CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A body found floating in the waters Wednesday off Onna Village has been identified as Pvt. 1st Class Adam J. Harwood, 29, of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Harwood, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, was reported missing about 2 p.m. Nov. 9, according to a Marine Corps Bases Japan news release Saturday.
According to local police, he and a 20-year-old Marine were snorkeling off Maeda Point when they were overcome by strong waves and swept out to sea.
The younger Marine managed to swim to shore unharmed, but Harwood disappeared in the rough waters off Okinawa’s west coast.
Harwood was a warehouse clerk who joined the Marines in February 2006. He arrived on Okinawa on Aug. 16, the release said.
As an interim safety measure following the drowning incident, Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer, commander of Marine Corps Bases Japan and the III Expeditionary Force, on Saturday ordered all military personnel under his command to wear a personal flotation device, such as a snorkeling vest, skin diving horse collar or a buoyancy control device while snorkeling or diving.
"Upon completion of the safety investigation into the death of Pfc. Harwood, further details will be announced to include modifications to existing orders and directives," the release said.
