Airman 1st Class Jason Nathan, 22, is the first member of the 48th Security Forces Squadron to die in the conflict since it began in 2003.

Just a day before his death, he was selected for early promotion to senior airman.

Tributes have been made to Airman Nathan, from Macon, Georgia, calling him a 'devoted security forces defender'.

Airman Nathan, was killed on Saturday while on patrol in Tikrit, 100 miles North West of Baghdad, after he was assigned to camp Speicher as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was performing gunner duties in support of a difficult Iraq Police Transition Team mission when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated and struck his vehicle.

Brigadier General John Hesterman, commander of the 48th Fighter Wing, said: "Airman Nathan was a superb young Airman, dedicated warrior and valued patriot, who died in an effort to make Iraq safer.

"His death is a significant loss for his family, our Liberty Wing family and the United States Air Force.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult period."

A memorial ceremony is set to take place on Friday at the base.

A spokeswoman from RAF Lakenheath confirmed the incident was currently under investigation.