The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Kermit O. Evans, 31, of Hollandale, Miss. died when the U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter he was riding in made an emergency water landing in western Al Anbar Province, Dec. 3.

He was assigned to the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. and was deployed with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the Cannon Air Force Base public affairs office at (505) 784-4131.