Riddick, Travis William

Master Sergeant Travis William Riddick served with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMH-363), part of Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. His unit, known as the 'Red Lions,' operated CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters, a workhorse aircraft used for transporting troops and equipment.

According to Marine Corps records, Riddick deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. His service reportedly included deployments to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Horn of Africa.

On January 19, 2012, Riddick died in Helmand province, a southern region that was a focal point of intense combat between coalition forces and insurgents. The province was a major center of opium production and a Taliban stronghold throughout the conflict.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced his death the following day, stating he died while supporting combat operations. No further details about the specific incident were released in initial announcements. His death was recorded in the Defense Casualty Analysis System on the day it occurred.

Riddick was 40 years old at the time of his death, a senior non-commissioned officer with significant experience. He was a native of Centerville, Iowa.

Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan formally concluded in December 2014, transitioning to the follow-on mission Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Riddick's death occurred in the war's later years, as U.S. forces began drawing down while continuing counterinsurgency operations.

Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan in which MSgt Riddick served, concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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