On August 6th of 2011, Taliban insurgents killed 30 American servicemen, including 17 Navy SEALs, making it the largest single day loss of life in naval special warfare history and the largest single day loss of life during the war in Afghanistan. The events that unfolded that night are commonly referred to as Extortion 17, which is the call sign for the helicopter transporting the special operations personnel. We are here today at the request of many of the families of the fallen heroes aboard Extortion 17 to obtain answers to their questions where answers can be found. The committee has performed an extensive review of almost 2,000 pages of unclassified material related to Extortion 17, the committee has also met with independent sources with direct and indirect knowledge of the facts surrounding Extortion 17. This hearing also serves to honor the 30 American servicemen aboard Extortion 17 and their families. The committee will be specifically looking into whether the remains of U.S. personnel were treated with the proper respect they deserve, and whether Department of Defense procedures were followed and whether they are sufficient. Every fallen hero deserves to be treated with the proper amount of dignity and respect.