US Airman Swept Away By Typhoon Confirmed Dead, 2 Others Still Missing

The U.S. Air Force Sunday confirmed at least one of three airmen swept out to sea as Typhoon Phanfone pummeled Japan has died. Japan's Meteorological Agency said the storm, packing winds as high as 104 mph, pounded Okinawa and Kyushu.

The Associated Press reported the three, stationed at Kadena Air Base, were swept off Okinawa's northern coast Sunday. The search for the other two was suspended because of high seas. CNN reported the victim, whose name was withheld along with those of the two missing airmen, was pulled from the sea by the Japanese coast guard.

The typhoon brought torrential rains to the area but the storm was expected to weaken before nearing Tokyo early Monday, the U.S. government's Joint Typhoon Warning Center said.