Airman who died after motorcycle collision served with mobility squadron on Okinawa

The intersection of Route 58 and Prefectural Route 81 is the second most dangerous on Okinawa, according to a traffic safety white paper issued in June 2025 by the prefectural police. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)

The Air Force on Monday identified Staff Sgt. Gregory Peterson as the airman who died last week from injuries sustained in a motorcycle collision two weeks earlier on Okinawa.

Peterson, 33, was assigned to the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron at Kadena Air Base, according to a Monday news release from the 18th Wing. The squadron manages passengers and cargo traveling by air to and from Kadena.

“The passing of Staff Sgt. Gregory Peterson has left a void in our hearts,” the airman’s squadron commander, Lt. Col. Joshua Messer, said in the release. “He was a treasured member of our team and was known for his positive attitude and technical expertise. We will cherish our memories of him and honor his legacy and service to this great nation.”

Peterson was pronounced dead at 8:34 p.m. Thursday at Urasoe General Hospital, the wing said in a separate news release Friday.

He died of a brain hemorrhage suffered after his motorcycle collided with a compact car at an intersection in the Isa area of Ginowan city on Oct. 17, an Okinawa Prefectural Police spokesman said Friday.

The airman was traveling south on Route 58 from Kadena town toward Naha when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle turning right from the opposite lane, a Ginowan city police spokesman said Oct. 20. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the wing, which acknowledged but did not immediately respond to email and phone questions Monday.

“The loss of Staff Sgt. Peterson brought deep sorrow to all of us here at Team Kadena,” wing commander Brig. Gen. John Gallemore said in Monday’s release. “He was a dedicated Airman who served with unwavering pride and commitment. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and those who had the privilege to serve with him.”