Air Force identifies airman missing in Lake Mead

By Paul Takahashi

Monday, June 25, 2012 | 6:08 p.m.

The U.S. Air Force has identified the man who was reported missing over the weekend at Lake Mead.

Staff Sgt. Antonio Tucker, 28, was swimming Saturday afternoon in Boulder Basin at Lake Mead when he went missing, authorities said. Tucker is a drone crew chief for the 432d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Creech Air Force Base.

Tucker left a woman and a toddler on a 21-foot rental boat when he went for a swim, according to park rangers. High winds may have caused Tucker — who was not wearing a life vest — to drift too far from the boat, sending him under the water, Creech officials said.

The woman called 911 around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The U.S. Coast Guard and Lake Mead rangers began search and rescue, which continued under Sunday afternoon when the operation changed to search and recovery after authorities presumed Tucker had drowned.

Tucker’s family in Philadelphia has been notified, Creech officials said. Counseling services are being made available to airmen at Creech, officials announced Monday.

“As a commander, this is one of the worst calls you can get, that you lost an airman in a tragic accident,” said Col. James Hecker, 432d Wing /432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "My heart goes out to his family, friends and squadron members. Now, our focus is on helping those who grieve and continuing to emphasize safety to prevent any other tragic accidents. He will be greatly missed."

Tucker joined the Air Force in October 2001 and came to Creech in August 2008. As the crew chief at Creech, Tucker oversaw the management and maintenance for the Predator and Reaper unpiloted drone aircraft.

Tucker had been deployed five times, including to Afghanistan and other undisclosed locations. He has been stationed in Alaska, England and Korea before being assigned to Creech.

Tucker received several decorations during his 11-year military career, including the Air Force Expeditionary service ribbon with gold border, the Afghanistan Campaign ribbon and the Good Conduct Medial with two devices.

"He truly made a difference to his fellow Airmen and this mission," Hecker, his squadron commander, said. "The squadron is not the same without him. I wish peace for his family and all those who grieve."

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m., June 29, at Creech Air Force Base for family and base members.