Community remembers fallen Airmen

The 48th Fighter Wing would like to thank the surrounding communities for your continuous support. Your thoughts and prayers are felt throughout the wing. Flowers have been placed in front of Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, in wake of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash that killed four Airmen, Jan. 7, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber)

Community remembers fallen Airmen

Members of surrounding communities have placed flowers at the entrance to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, in wake of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash that killed four Airmen. Anyone in the United Kingdom or elsewhere outside the United States wishing to send condolence cards or messages may send them to 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, RAF Lakenheath, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 9PN or to 48FW.PA@us.af.mil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber)

Community remembers fallen Airmen

Members of surrounding communities have placed flowers at the entrance to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, in wake of the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash, Jan. 7, 2014, that killed four Airmen. Anyone from the United States wishing to send condolence cards or messages may send them to RAF Lakenheath, Building 1063, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, Unit 5203, APO, AE 09461 or 48FW.PA@us.af.mil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber)

Community remembers fallen Airmen

Green ribbons have been placed around Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, in honor of the four Airmen killed in the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter crash, Jan. 7, 2014. The Airmen were members of the 56th Rescue Squadron, also known as the Jolly Green Giants. Anyone from the United States wishing to send condolence cards or messages may send them to RAF Lakenheath, Building 1063, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, Unit 5203, APO, AE 09461 or 48FW.PA@us.af.mil. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber)

48th FW thanks community, continues helicopter investigation

Published Jan. 14, 2014
By 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England -- As the investigation into last week's helicopter accident continues, the 48th Fighter Wing is grateful for ongoing support from UK civilian and military authorities, and from the local community.

"I would like to thank you all for your warmth and kindness," said Col. Kyle Robinson, 48th Fighter Wing commander. "We've seen your support in so many forms this past week as the wing has come together to support the families and members of the 56th Rescue Squadron."

Capt. Sean Ruane, Capt. Christopher Stover, Tech. Sgt. Dale Mathews, and Staff Sgt. Afton Ponce, who were killed in a helicopter accident last week, were returned to the United States yesterday, where an official ceremony for each Airman will take place in accordance with his or her family's wishes.

While the wing continues to mourn the loss of their brothers and sister in arms, the investigation continues. In order to ensure the safety of the public, the recovery team and the investigators, the cordon and no-fly zone over the site will remain in effect as long as personnel are present.

A second helicopter that had remained at the investigation site since landing there to provide assistance the night of the accident, returned to RAF Lakenheath at approximately 4 p.m. today.

"We have a team of highly-qualified officers working day in and day out to determine the cause of the accident," Robinson said. "At this time we can't speculate."

While still in the early planning stages, a memorial service to honor the fallen Airmen has been scheduled for Friday afternoon at RAF Lakenheath. More details will be released as they become available.

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