News

AFMAO to become Field Operating Agency

  • Published
  • AFMAO Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Air Force officials announced the establishment of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations as a Field Operating Agency today aligning the activity directly
under Headquarters Air Force leadership.

In January 2014, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2014 authorized the stand-up of the FOA which Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James approved Feb. 14.

"Aligning AFMAO directly under Headquarters Air Force reinforces the operational value of our mission in supporting all our nation's fallen including active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines as well as guardsmen, reservists and civilians," said Col. John Devillier, AFMAO commander.

The unique mission of AFMAO does not fit within the mission of any of the Air Force major commands. The sensitivity and uniqueness of the mission to provide dignity, honor and respect to fallen service members and care, service and support to their families sets the operation apart from any other military unit.

"This permanent command relationship allows for a direct chain of command to the most senior Air Force leadership, further underlying the success of our no-fail mission," added Devillier.

The new construct combines operational and personnel decisions under one command with mission execution authority by the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force. Transition to a FOA allows for Air Force leaders' direct control when contingency situations warrant immediate action.

As this realignment transpires, AFMAO is scheduled to be inactivated as a named activity and stood up as a FOA May 1.

For more information, contact AFMAO Public Affairs at 302-677-2275 or afmao.pa@us.af.mil.