Following this act, Sheppard was put on trial for disobeying orders and damaging property belonging to the United States Air Force due to the helicopter being shot and a near crash landing following the rescue. Cortez was able to put a stop to the trial by delivering an affidavit to Judge Vance which stated that Sheppard was to keep his rank and flight privileges, his only punishment being a transfer to McMurdo Air Force Base. This decision was made due to intelligence gathered by the Rangers which Sheppard rescued. (SGA: "Flipside")