Members of the 962d Airborne Air Control Squadron “Eyes of the Eagle” reached out a few months ago inquiring about having us assist them with honoring the 25th Anniversary of the E-3B Sentry AWACS (call sign Yukla-27) crash on Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The tragedy, which happened within less than a minute of takeoff, was caused when the engines stalled from colliding with a flock of geese.
Over the two plus decades since the tragedy, the families, the community, and our nation have paused to remember those who gave their lives that morning, 0747 hrs., 22 September 1995.
The crash killed all 24 crew members including two Canadian armed forces personnel, it was the first E-3 Sentry to fall in the line of duty.
For the 25th anniversary, the unit had plans of a gathering here in Alaska including out of state Gold Star families returning to Alaska to honor their fallen loved ones, unfortunately those plans changed because of the COVID19.
Despite the current pandemic, the unit still wanted to do something, we suggested they provide Airmen from the 962d to climb Gold Star Peak with our team. The plan would have current members of the unit carry pictures of each of the fallen crew members to honor them on the summit.
The day was stunning, perfect temps, blue skies with Mount Denali and all of her beauty out for us to see for the entire climb. On the summit, our team stood back and watched as they unwrapped each of the 24 crew members photos and lined up for a group photo.
The unit led by their current commander did an amazing job honoring the lives of each of the fallen members from Yukla -27. They even did their best to pair an Airmen that has the same duty position on the E-3B today with that of the fallen.
No doubt, the current members of the 962d have not forgotten the sacrifices of the fallen Airmen from Yukla-27 or the families they each left behind. From our entire team, well done!