Eli Shaw

Veteran. Hacker. Writer. #DeceptionProtocol | Querying 2026

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

I’ve worked alongside the best NSW has to offer — operators and support alike. Learned from the most gifted hackers and security experts. Now those lessons become fiction that could fill tomorrow’s headlines.

Deception Protocol

[Jack Carr @JackCarrUSA]

At 11:18am on October 12, 2000, a small boat pulled alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Cole in Aden Harbor, Yemen. After waving to the sailors on deck, the crew of the smaller boat detonated an explosive shaped charge estimated at 200-300 kg, killing themselves and seventeen U.S. sailors onboard the USS Cole. 

Costing close to two-billion dollars and designed in the 1980s to counter the Soviet threat, this symbol of U.S. military power and technological superiority was nearly sunk by a non-state actor for a relatively small investment of resources. The attack on the USS Cole was a victory for bin Laden and al-Qaeda, attracting funds and recruits to the cause. As with previous attacks on U.S. military assets and civilians abroad, the U.S. did not respond. Bin Laden had issued “fatwās” declaring war on America in 1996 and 1998 and had attacked the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. The United States failed to realize it was already at war. That realization would come on a sunny Tuesday morning less than a year later on September 11, 2001.

For more on the attack on the USS Cole, read FRONT BURNER by Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret) @KirkLippold .

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@JackCarrUSA I remember this well. Our ship had just been in port days earlier. When we heard the news we were in shock. I was a young sailor at the time—it was an eye opener for me of the dangers we faced then, and that our men and women in service still face today.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@LeeGimenez It feels like yesterday when I wore the uniform. In many cases I wish it was. I’m proud of those who served and are serving now.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

Sometimes it’s nice just to just go into a bookstore. Feel the pages. Discover what is new.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@BradThor I do. A teammate let me read his copy while in Afghanistan. It was a great read, even through the sounds of motors outside. I got hooked after that book and always made sure I had the latest Harvath book when deployed.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@JackCarrUSA @BornPrimitive I ordered a pair for my wife. Great shoe with a great purpose.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@Osint613 Sensory overload…in a good way.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@Osint613 That first step off the ship in Thailand hits different when you’ve been out there a while.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@CBSNews First deployment we pulled into Pattaya. I was 19. Glad they get the experience.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

The USS Abraham Lincoln just pulled into Pattaya, Thailand.

My first deployment, we stopped there. I was barely 19. It feels like a lifetime ago.

Through research and memory, I went back to Thailand in Deception Protocol.

To the men and women of the Lincoln—enjoy the port call.

#DeceptionProtocol #amwriting #thriller

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@KatiePavlich This is fantastic news! I just wish it was sooner. I pray he recovers quickly.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@KatiePavlich Thank you for covering this. It’s important these warriors are not forgotten.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@BrianCDickinson @SpecWarAirmen @RealNavySEALs Appreciate you sharing about CPO (SEAL) Houston.
The personal reflections today hit hard. Respect to the brotherhood you shared.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@Johnny_Joey “Discomfort is a blessing when you shouldn’t be alive to feel it.”

Powerful.

Semper Fi from a Navy brother.

[Navy SEAL Foundation @NavySEALfnd]

On August 6, 2026, we mark 15 years since the tragic loss of Extortion 17. On this day in 2011, 30 American servicemen and a U.S. military dog lost their lives when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter—call sign Extortion 17—was shot down in Afghanistan. This event remains the greatest single loss of life for Naval Special Warfare.

Please take a moment and pause to honor and remember these heroes and their families.

Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Aaron C. Vaughn
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Brian R. Bill
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Christopher G. Campbell
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Darrik C. Benson
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Heath M. Robinson
Information Systems Technician 1st Class (TECH) Jared W. Day
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Jason R. Workman
Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman
Master At Arms 1st Class (TECH) John Douangdara
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) John W. Faas
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Jon T. Tumilson
Lieutenant Commander (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Kevin A. Houston
Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD) Kraig M. K. Vickers
Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Louis J. Langlais
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Matthew D. Mason
Cryptologic Technician Collections 1st Class (TECH) Michael J. Strange
Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD) Nicholas H. Null
Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class (SEAL) Nicholas P. Spehar
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Stephen M. Mills
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Thomas A. Ratzlaff

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

There are a few moments I still remember exactly where I was when the news broke.

August 6, 2011 was one of them.

Remember.

Extortion 17

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@HackingDave Drove past the old Circuit City lot tonight (now an empty lot). First cell phone came from that store. Feels like a different era.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@JackCarrUSA “Busy Days” is an understatement for many in 2005-2006, especially those operating out of Virginia Beach. Definitely some memories from that period. I’ll be checking out Matt’s book, thanks for sharing.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@thegunsreport01 17 feels better in my hands but I shoot my 19 way more often.

[Eli Shaw @OfficialEliShaw]

@fred_burton @BradThor @bentleydonb I was introduced to Brad Thor and Vince Flynn many years ago while in Afghanistan. These are absolutely on my list!