Serving the High Plains

Missing Cannon officer reports to California base

A Cannon Air Force Base lieutenant missing since March 12 reported to a California air force base on Monday, according to a press release from Cannon Air Force Base public affairs officials.

According to the release:

  • 1st Lt. Scott Lee reported to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and is on his way to Cannon.
  • Lee was last seen leaving his apartment in Clovis the morning of March 12.
  • "We are very relieved that Lieutenant Lee has been found safe and healthy," said Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander in the press release. "However, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we're unable to share any further details on the topic at this time."

Lee was considered to be on absent without leave (AWOL) status, according to an earlier base press release.

Cannon Air Force Base's Office of Special Investigations is actively investigating the situation.

Lee's sister, Dana Martino, says her family is grateful that he is alive and well. She helped join the search to find her brother by posting signs and contacting the media.

"I don't know any details, all I know is that he's alive," Martino said Tuesday by phone from California. "It was a very intense 18 days. My family is so relieved."

Martino says she has had no contact with Lee during the time he was missing.

"Thank you to everybody in Clovis and all the emails and support I received, there were so many people out there looking," Martino said. "My heart goes out to those missing loved ones. This really put things in to perspective."