SrA. Michael J. Hinkle II, 24, of Corona, Calif., died last week due to a non-combat-related incident in Southwest Asia, according to the Defense Department. Hinkle died March 16; the cause of his death is under investigation, stated DOD in a release. Hinkle was assigned to Ellsworth AFB, S.D., as a cyber transport systems journeyman with the 28th Communications Squadron. He was deployed to an undisclosed air base in Southwest Asia as a member of the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our fellow airman,” said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, Ellsworth’s 28th Bomb Wing commander, in a release. He added, “Mike will be missed by all of us, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.” (See last week’s initial coverage.)
Loved Ones Mourn 6 Airmen Killed in KC-135 Crash
March 16, 2026
Tributes to the six crew members that died in the KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq have flooded social media since the Pentagon released their identities March 14. They were the first Airmen to die while supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran.