Team Dover prevails through horrific event

  • Published
  • By Col. Chad T. Manske
  • 436th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover prevailed through a horrific event Monday, when one of our aircraft crash-landed short of the runway. Shortly after 6:42 a.m., our base was catapulted into the world's media attention. As all three of us rushed to the Crisis Action Team meeting location to coordinate the response of emergency personnel, we were overcome with awe and respect for our Airmen and local emergency responders. They rescued the injured, secured the scene, and protected lives and property. Both military and local communities bonded together to rush to the aide of our injured comrades and to protect our valuable Air Force assets from any further damage.

All we can say is "wow!" We watched as your training kicked in and you all set about your duties with incredible dedication and professionalism. All those many hours spent during Major Accident Response Exercises in the past paid huge dividends as personnel and equipment rapidly mobilized to respond to this catastrophic event. From the Airmanship of the crew, to the immediate emergency response efforts, to the rapid security of the scene, to all our support and maintenance specialties that mobilized to lend their help, we were so proud to be members of this great Team Dover organization!

The support showed by our civilian communities was also overwhelming as they rushed to our assistance. Fire, rescue and police from all over the county and state sped to provide whatever assistance they could render.

Our thoughts, support and prayers go out to all the injured crew and passengers aboard the aircraft, and we wish them all a speedy recovery.

Of course, now the process of determining the cause and reason for the accident begins. We ask you all for your patience, as this process takes time and effort to get the proper answers to all the possible questions. To ensure the investigation proceeds with fact and not speculation, please be careful about what you say and to whom you talk concerning the accident itself. Practice good Operational Security; be mindful that speculation and rumor can actually interfere with the investigation of the accident.

We can't say it enough times that we are exceedingly proud to call Dover AFB home! You have set a precedent where the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings are definitely on the "First Team." You have showed us how a base can come together - professionally. The expertise and training exhibited under the most trying event that any Air Force base can experience prove you are among the best.

Again, thank you Team Dover and community partners for your professionalism in the face of great adversity - it definitely proved to us why you are the best at what you do! Through the days and weeks ahead, keep up your hard work and dedication - you are all heroes in our book!