Jolly 22: Honoring their legacy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  On Jan. 7, 2014, exactly one year ago today, the tragic loss of Jolly 22 struck the 48th Fighter Wing family.

An accident involving an HH-60G Pave Hawk during low-level training took the lives of four heroes.

Capt. Sean Ruane, Capt. Christopher Stover, Tech. Sgt. Dale Mathews and Staff Sgt. Afton Ponce gave the ultimate sacrifice "That Others May Live."

That rescue motto serves true to the mentality of all members assigned to the 56th Rescue Squadron at Royal Air Force Lakenheath and the combat rescue community as a whole.

"This means we are going to put it all out on the line for those we're rescuing," said Lt. Col. Jared Herbert, 56th RQS commander. "We are giving them that safety net -- letting them know that they are not alone and we're coming to get them."

This time, following the tragic event, the 56th RQS and 48th Fighter Wing were the ones that weren't left alone. In the wake of the crash, the 48th FW received unending support from the local British community.

"It was an overwhelming and positive response from the community as they embraced the base and military members with an outpouring of support," Herbert explained. "Everything from greeting the military members and thanking them for their service and expressing condolences, to hundreds of hand-written letters of which I replied to."

According to Herbert, the close coordination with local authorities and Ministry of Defense demonstrates the positive reassurance the 48th FW receives from the host nation.

"Even now, they're lowering the RAF Ensign in solidarity," said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th FW commander, in a message to the Liberty Wing.

Community support was just one of many outlets for the families and friends of those involved.

"Initially, it was a shock to the system, and everyone grieves in their own way," Herbert stated. "Throughout the process we utilized the full weight of base services. The combination of that and coming together as a family was tremendously helpful in facing the challenges."

Despite the challenges, the 56th RQS quickly jumped back to their feet with resumed flying training and preparation for a deployment a few months later.

"You began 2014 with a tragic, potentially crippling loss," Novotny said. "But, you didn't allow it to define you or impact the mission. To rise above adversity demonstrates resilience, drive and dedication. In fact, we've ended 2014 having been recognized as one of the top two wings in the Air Force."

"The face of adversity built stronger bonds in the squadron, focusing more on the mission to honor the fallen rescue members," Herbert added.

Unlike other rescue squadrons, the 56th RQS is the only unit with a dedicated combat search and rescue force to conduct personnel recovery for a joint force.

"We are the only one that organizes, trains and equips specifically to rescue isolated personnel," Herbert said. "No other rescue squadron has the HH-60G Pave Hawks and the Guardian Angels pararescuemen under one commander."

Going forward, Herbert expressed his goals for 2015.

"We will continue to be combat mission ready by training to respond at anytime, anywhere around the globe," Herbert said.

The 56th RQS is holding a private ceremony today at the squadron, coming together to reflect as a rescue community. Novotny offered advice to the Airman of the Liberty Wing.

"Challenge yourselves," he said. "Honor the legacy of those who have served before us by continuing to execute your mission with excellence."

We will never forget. These Things We Do...That Other May Live.