Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Content has been removed to align with the President’s executive order and DoD priorities in accordance with DoD Instruction 5400.17.

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Comments or submissions that contain vulgar, profane, hateful or abusive language or images; personal attacks of any kind; or offensive terms that discriminate against specific ethnic, national or racial groups. Comments that are spam, are clearly "off topic," or that promote commercial services or products. Comments should be limited to those relating to the Department of Defense. Comments that make unsupported accusations will not be permitted. Comments that promote or advertise a business or commercial transaction. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity. For Official Use Only (FOUO), classified, pre-decisional, proprietary or business-sensitive information. You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided. Finally, the appearance of external links on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense. For information on joining the U.S. Air Force, please visit the recruiting website at http://www.airforce.com/ and page or at https://www.facebook.com/USAirForceRecruiting. Emergency information: If you or someone you know in the military is experiencing an emergency or su***de situation, please contact 911 and request assistance. Thank you for your participation and feel free to send us comments or suggestions on what you'd like to see or read about. This page is administered by Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is a Field Operating Agency under the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters Air Force. AFMAO provides global contingency mortuary response teams in support of Air Force and combatant command requirements, supporting both an Air Force and joint role. AFMAO combines the missions of the previous Dover Port Mortuary and Air Force Mortuary Affairs. AFMAO not only serves as our nation's sole port mortuary in the continental U.S., but is the largest mortuary in the Department of Defense. AFMAO is responsible for the dignified return of all DoD personnel and dependents from overseas locations and processing the remains of all deceased service members or DoD civilians supporting overseas contingency operations. AFMAO also processes remains which come to Dover Air Force Base at the direction of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. When requested, AFMAO maintains contingency response capabilities in the event of homeland mass fatalities. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations provides centralized mortuary affairs support for the Air Force, which includes current and past conflicts mortuary operations, mortuary education and training curriculum development, functional manager support for all installation honor guards and family assistance representative program management. In addition, AFMAO supports joint operations worldwide by operating the nation's sole port mortuary and is the lead component with operational oversight for all dignified transfer missions and enforcement of the media access policy. AFMAO leadership also serves as voting members on the Central Joint Mortuary Affairs Board and the Cemetery Management Board. AFMAO has a total force support consisting of more than 85 civilian staff and active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, as well as Guard and Reserve personnel. AFMAO has many community partners, which routinely includes support from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Joint Personal Effects Depot, Fisher House, USO and Friends of the Fallen.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Amanda Savoie, dignified transfer officer in charge at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, recen...
05/12/2026

U.S. Air Force Capt. Amanda Savoie, dignified transfer officer in charge at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, recently led a crochet class as part of AFMAO’s resiliency program. Airmen and civilians learned the basics of crocheting and began working on an infinity scarf project to encourage relaxation, connection and creativity.

United States Air Force Airman Magazine

Meet a Deployer: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madyson HodgesU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madyson Hodges serves in one of the m...
05/08/2026

Meet a Deployer: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madyson Hodges

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Madyson Hodges serves in one of the most solemn and meaningful missions in the military—honoring fallen service members and supporting their families during unimaginable loss. As a Dress and Restoration specialist assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO), her work requires precision, compassion, and quiet strength. In this “Meet the Deployer” spotlight, Hodges shares her personal journey, the weight of her responsibility, and the purpose she has found in service to others.

“To me, it means no one is left behind. The fallen are not forgotten after their sacrifice—they are cared for with intention long after the moment of loss. It’s our responsibility to give that respect back to them. At the same time, we recognize the immense grief their families carry. That loss should never go unseen. We’re here to support them, to acknowledge their pain, and to make sure they know their loved one’s sacrifice matters. Both the fallen and their families deserve that care equally.”

Read more about Staff Sgt. Hodges and her deployment to AFMAO➡https://www.mortuary.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4481833/meet-a-deployer-us-air-force-staff-sgt-madyson-hodges/

U.S. Department of War United States Air Force Airman Magazine

At Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, caring for families is at the heart of what we do. Recently, AFMAO had the hon...
05/06/2026

At Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, caring for families is at the heart of what we do. Recently, AFMAO had the honor of hosting a grief seminar led by renowned grief counselor Dr. Alan Wolfelt.

Dr. Wolfelt shared meaningful insights on navigating loss, supporting grieving families, and fostering compassionate care during life’s most difficult moments. His guidance reinforces our commitment to providing dignified, empathetic support to those we serve.

Opportunities like this ensure our team remains equipped not only with expertise, but with the understanding and compassion our mission demands.

Dover Air Force Base U.S. Department of War Airman Magazine United States Air Force

Members of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations practice supporting families and visitors at the Fisher House for Famil...
04/30/2026

Members of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations practice supporting families and visitors at the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen at year-round.

Training like this ensures AFMAO Airmen are prepared, adaptable, and compassionate, reinforcing our sacred commitment to care for fallen service members and support their families with dignity, honor, and respect.

United States Air Force Airman Magazine

Readiness and respect are at the core of our mission. Today at Dover Air Force Base, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Oper...
04/24/2026

Readiness and respect are at the core of our mission. Today at Dover Air Force Base, the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) team conducted rigorous ground training for a MASFAT dignified transfer.

A MASFAT (Mass Fatality Exercise) is a specialized training exercise conducted by AFMAO to test and ensure readiness for handling large-scale casualty incidents.

A dignified transfer is a solemn movement. Continuous practice ensures our personnel are prepared to execute this duty flawlessly under any circumstance.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jennifer Godsey, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations departures section NCOIC, and Senior M...
04/16/2026

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jennifer Godsey, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations departures section NCOIC, and Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Bishoff, AFMAO departures section chief, carefully fold an American flag during the filming of a training video at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, April 14, 2026.

This training will help standardize procedures and ensure Airmen carry out this solemn ceremonial duty with the highest level of precision and respect.

Dover Air Force Base | United States Air Force

Yesterday Chief Master Sgt. Tabitha J. Harris,  Religious Affairs Senior Enlisted Advisor and 5R0 Career Field Manager a...
04/10/2026

Yesterday Chief Master Sgt. Tabitha J. Harris, Religious Affairs Senior Enlisted Advisor and 5R0 Career Field Manager and Chief Master Sgt. Andre Thomas, Jr., Senior Enlisted Advisor, Space Religious Affairs were given an immersive orientation and visit of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations and the Fisher House Campus.

AFMAO’s Chaplain Corps and resiliency team work diligently across the organization to ensure all Airmen and AFMAO personnel receive the spiritual care and support they deserve. Through collaboration with other religious affairs organizations, they gain valuable perspectives that enhance their ability to care for both Airmen and the families of the fallen.

| United States Air Force | Air Force Chaplain Corps

In this episode of Three Second Salute, our chaplain team sits down with Gold Star mother Kristen Giordano Blandin, whos...
04/08/2026

In this episode of Three Second Salute, our chaplain team sits down with Gold Star mother Kristen Giordano Blandin, whose son, U.S. Army Pfc. Joseph Marquez, died during a training exercise at Yakima Training Center in Washington State.

Kristen reflects on Joey’s life, his commitment to service, and the difficult journey that followed his passing. She speaks openly about grief, navigating the military system after loss, and the enduring connection between a mother and her son.

This episode offers an honest and powerful conversation about loss, resilience, and the lasting bond of love. ➡ https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hiwp1tNTR4yLWjFy2eb8U?si=eCRkVAcYS4eD9FrYFvFjCQ

United States Air Force | U.S. Department of War | Air Force Chaplain Corps

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations trained with the U.S. Navy Honor Guard team during a ground training last week at ...
04/01/2026

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations trained with the U.S. Navy Honor Guard team during a ground training last week at Dover Air Force Base. AFMAO works alongside and for multiple branches to conduct dignified transfers for fallen service members.

United States Air Force | U.S. Navy | U.S. Department of War

As Chief of the Mortuary Affairs Case Management Branch at AFMAO, Matthew Metschke leads with empathy, professionalism, ...
03/27/2026

As Chief of the Mortuary Affairs Case Management Branch at AFMAO, Matthew Metschke leads with empathy, professionalism, and a deep respect for every service member entrusted to his care. His work ensures that those who made the ultimate sacrifice are honored with dignity and that their families receive the compassion and support they deserve.

“Some people find their careers; for me, the profession found me.”

From supporting grieving families to overseeing complex case management from past conflicts, Metschke’s commitment is rooted in purpose, perspective, and an unwavering sense of duty.

Read more about his journey, his perspective on service, and the meaning behind his mission in our full feature story ➡ https://www.mortuary.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4446240/meet-a-mortician-matthew-metschke

United States Air Force | U.S. Department of War | |

Behind every carefully prepared uniform for our fallen is a commitment to dignity, honor and respect.U.S. Air Force Tech...
02/27/2026

Behind every carefully prepared uniform for our fallen is a commitment to dignity, honor and respect.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Ereon and Staff Sgt. Emma Christensen, assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, meticulously inspect and assemble Air Force uniforms at Dover Air Force Base, ensuring fallen service members are honored with the utmost respect.

Their attention to detail reflects AFMAO’s sacred mission — caring for the fallen and supporting their families during their time of need. 🇺🇸

United States Air Force | Dover Air Force Base

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116 Purple Heart Drive
Dover Afb, DE
19902

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