YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- American Forces Network Pacific mourns the loss of our dear friend and colleague Robert Hawthorne, Chief of AFN Pacific’s Technical Services Division, who unexpectedly passed away due to cardiac arrest 23 Feb at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
Rob was an incredible leader with a storied career in the Department of Defense, serving for 40 years across the Defense Media Activity, American Forces Network, Defense Information Systems Agency, the Air Force Broadcasting Service, Air Force Television, and the Air Force New Agency.
Rob Hawthorne began his career as an Airman and continued serving as a civilian leader long after retiring from military service. Rob had a talent for keeping AFN stations broadcasting and networked around the world, but what we’ll remember most is how he treated people; he was a wonderful mentor and team builder, and his legacy lives on through those he trained and developed through the years. We grieve the loss of a true professional, family man, and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many co-workers who knew Rob.