USMC Captain Earl Ehrhart V, an AV-8B Harrier pilot attached to VMM 162 26th MEU SOC, receives signals during flight operations aboard USS Bataan, December 26, 2023. (Image source: DVIDS)
In the choppy waters and unpredictable skies above the Red Sea, there’s a Marine who’s making waves in a way that hasn’t been seen since the smoke of Vietnam cleared.
Captain Earl Ehrhart V, flying his AV-8B Harrier with the precision of a scalpel, is on the cusp of etching his name into the annals of aerial combat history.
This isn’t your everyday pilot story; it’s the stuff of legend, with Ehrhart sitting at seven confirmed drone kills since the cold days of December 2023.
The man’s not just flying; he’s rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be an ace in the age of unmanned combat.
Guardian of the Seas
Stationed aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5) with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Ehrhart’s been the guardian angel for maritime traffic in the US Fifth Fleet’s patch of sea.
These aren’t just any drones he’s swatting from the skies; they’re Houthi unmanned machines intent on seeding chaos and disruption.
It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, with Ehrhart and his Harrier leading the charge.
AV-8B Harrier takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (Image source: DVIDS)
AV-8B Harrier: A New Breed of Ace
The Harrier, a beast known for its VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capabilities, has proven to be the perfect steed for this modern-day knight.
In the choppy waters and unpredictable skies above the Red Sea, there’s a Marine who’s making waves in a way that hasn’t been seen since the smoke of Vietnam cleared.
Captain Earl Ehrhart V, flying his AV-8B Harrier with the precision of a scalpel, is on the cusp of etching his name into the annals of aerial combat history.
This isn’t your everyday pilot story; it’s the stuff of legend, with Ehrhart sitting at seven confirmed drone kills since the cold days of December 2023.
The man’s not just flying; he’s rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be an ace in the age of unmanned combat.
Guardian of the Seas
Stationed aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5) with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Ehrhart’s been the guardian angel for maritime traffic in the US Fifth Fleet’s patch of sea.
These aren’t just any drones he’s swatting from the skies; they’re Houthi unmanned machines intent on seeding chaos and disruption.
It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, with Ehrhart and his Harrier leading the charge.
AV-8B Harrier takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (Image source: DVIDS)
AV-8B Harrier: A New Breed of Ace
The Harrier, a beast known for its VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capabilities, has proven to be the perfect steed for this modern-day knight.
As the conflict near Gaza escalated, with Hamas and the Houthis turning the Red Sea into a zone of contention, Ehrhart’s mission morphed from routine patrols to critical defense operations.
With his bird loaded for drone hunting, Ehrhart took to the skies, a sentinel in the face of adversity.
Insight from the Front
The man’s not just about action; he’s got a head on his shoulders, too.
Speaking to the BBC in a story published on February 12, Ehrhart laid bare the complexities of facing a foe like the Houthis—a reminder that underestimating your enemy is the first step towards defeat.
“I never imagined I was going to be doing this when we launched,” Ehrhart told the correspondent, later noting how the militants were firing at them with “a lot of suicide attack drones” and clearly “a robust and capable force.”
It’s this blend of vigilance, skill, and readiness that’s kept him and his comrades a step ahead in a dance that’s as deadly as it is delicate.
“They are shooting at us all the time, so we need to be even more focused. Our systems need to be primed so we can stay safe,” Ehrhart added.
Redefining Valor
Now, let’s talk brass tacks. In the drone age, what’s an ace?
Traditionally, it’s a title reserved for those with five or more kills in aerial combat. By that count,
Ehrhart’s already there, with a couple to spare.
Yet, in a world where dogfights are replaced by drone strikes, his legacy might just redefine what it means to dominate the skies.
This story isn't getting near the attention that it should. The Return of the American Ace – https://t.co/AEaTnS8ukH
The significance of Ehrhart’s potential ace status is monumental, echoing the feats of Vietnam War heroes like Randy “Duke” Cunningham and Steve Ritchie.
It’s a stark reminder of the evolving face of warfare, where the enemy is often a blip on a screen rather than a pilot in a cockpit.
Yet, the courage, skill, and determination remain the same, a testament to the enduring spirit of the fighter pilot.
A Unified Force
Nestled within the ranks of the 26th MEU, based out of North Carolina, Ehrhart’s tale is more than just his own.
It’s a chapter in the broader narrative of the USMC’s adaptability and prowess, showcasing a force ready to meet the multifaceted challenges of today’s combat environments.
From the ground combat element to the aviation and logistics teams, it’s a unit defined by its capability to respond, adapt, and overcome.
As Captain Ehrhart continues his watch over the Red Sea, his story is far from over.
Whether or not he’s officially crowned an ace in this new era of warfare, his impact is undeniable.
In the face of emerging threats and shifting battlefields, Ehrhart and his comrades stand as pillars of strength, skill, and resilience.
It’s a narrative that transcends individual accolades, embodying the collective might and spirit of the Marine Corps.
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Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
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