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NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

6 AFIP Letter/Vol. I59, No. 5 / October 2001

Operation Noble Eagle: Forensic anthropologist provides expertise following September 11 attack

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ne of the AFIP investigators who 'deployed to Dover was Dr. William C. Rodriguez, III, an 8 3 internationally recognized forensic anthropologist whose skills are often utilized to help solve the most difficult criminal cases. Rodriguez, who serves as chief deputy medical examiner in charge of special investigations, is one of 35 board-certified forensic anthropologists in the nation, and the only one assigned full- time to a medical examiner’.s office. Hi.s help was invaluable following the Penta­ gon attack. “Thi.s wa.s a unique situation because it was a criminal act, and every piece of evidence had to be fully documented and accounted for,” Rodriguez said. He led a team of seven forensic anthropologists from the Army’s Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii; the FBI; and the Smithsonian Institution that worked 12- hour day.s for over 2 weeks helping to identify victims and return them to their loved ones. “We have a well-established system for processing mas.s casualties at Dover,” shocked realizing that this operation was ■rl ill Rodriguez said, “and one of the first areas the result of a terrorist attack,” staffed by the forensic anthropology team Rodriguez said. “It added to the magni­ was triage.” There, he and hi.s colleague.s tude of our work. We were concerned provided initial anatomic assessments and that another attack might be imminent, ensured a smooth transition to experts in and it really felt as though we were fingerprint and dental identification. fighting a war and doing science at the Forensic anthropologists also worked same time. It wa.s very challenging both closely with the forensic pathologists at mentally and physically.” autopsy to determine anatomy or provide a The scale of the operation was also biological profile of a specimen. “We’re enormous. “This was the largest mass able to provide specific characteristics, fatality incident we’ve seen in years, and especially when having to re-associate it required hundreds of decision.s to be remains of multiple individuals,” he said. made quickly and accurately, not only in This included questions of sex, race, age, victim identification but also in logistics and unique identifying factors. “We’re and personnel issues,” he said. “But, our Dr. William C. Rodriguez. III. review.'! ccr.e able to provide an accurate reconstruction biggest concern was always for the information with inve.rligatois at Dover (top) and of skeletal material when needed, and thi.s families. We worked hard to get the job examine.'! training xpeciinen.'i al hi.'! Rockville. Md is really critical in the identification done and return the victims to their loved process.” ones.” The forensic anthropology team wasn’t - Christopher C. Kelly immune tn the enormity of what happened on September I 1, “Everybody was

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