Ellsworth remembers Airmen of Fury 02

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kasey Zickmund
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Eleven years ago, Sept. 19 became a tragic day in Ellsworth's history when a B-1, designated Fury 02, crashed and four Airmen were lost. 

The 28th Bomb Wing Airmen killed were Col. Anthony Beat, pilot and 28 BW vice commander, Maj. Kirk Cakerice, instructor pilot, Maj. Clay Culver, weapons system officer and Capt. Gary Everett, weapons system officer.

The crash occurred at approximately 2:25 p.m. near the Montana and Wyoming state lines.

The investigation report concluded that at the time of impact, the crew was performing "an authorized and often-practiced defensive maneuver," in which the crew slows down the aircraft and turns sharply to evade a threat.

Ten Ellsworth Airmen, Paul and Margery Orem, William and Ruth Rosencraz, and Norella Thomas went to the memorial site for a wreath laying ceremony Sept. 19. Col. Karl "Buck" Shawhan, 28th Operations Group commander, shared a few words during the ceremony.

"We are here to honor four men who died serving their country, however, we should not dwell on the tragedy of lives lost," he said. "They knew the risks inherent to their service, and they would want us to celebrate the lives they led. In their lasts moments on earth, our fellow Airmen were doing what they loved. They have imparted their aviation skills, leadership and love of the Air Force to us over the years and are with us every time we fly."

Colonel Shawhan was followed by Col. Pete Castor, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander, who shared his words of the fallen Airmen.

"These four Airmen dedicated their lives to the service and gave the ultimate sacrifice during a training mission for freedom and democracy," he said. "We celebrate their lives. At the same time, we mourn their loss and the great things they contributed to our nation. We honor them today by placing a wreath in their memory."