Reverse Dignified Transfers

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. William Webb
  • 436th Aerial Port Squadron commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  This article is intended to give you a view behind the scenes of a mission performed by a proud group of professionals that happens all too frequently, and couldn't happen anywhere but Dover.

Dover Air Force Base, Del., is home to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center and the Department of Defense's sole Port Mortuary. Our nation's fallen warriors are all brought to AFMAO from overseas.

After arrival, the fallen receive a Dignified Transfer from their aircraft to a vehicle. The DT ensures dignity, honor and respect are afforded to the fallen. This solemn event is usually attended by family, sometimes the media, and officiated by a colonel from the base and a senior officer from the fallen member's service. The DT Carry Teams are from the fallen member's branch of service and AFMAO.

A similar event occurs when the fallen leave. Many of the fallen depart Dover by a commercial contract aircraft to their final destination. Prior to departure, there is a Reverse Dignified Transfer from vehicle to aircraft. From January 2007 until June 2010, RDTs were performed by a hand-selected crew from the 436th Aerial Port Squadron.

In June 2010, when AFMAO had gained full strength with active and reserve personnel tasked with Temporary Duty Assignments to Dover on Air Expeditionary Force rotations, they took over the mission and performed both DTs and RDTs. Dover squadron commanders officiate RDTs on a rotating weekly schedule. In December 2010, AFMAO requested the 436th Airlift Wing to resume performing the RDTs. 436 APS and the AFMAO Carry Team immediately began training a new hand-selected team.

On Jan. 17, aerial port resumed RDT Carry Team duties. In February, the 436th Maintenance Group plans to begin providing manpower so the RDT Carry Team can begin incorporating maintainers and aerial porters from all of the maintenance group squadrons.

I am very proud to be able to help pay final respects on behalf of Dover to those who have fallen in service to our country.

Our country owes our fallen warriors a debt that can never be repaid, but our squadron commanders and 436 MXG Carry Team ensure they depart here with dignity, honor and respect.