Frequently Asked Questions - Media Representatives

Are media authorized to document dignified transfers? 
In March 2009, the Secretary of Defense announced a change in policy that, upon consent of the family of the deceased, allowed media access to cover dignified transfers. The only dignified transfers that will be open to media coverage, with family approval, are those personnel who die supporting current operations. The privacy and desires of the immediate family receive the highest consideration at all times. After coordination with the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs Office, media members are permitted to document the dignified transfer but are asked to avoid any unnecessary movement or noise. Media representatives must sign and adhere to media ground rules.

Is the media authorized to do a stand up? 
In order to maintain the solemn dignity of the dignified transfer, stand-ups are not allowed on the installation. However, stand-ups may be conducted outside the Main or North gates if coordinated with the 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office at 302-677-3370.  

When was the policy for media coverage of dignified transfers changed?  
On March 25, 2009, the Secretary of Defense announced that the media ban on coverage of dignified transfers was lifted; the policy went into effect April 6, 2009. Previously, news media had not been allowed to cover the arrival of the fallen at Dover AFB. This policy was part of the Public Affairs Guidance - Operation Desert Storm Casualty and Mortuary Affairs, published by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (OASD-PA) and dated February 1991. 

Were there ever exceptions to the previous media ban on dignified transfer coverage? 
In April 1996, the media was approved to document the arrival and transfer for the remains of Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown and 32 other Americans who were killed when their plane crashed in Croatia. President Clinton was present to receive the flag-draped transfer cases.

In October 2000, the Department of Defense distributed photographs of transfer cases arriving at Dover Air Force Base bearing the remains of military personnel killed in the bombing of the USS Cole.

In September 2001, the Department of the Air Force published a photograph of the arrival and transfer of the remains of a victim of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon.

In March 2009, the Secretary of Defense announced a change in policy that, upon consent of the family of the deceased, allowed media access to cover dignified transfers; the policy went into effect April 6, 2009.