Simulation Resources

On July 3rd, at 9:00 a.m. the gates opened for the Independence Day Air Show. A large crowd gathered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Everyone was looking forward to seeing the C-17, nicknamed “The Moose” because of the sound it made.

At approximately 11:22 a.m. local time, the U.S. Air Force C-17 took off. Onboard were the pilot and three airmen.

At 12:15 p.m., just minutes into the flight, the pilot radioed the air traffic control team that the plane was in distress and they would need to return to base and land immediately.

At approximately 1:00 p.m., air show guests recorded the aircraft flying at a very low altitude, with smoke visibly pouring from the plane.

At approximately 1:15 p.m., the C-17 crashed into the grassy area between the runway and tarmac where guests were gathered. Fire crews responded immediately to the scene. Debris from the aircraft scattered on the field and onto the tarmac.

Injured parties were taken to area hospitals. The four members of the C-17 aircrew were pronounced dead.

Members of the media are also on the scene and have been directed to a central gathering location. The Emergency Operations Center has been set up and all EOC members have been recalled.

The Emergency Operations Center has been set up and all EOC members have been recalled. The EOC has been provided with an overview of the existing social media strategy. Access it via the resources button.

Crisis communication is one of the most important roles in the PA office. Keep your cool and respond thoughtfully!

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs Office is active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, providing video and images that inform the public about the mission of the joint base.

• The audience includes the local area but also interested parties that spread across the U.S.
• The base has established its Twitter platform as a location to provide leadership insights and breaking news.
• SM Followers include:
  • Members of the media
  • Congress
  • Former pilots and aviation enthusiasts
  • Overseas adversaries and allies from overseas
• On Instagram, there are daily posts with high-quality images that highlight the flight crew's hard work.
• Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms see regular and consistent engagement.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
News Release

Release: 07-04-21
Date: July 04, 2021

AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON/ANCHORAGE, ALASKA -- While performing at an Independence Day air show at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson crashed at about 1:15 p.m. local time on July 3, 2021 near the area between the runway and the tarmac where guests were gathered.

All four Airmen were killed in the crash and several civilians were injured.

Deceased are:

     USAF Airman Jayce Forge, male, age 22, 144th Airlift Squadron loadmaster from Phoenix, Arizona.

     USAF Major Charles Foster, male, 34, 144th Airlift Squadron pilot from Tallahassee, Florida.

     USAF Airman Mark Morning, male, 23, 144th Airlift Squadron loadmaster from New York, New York.

     USAF Captain Colleen Saag, female, 29, 144th Airlift Squadron pilot from Seattle, Washington.

Injured were:

     Norman Analesio, male, 58, Kongiganak, Alaska.

     Shelia Analesio, female, 54, Kongiganak, Alaska.

     Jill Cathane, female, 39, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

     Timothy Cathane, male, 45, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

     Annabelle Ittiring, female, 57, Eagle River, Alaska.

     Elias Ittiring, male, 64, Eagle River, Alaska.

Airman Forge, Morning, Saag and Colonel Foster were pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. local time. They died of injuries suffered in the crash.

Elias Ittiring was transported to Anchorage General Hospital for evaluation and treatment. He was in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, compounded with a history of heart problems. The children of Airman Saag were treated at the base emergency clinic. All other injuries were treated at the first aid tent.

“We are a close-knit family. When a tragedy like this occurs, every member of the United States Armed Forces feels it,” said Lt. Gen. John Shaw, commander of Air Education and Training Command. “Our people are our most important resource and we are committed in ensuring their safety and security. I can assure you the United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.”

The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

SSgt. Taryn Cumberland
taryn.cumberland@us.af.mil
1-719-529-1257

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson


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