A joint US Air Force and Japanese search team found the body of a second airmen swept out to sea when Typhoon Phanfone struck the northwest coast of Okinawa on Oct. 5. The airman was found “close to the shore, about one and a half miles south of the presumed incident location,” according to an Oct. 7 release. The search continues for a third airman considered lost at sea, states the release. Officials recovered the body of SMSgt. James Swartz, an aerospace propulsion superintendent with the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing, on Oct. 5. Swartz was on temporary duty assignment from Robins AFB, Ga., to Kadena AB, Japan, along with the other two airmen at the time of the storm. The other two airmen have been identified as MSgt. Daniel Paschal, an aerospace propulsion craftsman with the Guard’s 116th ACW, and SSgt. Joshua Schoenhoff, an Active Duty instrument and flight control systems specialist with the 461st Air Control Wing at Robins. Officials have not released the identity of the second found airmen, pending next of kin notification. “Our hearts go out to the 116th and 461st members and their families during this time of loss and unknown outcomes,” said Col. Kevin Clotfelter, 116th ACW commander, in a release. “Please keep your thoughts and prayers of support directed toward all those affected.”
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.