Retired Air Force Major General Missing for Two Weeks

FBI joins local authorities in search for William N. McCasland, who disappeared from his New Mexico home.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Retired U.S. Air Force Major General William N. 'Neil' McCasland, who held high-level positions in the Air Force and National Reconnaissance Office, has been missing since February 27 after leaving his Albuquerque, New Mexico home. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office is coordinating with the FBI and other agencies in the search, but so far no evidence of foul play has been found.

Why it matters

McCasland's distinguished military career and senior roles in sensitive national security positions have raised concerns about his disappearance. The involvement of the FBI underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to locate the 68-year-old retired general safely.

The details

According to the Air Force, McCasland held a number of 'space research, acquisition and operations roles' during his military service, including director-level positions at the Pentagon and commanding roles at Air Force research laboratories. He left his Albuquerque home on foot on February 27 and has not been seen since. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office says it has so far found no evidence of foul play in McCasland's disappearance.

  • McCasland was last seen leaving his Albuquerque home on February 27, 2026.
  • The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office began coordinating the search for McCasland shortly after his disappearance on February 27.

The players

William N. 'Neil' McCasland

A retired U.S. Air Force Major General who held high-level positions in the Air Force and National Reconnaissance Office, including director-level roles at the Pentagon and commanding positions at Air Force research laboratories.

Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency leading the search for the missing retired general, in coordination with the FBI.

FBI Albuquerque Field Office

The FBI field office assisting the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office in the search for the missing retired Air Force general.

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What they’re saying

“Our priority is finding Mr. McCasland safely. We're asking the public to help by checking and preserving any security camera footage from the area and reporting any information immediately.”

— Sheriff John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff (mycentraloregon.com)

What’s next

The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office and FBI will continue their coordinated search efforts, including appealing to the public for any information or security camera footage that could aid in locating the missing retired general.

The takeaway

The disappearance of a highly decorated retired Air Force general with extensive national security experience has raised serious concerns and prompted a multi-agency search effort. The involvement of the FBI underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to find McCasland and determine the circumstances around his disappearance.