The bodies of all three airmen swept out to sea on Oct. 5 when Typhoon Phanfone struck the Japanese island of Okinawa have been recovered. Search crews located the body of MSgt. Daniel Paschal, 34, an aerospace propulsion craftsman with the Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Wing at Robins AFB, Ga., on Oct 8. He was killed along with SMSgt. James Swartz, 51, an aerospace propulsion superintendent with the 116th ACW, and SSgt. Joshua Schoenhoff, 27, an Active Duty instrument and flight control systems specialist with the 461st ACW also at Robins. All three airmen, who were on temporary duty assignment to Kadena AB, Japan, “were on a northwest Okinawa beach with a group of other airmen following an all-clear message concerning the typhoon that passed through the area the day before,” states an Oct. 8 release. A fourth airman, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized with “non-fatal injuries,” said Col. Henry Cyr, 461st ACW commander, during an Oct. 8 press conference at Robins. “Our hearts go out to the 116th and the 461st and their families during this time of loss,” said Col. Kevin Clotfelter, 116th commander. “Please keep your thoughts and prayers of support directed toward all those affected.”
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.