Features

Gone but not forgotten: Ramstein AB remembers IFO-21

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Regan Spinner
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
April 21, 2023
Members of the 76th Airlift Squadron and leadership from across Ramstein Air Base, Germany, stand for a moment of silence during a memorial service for the loss of Implementation Force-21, April 3. The IFO-21 crash became a call to action to improve safety practices across the Air Force.

In remembrance of the 27th anniversary of the Implementation Force-21 crash, the 76th Airlift Squadron held a memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, April 3.

Six crew members from the 76 AS, along with 29 American and Croatian passengers, lost their lives while on a mission tasked with building trade ties in the aftermath of the Bosnian civil war, explained Tech. Sgt. Bryan Everett, 76th Airlift Squadron enlisted executive.

“Your presence keeps the memories of our lost brothers and sisters alive,” said Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing Commander. “I am humbled to be here with you in remembrance of the souls lost on the 3rd of April, 1996.”

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander, speaks at a memorial ceremony, at Ramstein Air Base, April 3. The memorial ceremony was held in honor of the Implementation Force-21 crew and their 29 American and Croatian passengers who lost their lives 27 years ago.

While many details of the crash remain unknown, this incident made it clear that change was necessary.

The resulting changes of this incident included requiring all U.S. Air Force aircraft to be outfitted with flight data and cockpit voice recorders and more thorough procedures regarding commercial airport stops on military aircraft missions.

Some risks are avoidable today because of this crew’s sacrifice, said Jones. The Air Force commits itself to a culture of safety, and this incident was a call to improve our practices.

U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 76th Airlift Squadron salute for the playing of taps during an Implementation Force- 21 crash memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, April 3. On April 3, 1996, a CT-43 aircraft, assigned to the 76th AS, crashed during a mission tasked with building trade ties in the aftermath of the Bosnian civil war.

The 76th Airlift Squadron honors the memory of those who lost their lives by hosting the annual remembrance ceremony. This year, a ceremonial wreath was placed and was concluded with a C-21A flyover.

Although they are missed, the memory of the IFO-21 crew will remain forever at Ramstein AB, said Everett.

“Our fellow Airmen perished doing what they love — flying and supporting the mission of the United States Air Force,” said Everett. “We are here today to honor their memory and celebrate the contributions the crew of IFO-21 gave to the Air Force, Ramstein, and the 76th.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Laura Kluga, United States Air Forces in Europe Band regional band trumpet, performs taps during a memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, April 3. The memorial event is held yearly to honor the lives lost in the Implementation Force-21 crash and the impact their sacrifices made on the Air Force today.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jeremy Rosen, 1st Air and Space Communications Operations Squadron collateral systems technician, left, and Senior Airman Aaron Gutierrez, 37th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, right, present the memorial wreath, Ramstein Air Base, April 3. The wreath was laid in honor of the 76th Airlift Squadron Implementation Force 21 crew who lost their lives April 3, 1996 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, during a peacekeeping mission.
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