JBER 90th FGS, 3rd Wing mourn loss of Airman

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska announced that U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Charles A. Crumlett, 25, of Streamwood, Illinois, died in the line of duty on Friday, March 15, 2024.

SSgt Crumlett served as a weapons load crew chief for six years in the Air Force, during which he worked on F-15 Strike Eagles, A-10 Warthogs and F-22 Raptors. He had just recently arrived JBER, reporting for duty in February of this year. He was a member of the 90th Fighter Generation Squadron upon his arrival Alaska.

“Today, the Dicemen mourn the loss of one of our own,” said Lt. Col. Charles Bayne, 90th FGS commander. “SSgt. Crumlett’s drive and willingness to help his fellow maintainers is a loss for the entire maintenance community. Though he was only with us a short time, Charlie will always be a Diceman. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and the entire maintenance community.”

Staff Sgt. Charles Crumlett died while performing maintenance on an F-22 Raptor. The circumstances which led to his death are still under investigation. In a press release from the base, the 3rd Wing said it is committed to ensuring their people are safe and cared for during this difficult time.

The 3rd Wing paused operations on Friday as a result of Staff Sgt. Crumlett’s death, and the 90th and 525th fighter generation squadrons, along with the 90th and 525th fighter squadrons, stood down today to honor Staff Sgt. Crumlett’s memory.

“We are committed to making sure our Airmen have time to grieve as well as ensure their safety when we do resume work later this week.”

SSgt Crumlett joined the Air Force on Nov. 29, 2016. Upon completing Basic Military Training, he was a student at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, where he graduated as a weapons load crew member on January 30, 2017. Crumlett then moved on to his first duty station at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.

“It’s such a tragedy to lose anyone so young and full of promise,” said Col. Christopher Tooman, 3rd Maintenance Group commander. “Charlie’s dedication and support to his fellow maintainers will be deeply missed. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all the Airmen whose lives Charlie touched.”

Crumlett’s awards and decorations include two Air and Space Commendation Medals and one Air Force Achievement Medal.

“Charlie had such a promising future in our Air Force,” said Col. Kevin Jamieson, 3rd Wing commander. “Though he was new to JBER, it was immediately clear that Charlie had a passion for his duty and for service. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow Airmen. He will be greatly missed.”

The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances which led to SSgt Crumlett’s death.