The body of a missing airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, was recovered on Monday afternoon from Elephant Butte Lake, a news release from the base says.
Air Force officials have not yet released the name of the airman pending next of kin notification.
“The incident remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as appropriate,” the news release says.
The airman, who was assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron, went missing on Saturday at the lake, which is about 150 miles from the base. Over time, the mission shifted from rescue to recovery.
Several agencies took part in the efforts to recover the airman including the Combat Search and Rescue Team from the 306th Rescue Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; New Mexico State Park Rangers; the Elephant Butte Fire Department; New Mexico Department of Fish and Game; New Mexico State Police; and Texas Department of Public Safety Divers.
Video shared on social media shows airmen with the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron and 306th Rescue Squadron holding a dignified transfer ceremony at Elephant Butte Lake when the missing airman’s body was recovered. Task & Purpose has confirmed the video is authentic.
This is a developing story and will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.
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