Joint Base Andrews played a pivotal role in enabling Special Air Mission 39 during the State Funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, Jan. 2-9, despite a historic winter storm just days before.
As "America's Airfield," Andrews provided installation support for the arrival and departure of President Carter's funeral procession, providing airfield operations, logistics, medical support, public affairs and security functions in coordination with the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. Commanded by Col. Kelli R. Moon, Joint Team Andrews was comprised of units assigned to Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, ensured the success of this critical mission.
"Having the opportunity to lead a joint team of over 150 Airmen, Guardians, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen during the state funeral was truly a remarkable experience, as I witnessed their commitment to ensuring this solemn and historic event was conducted with honor and dignity," Moon said. "Together, I believe our professionalism and compassion provided comfort to a grieving nation and reminded everyone of the values President Carter stood for."
The 316th Wing, working alongside mission partners to include the 89th Airlift Wing, oversaw logistics, transportation and vehicle coordination.
The 316th Civil Engineer Squadron managed movement of critical equipment, including media stands, to the U.S. Capitol at the last minute. Meanwhile, the 316th Security Forces Group worked alongside other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the base. This included sweeping more than 350 vehicles and screening hundreds of personnel for both the arrival and departure ceremonies.
Throughout the mission, the 316th Medical Group provided critical medical support, standing ready with team members and ambulances during both the arrival and departure ceremonies. Meanwhile, the 316th Operations Group placed UH-1N helicopters and aircrew on alert to support contingency response for the JTF-NCR.
The 316th Force Support Squadron provided lodging support, securing 211 off-base hotel rooms in preparation for a winter storm, and ensuring that facilities on base, such as The Club at Andrews, were ready for use throughout the process.
In addition to the many tasks involved, the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron provided more than 25 hours of bus support for military families and media members during the arrival and departure ceremonies.
A combined effort across five public affairs teams within the National Capital Region also worked tirelessly, coordinating media access, producing over 5,600 photos and supplemental videos and enabling international media coverage of the events with an estimated reach of 200 million people globally.
