Officials confirmed Saturday the body found at Andersen AFB, Guam, was that of missing Airman Alec Dye, a B-52H crew chief deployed from the 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale AFB, La. Dye went missing on Dec. 1 near Tarague Beach, on the island’s northern shore. Andersen security forces found unidentified remains close to where Dye was reported missing two days later. “The news is beyond sad and our team is mourning the loss of one of our own,” said Col. Kristin Goodwin, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, in a Dec. 6 release. “As great as our pain is though, it pales in comparison to the loss that is felt by the Dye family and all of those who loved and knew Alec, and we want to ensure that they know that we are here to help them and support them in any capacity.” Although Dye was “relatively new” to the wing, he was “well-regarded” in his squadron, states the release. “Alec was known for his eagerness to learn, his willingness to take on the toughest tasks, and his enthusiasm for his job as a B-52 mechanic,” said Lt. Col. Michael Hammack, 2nd AMXS commander. “His bright personality and service to his country will have a lasting impact on us all.” The Guam police and fire departments, US Coast Guard, and Navy helicopter crews joined Air Force personnel in the nearly week-long search for Dye, states the release.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.