A sign warns swimmers of dangerous conditions at Odo Coast in Itoman city, Okinawa, on June 25, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
A U.S. civilian who died Wednesday while snorkeling at a popular beach in southern Okinawa was an Air Force veteran deployed to Kadena Air Base from Alaska, the 18th Wing announced.
James J. Chopik, 48, was a general schedule employee assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, according to an 18th Wing news release Thursday.
F-22 Raptors with the squadron have been deployed to Kadena on rotational duty since early May.
“James dedicated more than a two-decade career to the U.S. Air Force, then remained in service to our nation and military as a civilian,” squadron commander Lt. Col. Rich Williams said in the release. “He was an exemplary colleague and friend and a role model to the men and women in his unit. His character, professionalism and commitment to others left a lasting impact and will be sorely missed.”
Chopik was snorkeling with coworkers at Odo Coast in Itoman when he went missing Wednesday, according to the wing’s release. He was snorkeling with three others at the time, according to the Japan coast guard.
A bystander reported to the coast guard at 4:36 p.m. that a swimmer, identified as Chopik, was swept away by waves. He was spotted unconscious on the shore by an Okinawa Prefectural Police helicopter about 1½ hours later.
He was recovered by the Itoman City Fire Department and the coast guard. His heart had stopped and he was not breathing at the time of rescue, according to the coast guard.
Chopik’s coworkers and emergency responders provided treatment as he was transported to YuuAi Medical Center in Tomigusuku city, the wing said. He was pronounced dead at 6:58 p.m.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of James, who served our nation with distinction,” Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, said in the release. “On behalf of Team Kadena, I offer our deepest sympathies to his loved ones and to all those who shared the privilege of serving by his side.”
Chopik lived in Wasilla, Alaska, and participated in the 2023 Iron Dog snowmobile race alongside snowmobiler Trent White.
The Iron Dog is labeled as “the world’s longest and toughest snow machine race,” White said by phone from Wasilla on Wednesday.
It covers more than 2,500 miles across 23 communities in Alaska, according to the race’s website. The two men rode in the Expedition Class, the noncompetitive group that starts in Big Lake and finishes in either Nome or Kotzebue.
Anyone impacted by Chopik’s death is strongly encouraged to seek assistance from unit leadership, base chaplains or medical professionals, the release said.
