The Air Defender 2023 is a multinational air operation exercise in European airspace under the command of the German Air Force taking place from June 12 to June 23, 2023.
The US Air Force (USAF) announced it had recovered the body of 33-year-old Staff Sgt. Kory Wade after he went missing over the weekend during a training exercise.
The medical logistics airman from the USAF 48th Rescue Squadron out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, was initially reported missing Wednesday last week (June 14) during what the Air Force stated as "training in preparation for supporting jump operations."
Air Force and Navy personnel and local emergency services found his lifeless body at Roosevelt Lake on Saturday (June 17). The cause of his death remains unclear, but the Gila County Sheriff's Office said the incident was under investigation.
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USAF 355th Wing commander Col. Scott Mills called Wade "a model Airman and consummate professional" and would be missed by his unit and the whole Air Force installation.
"Our thoughts are with Sergeant Wade's family, friends and teammates during this difficult time," he added. "Davis-Monthan Air Force Base leaders are postured to provide comfort and assistance to our community as we navigate this tragedy together."
Wade came from Shortsville, New York, and entered the US Air Force in 2008. He was assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in April 2020.
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