WAAY to broadcast program on Battle of Mogadishu

HUNTSVILLE – A story on the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu is airing Friday on WAAY-TV, the station announced.  

The Battle of Mogadishu took place Oct. 3-4, 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia during the Somali Civil War. The battle claimed the lives of 18 American soldiers with 73 others wounded. It was the deadliest battle involving American troops since the Vietnam War.

The program, “Look Back, Don’t Stare: The Battle of Mogadishu 30 Years Later,” will be broadcast Tuesday on WAAY’s digital platform. The station is airing the program Friday at 4 p.m. on its broadcast and streaming platforms.

“It’s an incredible honor to share this story,” said evening anchor Marie Waxel. “This project serves as our way to ensure their sacrifices and history are never forgotten.”

The program features Mike Durant of Huntsville, who wrote about the battle in his book “In the Company of Heroes.”

Also featured are retired Master Sgt. Norman Hooten of Delta Force; retired CW5 and Black Hawk pilot Dan Jollota; retired Maj. Jeff Struecker, 75th Ranger Regiment; retired Lt. Col. Jane Jollota, 9th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment; and Sharri Briley, Gold Star wife of
“Super 61” pilot CW3 Donovan Briley

“We’re honored that those involved in this historic event entrusted Marie to share their incredible story,” said WAAY 31 Vice President/General Manager, Mike Wright. “We believe Marie is the best to compile this information; her integrity and high journalistic standards are respected by WAAY and by those who served.”