In this episode of the Tango Tango podcast, host Lloyd Knight sits down with retired Army Colonel John Thompson, a veteran Night Stalker and one of the mission leads behind the historic raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. John takes listeners deep inside the operations of Task Force 160, the U.S. Army’s elite special operations aviation unit, sharing the mindset, logistics, and extraordinary preparation that went into one of the most consequential missions in modern history.

John also opens up about his upbringing as a Gold Star son, his roots in Georgia, and how a letter from his late father shaped the path of a 30-year military career. From a busted wrist before flight school to leading elite helicopter assault teams in Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and ultimately Abbottabad—John’s journey is a testament to grit, humility, and excellence under pressure.

This episode isn’t just about one mission. It’s about the decades of leadership, sacrifice, and quiet service that made that mission possible.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:16) John Thompson's background and early life

(02:34) Military career beginnings

(07:45) Flight school challenges and experiences

(18:26) Deployment to Germany and Desert Storm

(26:52) Return to Germany and Fort Knox assignment

(30:07) Transition to Fort Campbell

(34:06) Special Operations recruitment

(36:05) Joining the Night Stalkers

(38:15) The unique nature of Special Operations Forces

(38:50) Introduction to the Little Bird helicopter

(39:43) The Night Stalkers and their night missions

(40:34) Career path leading to the Bin Laden raid

(42:25) Commanding in Iraq and Afghanistan

(51:40) The call from Admiral McRaven

(53:04) Planning the Bin Laden mission

(01:04:18) Executing the mission

(01:13:37) Challenges during the raid

(01:17:25) Aftermath and celebrations

(01:19:41) Returning home and reflections

Additional Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Tango Tango: https://supplychainnow.com/program/tango-tango 
• Learn more about our hosts: https://supplychainnow.com/about 
• Connect with Lloyd Knight: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydknight
• Connect with John Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thompson-bb577140/ 
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk

Tango Tango is proudly sponsored by Supply Chain Now. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/night-stalkers-bin-laden-raid-1tt2