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Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, center, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on remembering Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, once a 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

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Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, center, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on remembering Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, once a 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. The 35th Fighter Wing (FW) honored Sneed, who was lost during a combat training exercise in 2000, recognizing his lasting influence on the 35th FW’s readiness and warrior ethos. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
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A U.S. and POW/MIA flag fly in the wind during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

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A U.S. and POW/MIA flag fly in the wind during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. During the ceremony, the 35th Fighter Wing (FW) honored Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, who was lost in a midair collision during exercise Keen Sword-01, reflecting the 35th FW’s enduring commitment to service and sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
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Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, bows his head alongside his two daughters for a moment of prayer during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

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Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, bows his head alongside his two daughters for a moment of prayer during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. The 35th Fighter Wing recognized Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, who was lost over the Sea of Japan during Keen Sword-01, reminding all that mission readiness is built on the dedication and sacrifice of those who came before. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, center, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on remembering Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, once a 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

    251113-F-VQ736-1027

    Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, center, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on remembering Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, once a 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. The 35th Fighter Wing (FW) honored Sneed, who was lost during a combat training exercise in 2000, recognizing his lasting influence on the 35th FW’s readiness and warrior ethos. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • A U.S. and POW/MIA flag fly in the wind during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

    251113-F-VQ736-1014

    A U.S. and POW/MIA flag fly in the wind during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. During the ceremony, the 35th Fighter Wing (FW) honored Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, who was lost in a midair collision during exercise Keen Sword-01, reflecting the 35th FW’s enduring commitment to service and sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
  • Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, bows his head alongside his two daughters for a moment of prayer during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

    251113-F-VQ736-1058

    Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, bows his head alongside his two daughters for a moment of prayer during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. The 35th Fighter Wing recognized Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, who was lost over the Sea of Japan during Keen Sword-01, reminding all that mission readiness is built on the dedication and sacrifice of those who came before. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
    Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

One of Many: Honoring Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench
  • 35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan – At 8 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2000, U.S. Air Force Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron’s (FS) assistant weapons officer, launched from Misawa Air Base as the lead of a four-ship formation. The team’s task was an offensive counter-air mission supporting bilateral training with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Engines from Misawa’s F-16s echoed across the flightline as ground crews moved with the high-tempo rhythm of exercise Keen Sword-01 (KS-01).

The morning was calm, the skies steady, and everything about the mission routine; until it wasn’t.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, speaks during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, speaks during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. The 35th Fighter Wing honored Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, whose loss during exercise Keen Sword-01 brought together U.S. and Japan forces in a joint search and recovery effort that strengthened the enduring partnership. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
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“The collision occurred about 3,000 feet in front of me over the Sea of Japan,” said retired Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, who was the 14th FS flight commander at that time. “Halfway through the second turn of a G-warmup exercise, Reefer and his wingman collided, resulting in catastrophic damage to both aircraft.”

In an instant, aircraft designed to rule the air became objects falling toward the sea, pulled from flight to water in seconds in a flare of metal debris. 

“That day,” Forkner said, “I was Reefer’s flight commander and squadron mate, but also No. 3 in that formation. This event is very personal to me.”

Forkner said he drove into the first search sweeps over the impact site, shifting to rescue frequencies as his focus tightened on the storming surface below. The Sea of Japan rolled with five to nine foot swells, the reflections broken by clouds that turned every pass into a fight for visibility. Early calls back to the rescue force reported no survivors as the aircraft’s shadow passed over nothing but rolling waves.

Nearly twenty minutes into the search, a streak of orange finally cut through the haze. Forkner spotted a smoke flare and relayed the sighting, confirming the No. 2 pilot’s survival and providing the first concrete sign amid the expanding rescue effort.

Search and rescue surged into motion. The U.S. Navy, Air Force, JASDF and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force swept the area from sea and sky, retrieving the No. 2 pilot and continuing to look for Reefer. Helicopters skimmed the surface for signs of life. Aircraft carved search lanes through the cloud deck. Naval vessels scanned more than 6,000 square miles of ocean in the days that followed.

After 48 hours, the search was suspended and the U.S. flag on base was lowered to half-staff.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, center in civilian attire, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on remembering Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, center in civilian attire, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on remembering Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, November 13, 2025. The 35th Fighter Wing (FW) honored Sneed’s sacrifice as a lasting reminder of the price of freedom and the duty to carry the 35th FW mission forward. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
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“It was not the desired outcome, but I am thankful for all of their efforts,” Forkner said. “I wasn’t Reefer’s best friend, but as my Samurai colleagues will attest, you grow very close through deployments, exercises and long workdays together week after week. He worked extremely hard and served as a leader everywhere he went.”

The loss reverberated throughout the 14th FS and the 35th Fighter Wing (FW). Reefer was remembered as a steadying presence within the “Fightin’ Samurai,” known for his focus, technical expertise and the humor that lifted morale even on the hardest days. His impact shaped the culture of excellence that the squadron still carries forward.

“Reefer made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country,” Forkner said. “But service isn’t defined by a single decision or moment. It’s a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. The folks I served with, and those who came before, understood that. It deserves to be recognized at least once a year, if not every day.”

Nearly 25 years later, Forkner returned to Misawa to honor Reefer’s memory and to mark the base’s Veterans Day observance. The day carried a heightened weight, blending remembrance with a renewed appreciation for the Airmen who continue the mission today.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on honoring Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William “Mother” Forkner, Air Education and Training Command chief of combat air forces training branch, reads his speech on honoring Capt. Warren “Reefer” Sneed, former 14th Fighter Squadron assistant weapons officer, during a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13, 2025. Airmen and family members paid tribute to Sneed, who gave his life during a 2000 training mission, as the 35th Fighter Wing reaffirmed its resolve to honor every fallen Airman’s legacy and preserve the mission. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bench)
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“We have a long history of sacrifice in the U.S. Air Force, and that’s what Veterans Day is about: recognizing the sacrifices others made and understanding you’re not alone,” Forkner said. “Everything we do is in defense of the United States, and it’s a task worth doing.”

The 35th FW recognized Reefer, who was lost over the Sea of Japan during KS-01, reminding all that mission readiness is built on the dedication and sacrifice of those who came before. Airmen and family members gathered together under a sunny sky and a brisk autumn breeze on Nov. 13, 2025 to listen to a speech given by Forkner. It tied together generations of Airmen whose service strengthened the force and protected the nation.

“This is an opportunity to recognize one of many who have come through here who have given their life or gone on to do great things,” Forkner said during his speech. “Through this small action today, we celebrate Reefer’s life, we honor his accomplishments and we acknowledge his sacrifice.”

Now, as fighter jets once again climb through Misawa’s cold November air, their roar echoes a familiar rhythm. The aircraft rise through the same cloud layers that carried Reefer’s last flight, each sortie a testament to the Airmen who served before. For the 35th FW, the sound overhead remains more than a symbol of power. It is a reminder of purpose, sacrifice and the enduring promise to fight tonight and defend the skies with honor.