Airman who died in rappelling incident served for 15 years

Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson of Fort Stewart, Ga., was a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2. A U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party airman assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, rappels during rappel familiarization training at Joint San Antonio–Camp Bullis, Texas, June 5, 2025. (Melissa Hydrick/U.S. Air Force) An airman who died Saturday in a rappelling incident at a University of Texas at San Antonio football game had served for 15 years, Nellis Air Force Base said in a statement. Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, of Fort Stewart, Ga., was a Tactical Air Control Party instructor assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2 at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.

The 6th Combat Training Squadron is based at Nellis. “This tragedy is felt deeply across the 57th Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, 57th Wing commander, in the statement Sunday. “Tech. Sgt. Patterson and his service mattered immensely to our wing, and to the family, friends, and teammates who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him. Our team is now focused on standing beside Ian’s family, loved ones, and fellow Airmen as we navigate this profound loss together.” A video posted on social media Saturday shows Patterson rapidly descending toward the ground