The search for Staff Sgt. Joseph Miele, a radar tech at Aviano Air Base in Italy who was reported missing four days ago, ended Saturday with his rescue. Here he is seen climbing the radar tower at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in 2017. (Alan Quevy/U.S. Air Force)
AVIANO, Italy — The American airman who went missing four days ago from Aviano Air Base was found alive and unhurt Saturday, ending an intensive search in the Alps.
Details of the rescue of Staff Sgt. Joseph Charles Miele were scarce Saturday, but according to Italian news service Ansa, Miele was found by his brother, who had arrived in Italy the day before to help with the search.
Miele’s brother went into the woods on his own and found the airman, then hailed Italian rescuers, Ansa reported.
Miele, 32, is a radar tech assigned to the 606th Air Control Squadron, which specializes in air surveillance, control and communications. He didn’t show up for work Tuesday and was reported missing by his unit that night.
Searchers found Miele’s Opel Astra in Andreis, a mountain town north of Aviano. They believe he went hiking on the area trails with his dog, which was also rescued Saturday.
Italian firefighters heard the dog barking at the bottom of a canyon and airlifted the canine into a helicopter using a special harness, according to Italian news service PordenoneToday.
On Friday, rescuers found a towel belonging to Miele, allowing them to focus their efforts on a specific area of Andreis, Messagero Veneto reported.
An undated photo from social media of Staff Sgt. Joseph Miele, who went missing from Aviano Air Base in Italy on July 23, 2024. Miele was found alive and uninjured Saturday after an intensive four-day search. (Facebook)
“I want to thank the local Italian authorities and our base community for the combined search and rescue effort to bring Joseph home,” Col. Beau Diers, deputy commander of the 31st Fighter Wing, said in a statement Saturday. “The unwavering support of the local community has been invaluable during this challenging time.”
The wing did not immediately respond Saturday to questions seeking additional information.
Miele was flown to base camp in a helicopter and taken to a local hospital, and his dog was examined by a veterinarian, Italian media reports said.
