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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Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations participated in Exercise Northern Strike 26-2 at Grayling Army Airfield, Michigan,...
08/13/2026

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations participated in Exercise Northern Strike 26-2 at Grayling Army Airfield, Michigan, joining service members from across the Department of Defense in a realistic, joint-service training environment.

AFMAO personnel worked alongside Navy morticians, 3F1 Silver Flag instructors, Marine Corps Personnel Retrieval and Processing (PRP) Company personnel and Army 92M fatality management specialists. Together, participants are training on critical mortuary affairs and personnel recovery procedures, including transfer case preparation, hands-on technical skills and other techniques essential to operating in austere and contested environments.

AFMAO morticians provided mission-focused briefings to strengthen understanding and coordination across the joint force. Training alongside the Marine Corps PRP Company and other military specialties allows participants to build interoperability, strengthen partnerships and develop the shared expertise needed to operate seamlessly during real-world missions.

AFMAO remains focused on building readiness and ensuring mortuary affairs personnel are prepared to uphold the highest standards of dignity, honor, and respect in any environment.

| United States Air Force | U.S. Army | U.S. Marine Corps

At Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, caring for families of the fallen extends far beyond the dignified transfer. T...
08/11/2026

At Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, caring for families of the fallen extends far beyond the dignified transfer. The Fisher House for Families of the Fallen and its dedicated team provide a place of comfort, care and support for families traveling to Dover Air Force Base to honor and receive their loved one. Pictured below are members of the AFMAO Fisher House team. The AFMAO Fisher House is the only Fisher House operated by military personnel.

From managing the home and coordinating lodging to preparing meals, maintaining the facility and ensuring each family’s needs are met, every team member plays an important role in the mission. Their attention to detail and commitment to service help create an environment where families can find comfort, privacy and a sense of home during their time at Dover. Much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is felt by every family who walks through the doors.

The Fisher House campus also includes the Center for Families of the Fallen and the Meditation Pavilion, providing additional spaces for families to find support, reflection and comfort. Through every interaction, detail and act of service, the Fisher House team embodies AFMAO’s commitment to dignity, honor, respect, care, service and support.

Dover Air Force Base | United States Air Force |

Australian Army Col. Andy Love, Director of Personnel, Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Australian Department of D...
08/07/2026

Australian Army Col. Andy Love, Director of Personnel, Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Australian Department of Defence, recently visited Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) to observe the care and support provided to fallen service members and their families.

During his orientation, Col. Love toured AFMAO’s Command, Control and Communication (C3), Dress and Restoration, Uniforms, Departures, and Resiliency sections. He also visited the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen and the Center for Families of the Fallen.

The visit provided an opportunity to share the processes, professionalism, and compassion behind AFMAO’s mission of ensuring dignity, honor, and respect for the fallen while providing care, service, and support to their families.

Col. Love’s visit supports Australia’s Department of Defence as it explores developing a similar operation to care for its fallen and their families.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Edward Buckley serves with purpose at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) as a...
08/04/2026

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Edward Buckley serves with purpose at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) as a departures specialist, ensuring fallen service members are received and transferred with dignity, honor, and respect.

In this week’s “Meet the Deployer,” Buckley shares how this mission has shaped his perspective on service, strengthened his leadership, and reinforced the importance of teamwork and attention to detail. From preparing for dignified transfers to supporting his fellow Airmen, his role is a vital part of a no-fail mission.

“Every fallen service member who comes through AFMAO receives the highest level of care and attention,” Buckley said. “It’s an honor to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Read more about his story and the impact of this mission below.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571491/meet-deployer-us-air-force-force-airman-1st-class-edward-buckley

We recently welcomed  the 436th Airlift Wing Deputy Commander, Col. Christopher Prentiss,  for an immersion of our facil...
07/31/2026

We recently welcomed the 436th Airlift Wing Deputy Commander, Col. Christopher Prentiss, for an immersion of our facilities and mission operations here at Dover Air Force Base.

These immersions increase cohesiveness and awareness of operations between us and our mission partners resulting in better care and support for one of our most important missions, the fallen and their families.

Thank you Col. Prentiss for taking the time to engage with our Airmen and learn more about our mission.

United States Air Force | Dover Air Force Base

Behind every successful mission at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is a team dedicated to keeping the organization...
07/25/2026

Behind every successful mission at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is a team dedicated to keeping the organization mission-ready. AFMAO's Readiness and Plans Division (XP) oversees training, exercises, inspections, and critical programs that ensure personnel are prepared to support the mission at a moment's notice.

Click here to read more about how XP contributes to our mission ➡ https://www.mortuary.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4553604/afmao-xp-team-guarantees-readiness/

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alexis Cockle, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations departures specialist, marshals a vehicle...
07/15/2026

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Alexis Cockle, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations departures specialist, marshals a vehicle during AFMAO ground training. Ground training is a monthly training event that fully immerses participants in the Dignified Transfer process and procedures on a static aircraft.

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

It is always a profound privilege to share our mission and unwavering commitment to honoring those who have made the ult...
07/10/2026

It is always a profound privilege to share our mission and unwavering commitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Yesterday, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations proudly welcomed members of both our installation and the surrounding community to our quarterly Open House, offering a rare opportunity to witness the extraordinary care, precision, and dignity that define every aspect of our mission.

Through this experience, visitors gained a deeper understanding of our sacred responsibility to care for our fallen service members with honor and respect while providing compassionate support to the families they leave behind.

United States Air Force | Dover Air Force Base | |

07/04/2026

As we celebrate our nation's independence, AFMAO wishes everyone a safe and meaningful Fourth of July. 🇺🇸

AFMAO recently welcomed Honorary Commander Rebekah Baughman, of Courageous Hearts, for an orientation and behind-the-sce...
06/26/2026

AFMAO recently welcomed Honorary Commander Rebekah Baughman, of Courageous Hearts, for an orientation and behind-the-scenes look at our mission. Her visit provided a firsthand look at the care, precision, and professionalism that go into ensuring every fallen service member is treated with dignity, honor, and respect.

The Honorary Commander Program strengthens connections between military units and community leaders, fostering understanding, building partnerships, and creating advocates who help share the importance of our mission beyond the installation.

United States Air Force | Hearts LLC

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116 Purple Heart Drive
Dover Afb, DE
19902

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