BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command released a ground accident investigation board report concerning an Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle accident that occurred southeast of Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, on Oct. 21, 2023.
On that day, a team of Defenders from Malmstrom AFB departed the base at 12:15 p.m. to provide site security for maintenance at a launch facility. After arriving at the location at 1:08 p.m. and performing their security duties, they began their return to base at 5:53 p.m.
Approximately 35 minutes into the return trip while traveling on Hwy 89 in the second of two UA-HMMWVs, the passenger noticed the driver was asleep at the wheel when the right side of the vehicle drifted off the paved roadway. The passenger alerted the driver, who then overcorrected, steering the vehicle to the left swerving into the oncoming lane. The driver then swerved the vehicle back to the right, causing the UA-HMMWV to skid and rotate clockwise. The vehicle then left the roadway, overturning multiple times before coming to rest on its wheels.
Emergency services responded to an accident scene after a 911 call from a passing motorist. Medical services were dispatched at 6:31 p.m. and arrived within 20 minutes. The driver was airlifted to a nearby hospital. The passenger was transported by ambulance and transferred to an advanced life support unit enroute to the hospital.
As a result of injuries sustained during the accident, the driver, Airman Alton John, 19, assigned to the 341st Missile Security Forces Squadron, 341st Security Forces Group, at Malmstrom AFB, passed away on Oct. 27, 2023. The passenger received multiple significant injuries in the mishap.
The 20th Air Force commander has since directed that Defenders will not use UA-HMMWVs for routine security operations.
The UA-HMMWV fleet is being replaced by other armored tactical vehicles more suitable for the roads and large missile field environment.
The purpose of the GAIB report is to provide a publicly releasable summary of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. GAIBs do not issue an opinion as to the cause of the accident.
To view the investigation report, visit https://www.afjag.af.mil/AIB-Reports/