Air Guard flyover to honor Tuskegee Airman’s burial at Arlington Cemetery

113th Wing report

WASHINGTON  – Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Luke J. Weathers, Jr., a famed Tuskegee Airman decorated with multiple medals in World War II, will be buried Friday at Arlington National Cemetery.

The 113th Wing, dubbed the ‘Capital Guardians’ from Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington, will perform a four-jet flyover to honor the life and service of Weathers.

A Congressional Gold Medal recipient who shot down two German Fighters, Weathers’ story is highlighted - along with dozens of other Tuskegee Airmen - in the new movie “Red Tails,” which happens to release in theaters the same day of his burial. The movie details the struggles of the all-black unit and their successes in defending aerial tankers in World War II.

“The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated heroes who gave so much for this country,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Johnson, 113th Wing commander. “It is an honor to perform a flyover for this brave American.”

Weathers earned a Distinguished Flying Cross flying P-51 and P-39 fighters, serving from 1942-1945.

The Weathers family shared their thoughts about the upcoming funeral; “Our family is sincerely humbled and thankful for all the hard work many have done throughout our nation in making this final departure for our beloved Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) Luke J. Weathers, Jr., an Original Tuskegee Airmen, a reality."

After retiring, Weathers continued to serve his country by educating younger generations about military service and the Tuskegee bond, speaking at youth aviation day events at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington, among others.

Air Force Investigates and Improves Mortuary Operation

The Air Force announced today that it has completed a year-long investigation of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., and the point of entry for U.S. service members who are killed or die overseas.  The service implemented multiple corrective actions and took action regarding three senior mortuary officials responsible for operations at AFMAO after some employees complained about the handling of certain cases.

The Air Force Inspector General began its investigation in June 2010.  The investigation focused primarily on the handling of remains of four service members.  The Air Force inspector general’s investigation was conducted in coordination with other federal offices and included nearly 50 interviews and an extensive review of mortuary operating procedures.  Investigators found no evidence anyone intentionally mishandled remains, but concluded the mortuary staff failed to maintain accountability while processing portions of remains for three service members.  While it is likely that disposition of remains was by an appropriate method, it could not be shown that it was in accordance with the families’ directions.

Each family received remains of their service member for interment; the staff, however, was not able to ensure additional portions of remains were handled in a manner consistent with the families’ instructions.

The Air Force determined senior AFMAO officials failed to provide proper management and corrective actions when they did not respond appropriately to indications that procedures were inadequate to prevent problems related to the tracking of portions of human remains.

Additionally, the Air Force investigation determined the mortuary staff could have communicated more clearly with the representatives of a sister service about restorative actions taken to prepare the remains of a service member, killed by an improvised explosive device, whose family requested to view him in uniform.  In addition, the investigation found that while there were some deficiencies in administrative procedures, documentation, and electronic record keeping, the processes to which they related were appropriately conducted.  Public health was not endangered.

“The investigation concluded that the mission was always conducted with reverence, dignity, honor and respect for all served through the facility,” said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff.

 “However, the standard is 100 percent accountability in every instance of this important mission.  We can, and will, do better and as a result of the allegations and investigation; our ability to care for our fallen warriors is now stronger,” Schwartz said.  “In fact, throughout the past year new processes have been put in place to ensure the exacting standards are met every time.”

The Air Force has contacted family designated representatives of the four families directly affected and discussed these matters with them personally.

 “It is the AFMAO staff’s mission and obligation to fulfill the nation’s commitment to caring for our fallen service members while also serving and supporting the families of these heroes,” said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley.  “The employees who brought forth their concerns gave the Air Force an opportunity to make the operation of AFMAO better and stronger.  Their initiative allowed us to correct procedures and make long-term improvements to management of Air Force mortuary operations.”

The Air Force has requested, and the Secretary of Defense has directed, an independent assessment of the current overall operations of the Port Mortuary.

An independent panel of the Defense Health Board will evaluate current operations to ensure continued effectiveness of the Port Mortuary.  In addition, the review panel will identify whether the Air Force should be considering or taking any further actions to enhance these operations.

“I want to reassure our men and women in uniform, and the American public, that the Air Force mortuary standards they expect for our fallen heroes are being met,” Schwartz said.

The Dover mortuary’s staff consists of members of all branches of the military, including civilians and reservists.  The staff includes mortuary affairs specialists, morticians and other technical experts.  The staff operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and regularly responds to the trauma of war as staff members prepare the remains of fallen warriors under often-difficult circumstances.  Since 2003, the mortuary center has prepared more than 6,300 deceased individuals for return to their loved ones.

Families of fallen service members may contact the Air Force toll free at 1-855-637-2583 or e-mail at dover.pm@pentagon.af.mil if they have questions about this investigation or Air Force mortuary operations.

For additional information, media should contact Air Force Public Affairs at 703-695-0640 or after hours at 202-528-4929.

Eisenhower Conducts Burial at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rob Rupp, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) gathered to honor the deaths of two former Sailors in a burial at sea ceremony, Aug. 18.

"It was quite the honor to be able to participate in the ceremony and a humbling experience to meld the religious aspects with military honors for the burial," said Lt. Cmdr. Tom Statler, one of IKE's chaplains.

In earlier days, burial at sea was an absolute necessity when a death occurred on board a ship.

Today, it is seldom necessary to bury members at sea, except in time of war. On occasion, naval personnel who die ashore, or naval retirees, request a burial at sea.

These requests are honored whenever possible. Such requests are submitted to the cognizant naval area commander for approval. If authorized, the date of the burial will be determined by the availability of the concerned naval vessel.

"It takes a lot of preparation to conduct a burial at sea," said Statler. "Coordinating this ceremony involved a wide variety of people from the command, such as arranging the honor guard and a firing squad to be there."

The ceremony was composed of religious rites, which consisted of reading scriptures, prayer, the committal and Benediction. Military honors consisted of the firing of three volleys after the Benediction, Taps, and the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the Executive Officer and Command Master Chief, who received it on behalf of the deceased's next of kin.

"The families trust the Navy with the remains of their deceased to carry out their final wishes," said Statler. "Death can be such a great enemy at times, and remembering the life of someone that has passed away can be a great opportunity to bring comfort and joy to the families whom experienced such a significant loss."

Individuals eligible for this program are: active duty members of uniformed services; retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged, U.S. civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command: and dependent family members of active duty personnel, retirees, and veterans of the uniformed services.

Eisenhower is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

Bataan Honors Former Sailors with Burial at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elijah G. Leinaar, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, Atlantic Ocean (NNS) -- Sailors aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) committed 12 former Sailors to their final resting place Feb. 16 during a burial-at-sea ceremony while the ship operated in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Raise the church pennant and lower the colors to half mast," was spoken in a solemn and firm tone over the ship's general announcing system. The ensign was lowered and the burial detail prepared to send their shipmates to the deep.

Burials at sea have been a part of naval tradition from the nation's sea services' beginnings, according to the Naval Historical Center.

"I felt very honored that one of the two I committed today was my father-in-law," said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Benjamin F. Thompson III, part of Bataan's burial detail and the son-in-law of retired Chief Warrant Officer James B. Harris. "It was a big honor to do that. He was committed with at least one [other] WWII veteran today. Last May, my wife and I committed the remains of her grandfather to sea at Pearl Harbor, and now her father."

Thompson had known his father-in-law for nearly 20 years, and his relationship is what influenced his career choice.

"He was a big reason why I joined," said Thompson. "None of my uncles or dad had been in the Navy. I got married to Amy four days after boot camp. My wife was very appreciative that we could get it set up to have the ceremony [on Bataan]. It means everything to her. She wishes she could be here, but she understands and is very happy I could do this for him. They really loved each other and had a close relationship. She felt very strong that this should be done for her father. I'm thankful to the chain of command. It takes a significant amount of time to do this, and I am grateful."

Thompson's wife, along with the families of the other service members honored, will receive a ceremonial folded flag, and the shell casings from the rounds fired during the 21-gun salute. A letter from the captain, a chart listing the latitude and longitude of where the cremains were committed, and still photos of the ceremony will also be provided.

"If they had never served we wouldn't be able to do what we are doing," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Lunar R. Odhiambo. "So, I am grateful to be able to serve them today. It's a special place to be committed to sea. It's fitting for those who served in the Navy and spent so many years at sea."

Odhiambo said there's more than just a connection with these Sailors and the sea, but also a connection for the crew members involved in the ceremony.

"I really felt an attachment to these Sailors because we took their cremains on board and took care of them. We checked them every day until the ceremony. So, it was a little hard to say goodbye to them today," Odhiambo said. "They were Sailors and we are Sailors, and I am proud to honor them."

Upholding Navy customs and traditions with ceremonies like this gives new and veteran Sailors a chance to reflect on the importance of their service.

"Being buried at sea is meaningful," said Bataan Chaplain Cmdr. Steven Souders. "It has tradition. So as Sailors begin to see these traditions, it begins to build that legacy in them."

The veterans laid to rest varied in rank from enlisted to officer, and their service ranged from WWII to the 1980s. The most important connection they may have had was their service in the Navy and their love for the sea.

"When you're out to sea you walk the deck plates, you see the sunrise, and you feel the ocean breeze," said Souders. "There is something that pulls you to God's creation and you feel that pull - that depth - and you begin to feel like you're a part of something bigger than yourself. It's a fitting resting place to be buried in the deep, and it again goes back to tradition."

"Ready, aim, fire." The ceremonial gun shots cracked above the ocean waves. The cremains were laid to rest. The Bataan crew stood still throughout the ship as Taps sounded. The ensign was hoisted up from half mast, and like so many who've gone before, Bataan carried on with her mission.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.