KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The 8th Fighter Wing has identified the Airman who was reported missing on June 27 as Staff Sergeant Christian Diaz, assigned to the 35th Fighter Generation Squadron.
Staff Sgt. Diaz was declared missing near Fairbanks, Alaska on June 27, following a kayaking accident on the Chena River. Local authorities conducted an extensive search before transitioning to a recovery operation. The next-of-kin has been notified.
"I want to thank the Fairbanks Fire Department, Fairbanks Police Department, Village Public Safety Officers and PAWS Search and Rescue for diligently leading the ongoing efforts to locate Christian," said Col. Kathryn Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "We recognize the emotional hardship for both his family in the United States and here in the Wolf Pack and we remain focused on supporting his family, colleagues, and all those affected during this challenging time."
The 8th Fighter Wing is forward deployed to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in support of Exercise Red Flag-Alaska 25-2.
More Information will be released as it becomes available.
Please direct all further inquiries to 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at 8fw.pa@us.af.mil.