Missing Airman declared dead

  • Published
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNEWS) --  Andersen AFB officials announced Airman 1st Class Michael McDonald has been declared dead Jan. 31.

Airman McDonald was reported missing Jan. 27 off Tarague Beach here.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Airman McDonald's family and friends during this tragic event," said Brig. Gen. Douglas Owens, the 36th Wing commander.

Airman McDonald, who was deployed here from Minot AFB, N.D. and assigned to the 36th Maintenance Squadron, enlisted in the Air Force April 20, 2004.

After graduating basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, he was trained as an aircraft structural maintenance technician and served in this capacity for more than two years while assigned to the 5th Maintenance Squadron at Minot AFB.

A coordinated-joint rescue team searched the waters around Tarague Beach since Jan. 27. The team included assets from the Guam Police Department, the Guam Fire and rescue unit, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Assateague, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 helicopters, a P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, and Andersen's fire department water rescue team.

"I'm extremely impressed by the professionalism of all the agencies involved and their ability to quickly coordinate their rescue efforts," General Owens said. "It's tragic events like these that highlight how well we as a community can work together. Team Andersen is grateful to all those who had a part in the search and rescue and recovery operations."

The Jan. 27 incident is currently being investigated.

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