Misawa Airman found dead Published May 30, 2012 By Public Affairs Office 35th Fighter Wing MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- An active-duty Airman stationed at Misawa Air Base was found dead in his off-base residence May 28. At 4:30 p.m. Monday Japanese authorities notified Misawa Air Base officials that Special Agent Mashkhur Mukhamadiev, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, was found dead at his home. According to Japanese police, Mukhamadiev appeared to have suffered from a gunshot wound. However, the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. No other suspicious or criminal activity was reported. Japanese responders transported Mukhamadiev to Hirosaki University Medical Department. "Misawa Air Base is saddened by the death of Agent Mukhamadiev," said Col. Michael Rothstein, 35 Fighter Wing commander. "Our prayers are with him and everyone affected by this incident." A weapon was found at the scene, believed to be Mukhamadiev's duty weapon. As a U.S. federal agent, Mukhamadiev was part of a very limited group of U.S. law enforcement officers authorized to carry a weapon off base, in accordance with the U.S. - Japan Status of Forces Agreement and U.S. Forces Japan instructions, to ensure timely response to law enforcement matters. The vast majority of service members at Misawa Air Base do not fit this criteria and do not possess weapons on, or off base. Misawa Air Base officials are coordinating with Japanese authorities during the investigation.