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Photos show dignified transfer for the six fallen U.S. soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East

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Photos show dignified transfer for the six fallen U.S. soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East
News

News

Photos show dignified transfer for the six fallen U.S. soldiers killed in the war in the Middle East

2026-03-08 05:38 Last Updated At：05:51

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AP) — President Donald Trump attended the dignified transfer of six U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike on a command center in Kuwait. The president joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware as the flag-draped transfer cases carrying the service members’ remains return to the United States.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
An Army carry team salute transfer vans with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team salute transfer vans with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Attorney General Pam Bondi is seen standing between first lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Attorney General Pam Bondi is seen standing between first lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
An Army carry team walk away from a transport van containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, of Sacramento, Calif., who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team walk away from a transport van containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, of Sacramento, Calif., who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of a soldier who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of a soldier who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, walk after a prayer during a casualty return for the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, walk after a prayer during a casualty return for the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, of White Bear Lake, Minn., who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, of White Bear Lake, Minn., who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team salute transfer vans with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team salute transfer vans with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Attorney General Pam Bondi is seen standing between first lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Attorney General Pam Bondi is seen standing between first lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team walk away from a transport van containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, of Sacramento, Calif., who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team walk away from a transport van containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, of Sacramento, Calif., who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of a soldier who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of a soldier who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, walk after a prayer during a casualty return for the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, walk after a prayer during a casualty return for the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, of White Bear Lake, Minn., who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, of White Bear Lake, Minn., who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump depart a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

 Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Door attendants U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christina Jiminez and Senior Airman Awng Dingrin secure the doors of the transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

 An Army carry team salute transfer vans with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team salute transfer vans with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

 Transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Transfer vans containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesot, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait one day after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Attorney General Pam Bondi is seen standing between first lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Attorney General Pam Bondi is seen standing between first lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

 An Army carry team walk away from a transport van containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, of Sacramento, Calif., who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team walk away from a transport van containing the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, of Indianola, Iowa, Capt. Cody Khork, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, of Sacramento, Calif., who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

 President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump salutes as an Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

 An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of a soldier who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of a soldier who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, walk after a prayer during a casualty return for the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

President Donald Trump, from right, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, walk after a prayer during a casualty return for the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, during a casualty return Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

 An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

 From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From right, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine say a prayer before a casualty return for the soldiers who were killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

 An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, of White Bear Lake, Minn., who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

An Army carry team moves a flag-draped transfer case with the remains of U.S. Army Reserve soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, of White Bear Lake, Minn., who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait after the U.S. and Israel launched its military campaign against Iran, past President Donald Trump during a casualty return, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Hundreds of barking dogs took over downtown Anchorage as the ceremonial start of the world’s most famous sled dog race got underway Saturday. As snow fell, fans lined up near the starting line in frigid, 19 degree F (minus 7.2 degree C) weather to see and cheer their favorite mushers. The competitive start to the race begins Sunday.

Here’s what to know about the 54th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which features a new amateur category and financial support from a Norwegian billionaire.

The Iditarod was conceived by co-founders Dorothy Page and Joe Redington Sr. as a long-distance sled dog race to honor both Alaska’s mushing tradition and the Iditarod Trail. That was a 938-mile (1,510-kilometer) freight and mail route that ran from Seward on Alaska’s southern coast to Nome, on the Bering Sea on Alaska’s western coast.

The start of the race was placed in the Anchorage area to energize residents of the state’s largest city. The late Howard Farley was instrumental in making Nome, about 1,000 miles (1,610 kilometers) away, the finish line.

Thirty-four mushers started the 1973 race, but only 22 finished.

Dick Wilmarth won it in 20 days. He never raced again. When asked why, he once said, “ Cause I won.”

Since then, mushers have become faster and faster, with winners reaching the finish line a block off the Bering Sea in about 10 days.

The number of mushers jostling to be the first to Nome has varied over the years, but the retirements of many longtime mushers and the high cost of supplies, such as dog food, have kept the fields small this decade.

The largest field was 96 mushers starting the race in 2008. Over the race's first five decades, about 60 competed on average. Just 33 started the race in 2023 and 2025 — the fewest ever.

This year, 34 mushers are competing, matching the number who started in 1973. They will glide their sleds over 11 miles (18 kilometers) of trails in Anchorage past cheering fans on Saturday. The competitive 1,000-mile (1,610-kilometer) race starts Sunday on a frozen lake about 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Anchorage.

There actually are 37 mushers in this year’s race, but three are not eligible for the championship or prize money. The Iditarod has started a new Iditarod Expedition Musher Program, which allows people to race in the honorary category.

Participating this year will be Norwegian billionaire Kjell Rokke, who now lives in Switzerland, and Canadian entrepreneur Steve Curtis. Unlike Iditarod contestants, they are allowed outside help.

Norwegian musher Thomas Waerner, who won the 2020 Iditarod and then famously was stuck in Alaska for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will provide support for Rokke running a dog team. Four-time champion Jeff King will aid Curtis on a snowmachine.

Rokke is providing financial support to the race, including boosting the race purse by $100,000 to a total of $650,000 and providing $170,000 in support for the 17 Alaska Native villages that serve as checkpoints.

Iditarod CEO Rob Urbach said Rokke's donation to the purse should raise the payouts to competitors, with the winner getting about $80,000, well above the nearly $57,000 paid to the top musher last year.

“I believe it is healthy for the sport to evolve and look at new opportunities,” Waerner told The Associated Press in an interview conducted by private message. “The cost of running a competitive kennel has increased significantly over the years, and this initiative is an attempt to explore more sustainable ways to finance both a racing kennel and the race itself — while maintaining high standards for dog care, training, competition, and overall quality.”

Curtis, whose addition was only announced three days before the ceremonial start, has committed $50,000 to support youth sports programs in villages along the Iditarod trail, race officials said in a social media post.

This year's field includes four competitive mushers from other countries: two from Canada, one from Norway and one from Denmark.

Even though Waerner is ineligible to win, the field includes three other former champions all looking for their second title: defending champion Jessie Holmes, 2023 champion Ryan Redington and 2019 winner Pete Kaiser.

Holmes, a former reality television star on National Geographic’s “Life Below Zero,” is trying to join former champions Susan Butcher and Lance Mackey as the only mushers to win their second title the year after winning their first.

Both Butcher and Mackey went on to win four championships apiece. Each died from cancer, Butcher in 2006 and Mackey in 2022.

Redington is the grandson of Joe Redington Sr., the race's co-founder, and Kaiser was the fist Yup'ik to win the race.

Deep snow should greet mushers along much of the 1,000-mile (1,610-kilometer) trek to the state’s western coast.

The route takes mushers over two mountain ranges, the frozen Yukon River and treacherous Bering Sea ice before ending on Front Street in Nome.

The finish line is near City Hall, built on the former site of The Dexter, a bar that was owned by Wyatt Earp — he of the Gunfight-at-the-OK-Corral fame — during Nome’s heady gold rush days.

The winner is expected to reach Nome early the week of March 16.

Defending Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Jessie Holmes poses for a selfie with a fan during the ceremonial start of this year's race in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Defending Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Jessie Holmes poses for a selfie with a fan during the ceremonial start of this year's race in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

 The lead dogs for musher Joseph Sabin of Two Rivers, Alaska, run with tongues out of their mouths Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

The lead dogs for musher Joseph Sabin of Two Rivers, Alaska, run with tongues out of their mouths Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

 Musher Keaton Loebrich of Fairbanks, Alaska, encourages applause from the crowd as he drives his dog team down Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Musher Keaton Loebrich of Fairbanks, Alaska, encourages applause from the crowd as he drives his dog team down Fourth Avenue in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

 FILE - Thomas Waerner, of Norway, celebrates his win in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 18, 2020, in Nome, Alaska. (Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)

FILE - Thomas Waerner, of Norway, celebrates his win in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 18, 2020, in Nome, Alaska. (Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)

 FILE - Jessie Holmes celebrates after winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 14, 2025 in Nome, Alaska. (Loren Holmes/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)

FILE - Jessie Holmes celebrates after winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 14, 2025 in Nome, Alaska. (Loren Holmes/Anchorage Daily News via AP, File)

 FILE - Ryan Redington of Knik, Alaska, grandson of Joe Redington Sr., the father of the Iditarod, drives his team on the Yukon River past the bluffs near Grayling, Alaska, on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

FILE - Ryan Redington of Knik, Alaska, grandson of Joe Redington Sr., the father of the Iditarod, drives his team on the Yukon River past the bluffs near Grayling, Alaska, on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, March 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

 FILE - Susan Butcher races in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, in Anchorage, Alaska, March 7, 1987. (AP Photo/Rob Stapleton, File)

FILE - Susan Butcher races in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, in Anchorage, Alaska, March 7, 1987. (AP Photo/Rob Stapleton, File)

 FILE - Michelle Phillips (14), of Canada, mushes down Fourth Street during the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, in Anchorage, Alaska, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman, File)

FILE - Michelle Phillips (14), of Canada, mushes down Fourth Street during the Ceremonial Start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, in Anchorage, Alaska, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman, File)
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