Airman found dead hours after going missing from RAF base in Suffolk, as officer pay tribute
A US airman has been found dead hours after vanishing from an RAF base.
Staff at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk searched for Camden Mello, who was part of the 48th Fighter Wing Command Team, through last night and into the morning.
Colonel Jason Camilletti said all hands were on deck after it was discovered that Camden was missing.
The officer paid tribute in a video message, informing his fellow servicemen of the man's death.
He said: "Camden, we love you brother.
"Lauren we are here for you, anything you need, to his father and family in Massachusetts, same to you all.
"It's an absolute tragedy, we mourn this loss with you.
"To our seven 48th AMXS men and women our arms are also wrapped around you all."
Colonel Jason Camilletti continued: "When you all found out he was missing there was no shortage of manpower to go look.
"I know what he meant to you.
"Two hours ago I was bawling in my car over Camden's loss, this stuff is real and we're living overseas in the Covid era when there's two-thirds darkness and one third day and all the other life stresses.
"It's natural to feel down sometimes, it's a part of the process.
"Keep battling, my goodness keep battling, we love you so much, you mean so much to the world and please, please do not make a permanent decision in a temporary situation."
It comes as police probe a Royal Navy nuclear submarine engineer's "unexplained" death at the Faslane naval base in Scotland.
Emergency services were called to Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde at around 12.30pm on Thursday following the serviceman's mystery death.
He has been named as engineering technician Stephen Cashman.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm a member of the Royal Navy has died.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends at this difficult time and we request their privacy is respected.
"At this stage, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”