Not just alcohol, service conditions also to blame for airman death: AFT
Recent incidents involving airman fatalities have prompted increased scrutiny of not only individual behavior but also the broader conditions of service within the Air Force. While alcohol or substance abuse can be a contributing factor in some cases, a growing body of evidence suggests that demanding service conditions, procedural failures, and communication breakdowns also play a significant role.
One such incident occurred on March 25, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, resulting in the death of Staff Sgt. Charles A. Crumlett. An accident investigation report revealed that Crumlett, a 25-year-old member of the 90th Fighter Generation Wing, sustained fatal head trauma while working on an F-22 weapons bay. The report concluded that an Air Force maintenance team failed to follow "prescribed procedures" during the maintenance, leading to the mishap. Specifically, Crumlett's head was still inside the weapons bay when the configurable rail launcher retracted. The investigation highlighted a breakdown in communication among team members and a failure to maintain supervisory direction. The team lead initiated one task while others worked on a conflicting task, placing Crumlett in a dangerous position. The maintenance chief also did not follow standard procedure by using the portable maintenance aid, which would have allowed a clearer observation of the aircraft's right side. "The maintenance team chief retracted the CRL when all personnel were not clear,” the report stated.
In another instance, the Air Force launched an investigation into the August 4, 2025, death of Airman 1st Class Syamukonka Moonga in California during a physical training assessment. Moonga collapsed during what the Air Force called a "routine" PT test, and life-saving measures were unsuccessful. The Air Force is conducting a standard investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Furthermore, the Air Force Global Strike Command temporarily suspended the use of Sig Sauer M18 handguns after the death of an airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on July 20, 2025. The airman, assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron, died while on duty. While the circumstances of the death were not immediately released, the command issued an immediate order pausing the use of the 9mm Sig Sauer M18 handguns. An individual was arrested on suspicion of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter related to the fatal firearm discharge. The M18, a variant of the Sig Sauer P320, has faced scrutiny due to reported allegations of unintentional discharges.
These incidents, along with others, have prompted calls for a comprehensive review of Air Force safety protocols, training procedures, and overall service conditions. While investigations are ongoing in many of these cases, it is becoming increasingly clear that a multifaceted approach is needed to address the factors contributing to airman deaths. This includes not only addressing issues of alcohol and substance abuse but also ensuring that airmen receive adequate training, supervision, and support to perform their duties safely and effectively. The mental health and well-being of service members must also be prioritized to mitigate the impact of demanding service conditions.
