Airman found dead on Guam naval base beach

An active-duty airman was found unresponsive on a beach at Naval Base Guam, and was later pronounced dead, according to an Air Force release Friday.

The airman was temporarily assigned to Andersen Air Force Base, home of the the 36th Wing.

His identity and hometown won't be released until 24 hours after his family or next of kin has been notified, according to the Air Force.

After the airman was found at San Luis Beach, on Naval Base Guam, he was transferred to Naval Hospital Guam, where he was pronounced dead, according to the 36th Wing.

The cause of death is under investigation, according to the Air Force.

"It is the worst kind of tragedy when we lose a member of our Air Force family," said Brig. Gen. Douglas Cox, 36th Wing commander. "Our condolences are with the immediate family and everyone affected by this loss."

The airman's death happened on the last day of the massive military exercise Valiant Shield, which involved more than 18,000 military personnel conducting exercises on land, at sea, in the air and on cyberspace.

Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno writes for the Pacific Daily News.