JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland –
An Airman performs the national anthem during a live national television broadcast while members of the Air Force Honor Guard stand proudly with the American flag. These men and women stand at attention as the President of the United States addresses a nation. Behind the cameras, Airmen and civilians monitor every movement to ensure perfection. This is the Air Force District of Washington ceremonial mission.
"Our mission is absolutely essential to the National Capital Region and worldwide mission. We are a visual reminder to the public of what it means to be an Airman," said Master Sgt. Duane Fish, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard ceremonial flight superintendent. "Our skillsets affirm to the nation that we are dedicated to excellence in all we do."
Ceremonial support is one of three core mission sets that AFDW is responsible for. This support can vary from participating in National Special Security Events such as the State of the Union Address or Presidential Inaugurations to providing official honors during funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
One of the most visual aspects of the AFDW ceremonial mission is the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. These Airmen represent the Air Force to the American public and the world. The ceremonial flights perform an average of 10 ceremonies per day, and more than 2,500 ceremonies annually.
"Our mission allows the world to witness another side of the Air Force, other than just the force that we can apply in wartime situations. It shows a dedication to the Air Force's history and traditions, upholding the heritage of our service. In some cases, we may be the only visual reference many of our citizens have of the Air Force," Fish said.
According to the Honor Guard, its more than 210 Airmen are selectively manned and organized into three ceremonial flights, made up of colors, bearers and firing party personnel. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard also operates the U.S. Air Force Drill Team, whose mission is to promote the Air Force mission by showcasing drill performances at public and military venues to recruit, retain, and inspire Airmen.
The U.S. Air Force Band supports ceremonies alongside the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. According to the Band, Airmen musicians carry out ceremonial support around the globe using music to create bonds between the United States and the worldwide community.
The Band's six ensemble units range from a formal concert band to a six-piece rock band. Performances at events from formal parades to sporting events advance Air Force community relations, recruiting, and morale.
An important focus is also given to rendering dignified final honors at Arlington National Cemetery, said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hinds, U.S. Air Force Band drum major.
"There is a strong piece of message we have that goes along with showcasing Air Force excellence," said Hinds. "We think of our ceremonial mission as our number one mission and a large part of that being funerals at Arlington. One of the most important things we do is honor that service commitment and that service to the family in a way that shows how much we respect the service member."
The primary focus of AFDW's ceremonial support mission is rendering dignified final honors, said Col. Lisa Tice, AFDW command chaplain.
"Daily, we honor the fallen and care for grieving families. We touch people around the world by helping people strengthen their spiritual core. In the future, we are looking at ways to support our Airmen in locations throughout the world," said Tice.
The AFDW Chaplain Corps also provides spiritual resiliency and religious accommodation support in the NCR, said Tice.
"We help sustain the men and women who provide transportation for the President of the United States and other distinguished visitors, medical personnel who provide support to military personnel and retirees throughout the NCR, and intelligence analysts at the Defense Intelligence Agency."
Ceremonial events require extensive planning as they often include senior officials, said Elizabeth Adams, AFDW Ceremonies and Protocol director, who also served with the Air Force Honor Guard for many years, culminating as the unit's commander from 2001-2003.
"We expertly plan, coordinate, and execute the U.S. Air Force's highest level of ceremonial and protocol services for the President, foreign dignitaries, congressional leaders, Department of Defense agencies, Headquarters U.S. Air Force general officers, and distinguished visitors to the National Capital Region to include coordinating and escorting hosts for repatriated service members and interments at Arlington National Cemetery," said Elizabeth Adams, AFDW Ceremonies and Protocol director.
The 11th Operations Group at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling ensures these Airmen are ready to support the ceremonial mission.
"Our Airmen are honored to represent the face, spirit, and sound of our Air Force to the world," said Col. Richard Lindlan, commander of the 11th Operations Group. "We've got a proud team that is inspired by the opportunities we have to bring our Air Force to the public."