May 1, 2011, at 10:30 p.m. local time, the team took off from a U.S. base in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Two additional helicopters followed into Pakistan with extra fuel and a backup force.
Arriving at the compound, one helicopter became unstable, forcing a hard landing inside the compound. The team of SEALs onboard were safe, and the mission continued. At the compound’s guesthouse, SEALs killed Osama bin Laden’s primary courier, Abu Ahmad al-Kuwaiti, in a firefight. In the main building, SEALs killed the second courier and his wife on the first floor and bin Laden’s son, Khalid, who was armed, on the second-floor landing. They killed Osama bin Laden in his third-floor bedroom, where he was found with at least one weapon nearby.
