Statement from Senator Coons on Findings of Improper Activity at Air Force Mortuary

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement on the conclusion of investigations into improper activity at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware:

"Dover Air Force Base's special role in the final journey of our fallen heroes is a point of great pride for Delawareans, and of real comfort to the families of our brave men and women in uniform. Caring for the remains of the fallen is an important, solemn task, and one that must be carried out with the highest level of respect and professionalism. My heart sank when I was briefed for the first time last November on the allegations of improper activity by Air Force personnel in the mortuary. With corrective measures already in place and multiple investigations already underway, my office worked closely with the offices of Senator Carper and Congressman Carney over the last 11 months to monitor ongoing developments and to press for a timely resolution. I appreciate the thoroughness, professionalism and discretion of those involved with the investigations, and am confident that these incidents, though absolutely unacceptable, were isolated and that appropriate changes in procedure have been made to ensure they will not occur again. The great pride that so many Delawareans have in the critical mission fulfilled at Dover Air Force Base can and should continue long into the future."

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