DOD officials identify Air Force casualty 3/18/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Defense officials announced March 17 the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation New Dawn. Senior Airmen Michael J. Hinkle II, 24, of Corona, Calif., died March 16 due to a non-combat related incident in Southwest Asia. He was assigned to the 28th Communications Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. For more information media may contact the Ellsworth Air Force Base public affairs office at 605-385-5056.