'Team Dover' supports continuous operations
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (USTCNS) --- Dover AFB has worked around the clock since terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon more than one week ago.
Since Dover houses the largest port mortuary in the Department of Defense, remains of those killed at the Pentagon have been arriving here continuously via CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
With the mortuary staff busy identifying, preparing and processing remains, others around the base have shown their support in many different ways.
The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron built tents outside the Charles C. Carson Center for mortuary affairs as a break room.
"It's kind of serving a double purpose," said Maj. Mark Smekrud, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. "The USO is there to do paperwork, and they're also supplying food for the mortuary personnel. The tent's basic purpose is to give everyone a chance to get out and take a break."
While personnel work overtime, the United Services Organization is making sure everyone is getting to eat.
"It certainly is heartwarming to hear about how the local community has pitched in with donations and contributions to our effort. We have enough fresh breads, cakes, cookies, etc., to keep everyone's sweet tooth satisfied. In addition, we have had breakfast delivered every day and lunch from different restaurants and the commissary," said Col. Terry Mayer, Air Mobility Command Services director, who is here this week.
The 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office has also been busy making sure reporters get correct information about Dover operations.
"PA is tasked with working the hundreds of media calls and queries we're getting about our important job here at Dover Air Force Base," said Maj. Jon Anderson, 436th AW Public Affairs chief. "We're making sure the Dover Team gets noticed for our excellent work, and to keep the record straight about everything Dover does for our nation."
Dover has also increased its force protection posture, with security forces doing 100 percent identification checks at the gates and entrances to military family housing. There are also security checkpoints at various spots around base.
"The security measures we're taking are imperative to keep the base personnel safe in these types of threats," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Mendoza, 436th Security Forces Squadron.
Reservists from the 512th Airlift Wing and augmentees around the base are helping to ensure security of the installation.
"This is what total force is all about," said Mendoza. "These guys (Reservists and augmentees) are enabling us to continue with our mission by helping out with security measures."
(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
Since Dover houses the largest port mortuary in the Department of Defense, remains of those killed at the Pentagon have been arriving here continuously via CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
With the mortuary staff busy identifying, preparing and processing remains, others around the base have shown their support in many different ways.
The 436th Civil Engineer Squadron built tents outside the Charles C. Carson Center for mortuary affairs as a break room.
"It's kind of serving a double purpose," said Maj. Mark Smekrud, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron. "The USO is there to do paperwork, and they're also supplying food for the mortuary personnel. The tent's basic purpose is to give everyone a chance to get out and take a break."
While personnel work overtime, the United Services Organization is making sure everyone is getting to eat.
"It certainly is heartwarming to hear about how the local community has pitched in with donations and contributions to our effort. We have enough fresh breads, cakes, cookies, etc., to keep everyone's sweet tooth satisfied. In addition, we have had breakfast delivered every day and lunch from different restaurants and the commissary," said Col. Terry Mayer, Air Mobility Command Services director, who is here this week.
The 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office has also been busy making sure reporters get correct information about Dover operations.
"PA is tasked with working the hundreds of media calls and queries we're getting about our important job here at Dover Air Force Base," said Maj. Jon Anderson, 436th AW Public Affairs chief. "We're making sure the Dover Team gets noticed for our excellent work, and to keep the record straight about everything Dover does for our nation."
Dover has also increased its force protection posture, with security forces doing 100 percent identification checks at the gates and entrances to military family housing. There are also security checkpoints at various spots around base.
"The security measures we're taking are imperative to keep the base personnel safe in these types of threats," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Mendoza, 436th Security Forces Squadron.
Reservists from the 512th Airlift Wing and augmentees around the base are helping to ensure security of the installation.
"This is what total force is all about," said Mendoza. "These guys (Reservists and augmentees) are enabling us to continue with our mission by helping out with security measures."
(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
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