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Creech crew chief feared drowned following boating incident
Posted 6/26/2012
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6/26/2012 - CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- Local authorities continue to perform search and recovery operations for 28 year-old Staff Sgt. Antonio Tucker, a remotely piloted aircraft crew chief for the 432d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here who disappeared after leaving his rental boat on June 23. The operation changed from search and rescue to search and recovery on Sunday afternoon and authorities presume he is a drowning victim.
Nellis AFB's command post received a call from authorities on June 23 at approximately 4:30 p.m. stating that a military member was called in missing at Lake Mead near Las Vegas. The circumstances of his disappearance are not fully known, but the high winds are expected to have caused him to drift too far from the boat, sending him under the water. The other adult passenger called 911 when Tucker didn't make it back to the boat.
Next of kin notifications were made to his family in Philadelphia and base leadership gathered Airmen together Monday to remind everyone that counseling services were ready to provide help for those grieving.
"As a commander, this is one of the worst calls you can get, that you lost an Airman in a tragic accident," said Col. James Hecker, 432d Wing /432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "My heart goes out to his family, friends and squadron members. Now, our focus is on helping those who grieve and continuing to emphasize safety to prevent any other tragic accidents. He will be greatly missed."
Tucker entered the Air Force in October 2001 and came to Creech in August 2008. As a crew chief at Creech, he was responsible for the oversight and management of maintenance for the MQ-1B Predators and MQ-9 Reapers.
He deployed five times in his career, with three deployments coming out of Creech. Deployments included Afghanistan and undisclosed locations. Tucker was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, RAF Lakenheath, England, and Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, before being assigned to Creech. He received several decorations over his career, including the Air Force Expeditionary service ribbon with gold border, the Afghanistan Campaign ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal with two devices.
"He truly made a difference to his fellow Airmen and this mission," his squadron commander said, remembering Tucker's dedication to service. "The squadron is not the same without him. I wish peace for his family and all those who grieve."
A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m., June 29, at Creech AFB for his family and base members.
(Courtesy of 432nd Wing Public Affairs) |
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