A month after the crash landing of a C-5 airlifter shortly after taking off from Dover AFB, Del., on a mission to Germany, recovery operations are continuing on schedule. An 11-person team from the 653td Combat Logistics Support Squadron at Robins AFB, Ga., is assisting Dover engineers and maintenance personnel with a full recovery of the aircraft. The operations include removing fuel, the massive engines, the left wing tip, and cargo. While some fuel was spilled, the majority of the fuel was recovered from the aircraft, said Maj. Rob Triplett, the 436th MS commander and director of the recovery effort. Dover is coordinating with the Delaware officials regarding any environmental issues resulting from the crash.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.