Aerial reconnaissance
A head-count on the far side of the river revealed that Lance-Corporal Ford was missing. Aerial reconnaissance images from an Apache showed that he was still within the fort. A rescue attempt was mounted, an Apache pilot suggesting an alternative to another land attack: two Apaches would carry a handful of Marines, riding on the outside of the helos, each on one of the stub-wing weapons pylons. Although not a regular tactic, the pylons are strong, have tie-down points fitted and are recognised for use with casevac or impromptu cargo moves.