The Air Force is investigating the death of a noncommissioned officer found unresponsive in her off-base residence in western Tokyo.
Staff Sgt. Eliction Chan, 27, assigned to the 374th Mission Support Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, died Oct. 1, according to an Air Force statement issued last week.
Chan had recently been named “Airlifter of the Week” by the 374th Airlift Wing, which encompasses the support group.
“Chan started out at Yokota AB as the NCO in charge of passenger travel where she led a team of seven to process 12 emergency leave requests, ensuring [Department of Defense] members and their dependents departed Japan within 24 hours,” Yokota officials said in a Sept. 13 Facebook post announcing the award.
Chan’s excellent performance resulted in her selection as the support group’s enlisted executive officer, according to the post.
“In that role she has continued to epitomize the Air Force core value of ‘Integrity First’ as she validates the accuracy of senior enlisted performance reports, decorations and awards for seven squadrons,” the post said.
In the statement about Chan’s death, 374th commander Col. Otis Jones called her a valued member of Yokota’s team.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and wingmen impacted by this tragedy,” he said. “Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.”
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