JAPAN - One of three American Air Force personnel who were swept  out to sea from their station at Kadena Air Base in Japan on Sunday is confirmed dead, while the two others are still missing.

The three U.S. airmen were washed out to sea by big waves spawned by Typhoon Phanfone, which struck Okinawa and Kyushu with 104 mph gusts of wind on Sunday at 3:45 p.m.

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The Japanese Coast Guard was able to find one of the Air Force men and brought him to a local hospital. The victim was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

According to the U.S. Air Force, "rough seas are complicating rescue efforts and that the other two airmen are still missing."

The Japanese Coast Guard and the HH-60s of Kadena Air Base are still continuing their efforts for the rescue and search operations of the missing airmen.

The names of the victims are not being released publicly until after the U.S. Air Force shall have notified their families.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Phanfone made landfall on Monday at 8 a.m. at Shizuoka Prefecture with 164 kph gusts. It is expected that the center of the typhoon would be near Tokyo  at noon on Monday.

According to reports, some areas in Japan have recorded more than 400-mm of rain.

CNN Meteorologist Taylor Ward reported that "the rain will end quickly after hitting Tokyo on Monday. The heaviest rain and strongest winds have been along the coast."

He added that the typhoon is moving quickly and will likely to exit Japan by Monday night.

Japan officials were also quick to relay their concerns over the rescue operations for hikers who went missing last weekend when Mt. Ontake erupted.

Because of the typhoon, the search operations for the missing hikers were suspended for the meantime.

TagsTyphoon Phanphone, U.S. Air Force, Kadena Air Base, Tokyo, typhoon