B-52 Stratofortress Went Down During Guam Liberation Day Celebration In 2008

A solemn ceremony took place Tuesday morning to honor the crew of a B-52 Stratofortress, call sign RAIDR 21. The bomber went down July 21, 2008 during a celebration of Guam Liberation Day, the day Allied forces re-took the island from Japan during WWII.

Tuesday's memorial was in remembrance of the crew of RAIDR 21: Maj. Chris Cooper, Capt. Michael Dodson, Maj. Brent Williams, Capt. Josh Shepherd, 1st Lt. Bobby Gerren and Col. (Dr.) George Martin.

During the ceremony, speakers reflected on the Airmen's contributions on three levels: personal, squadron and overall mission.

"We have been through a great deal in the past year together and I believe we are all stronger for it, but we are not here today to recreate, to lay blame or to grieve, but to honor and remember our family members, six true American heroes," said Lt. Col. Nick Russo, 96th Bomb Squadron director of operations.

Colonel Russo was deployed with the Airmen and saw the crew off on their final flight.

"When RAIDR 21 didn't return from their mission a year ago, we were all stunned," said Lt. Col. Tyrell Chamberlain, 20th Bomb Squadron commander. "For some time, we worked through our feelings of loss, of grief and of sacrifice. The tragic loss took our breath away and made us pause, and question.

"At the root of many of the answers we found the common theme: the men on RAIDR 21 gave their lives flying the aircraft they loved, serving their country and demonstrating our common strength and resolve to protect our people and our way of life," Colonel Chamberlain said.

"The crew of loved their squadrons," he said. "They loved their roles in those squadrons as officers, aviators, instructors and mentors. They took pride the duties they performed to take care of the other 84 officers and enlisted Airmen in their squadron. They knew in their heart, that success lies in serving others, and pursuing a cause greater than ourselves."

Part of the crew's mission that day was to fly over a Liberation Day parade in Guam where they were deployed in support of the global bomber deterrence mission.

RAIDR 21 Ceremony, U.S. Air Force Photo

"The men we remember today were also peacemakers, deployed as a visible reminder of our commitment to the allies and interests of America," said Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander. "Their mission of was one of deterrence, and the peacemakers of RAIDR 21 had a commitment that was strong and a purpose that was pure. As we remember them today, their brothers and sisters in arms are actively continuing the mission they pursued one year ago, from the same airfield in Guam."

Both Colonel Chamberlain and Colonel Basham concur that continuing to fly and fight is the best way to honor the fallen crew.

"Today our Airmen are flying.  Our Airmen are studying, briefing, training and pursuing our chosen profession, the profession of arms. We are training to fight," Colonel Chamberlain said. "Our crews are honing the skills they need to ensure that when called on again, we are ready."

The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps and a B-52 flyover.

FMI: www.airforce.mil