YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- An Airman assigned to Yokota Air Base was found unresponsive and pronounced deceased in an on-base dormitory the morning of May 30, 2026.
The Airman has been identified as Airman 1st Class Sean S. Chase, an aircraft services technician assigned to the 730th Air Mobility Squadron.
“He was loved by those around him, and he loved those around him in return,” said Lt. Col. Shawn Cox, 730 AMS commander. “He will be remembered for the light that he brought to the world, his dedication to the mission, and the positive impact he had on his fellow service members.”
Airman 1st Class Sean S. Chase, 22, of Raceland, Louisiana, has been stationed at Yokota Air Base since 2022.
“Our thoughts are with Sean’s loved ones, teammates, and community,” said Col. Richard McElhaney, 374th Airlift Wing and Yokota Air Base commander. “It is in difficult moments like these when we come together as Team Yokota to uplift and support each other. Support agencies and wingmen across the base stand ready to help those impacted, you are not alone.”
For affected members seeking support, please visit the resources page for a list of agencies or consult your chain of command. https://www.yokota.af.mil/Resources/
Details surrounding the death are under investigation. Please direct all further inquiries to 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs at 374AW.PA.MediaOperations@us.af.mil.