Some sad news to pass. Please keep those folks affected by this in your thoughts and prayers. Also, there is a lot going on out there right now so please respect that.
Always hate stuff like this. Four Coasties. Training mission. Night hover. Hoists from a 47’ MLB, where the hoisting space is tight. No radio call from them reported. Did they just impact the water, or did they strike the boat? Not yet released if they did or not. The boat crew is evidently OK, but they witnessed the whole thing. Maybe from too close up. Also, a USAF C-17 on approach to the airport witnessed it, too. People say they could see the smoke from Waikiki Beach, 8 miles off.
My heart goes out to all who knew these Coasties, who worked with them, or were related to them – and to all others who respect them and their service. Peace and Love. Mahalo.
Then again, the smoke was reported much earlier than the time of the crash, it could have only been from a smoke float/flare, which they dropped to be certain of the wind conditions, and/or for training requirements, well before beginning hoists to the boat.
My thoughts and prayers will be going out to the familes of our fellow brothers. It is always sad to here news like this and makes me remember we doing a very dangerous job.
The Guardian Ethos applies equally to how we protect the public and how we protect our own. This includes how we communicate and interact in the public information domain. This is a very sad time for the Coast Guard as we cope with the loss of our shipmates in the tragic helicopter crash off of Hawaii. It is understandable that each of us will respond to and cope with this tragedy differently, and the Coast Guard has resources available to assist those who need it either through worklife (www.uscg.mil/worklife), the chaplain corps or the chain of command. Some people may choose to cope by posting their condolences and best wishes for the Coast Guard family members, shipmates and wingmen impacted, and that is understandable. Everyone is asked to use caution to not subject them to unnecessary grief and sorrow by having to deal with inappropriate or inaccurate information or speculation that may be posted on the internet. As is standard in an accident involving death, we will thoroughly investigate what happened to cause this crash. When the facts are known, they will be shared. Be your shipmates’ Guardian and conduct your communication with respect and dignity and hold others accountable to the same.
Very Respectfully, LCDR Tony Russell Press Secretary to the Commandant
it is with a saddened heart that i have to say goodbye to a great friend. our thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones and friends of the H-65 crewmembers.
To Our Brothers and Sisters and their families at USCG AIR STA Barbers Point
Eternal Father, Lord of hosts, Watch o’er the ones who guard our coasts. Protect them from the raging seas And give them light and life and peace. Grant them from Thy great throne above The shield and shelter of Thy love.
Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly Through the great spaces in the sky. Be with them always in the air, In darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer, For those in peril in the air!
Tragic news indeed, what a shame. Prayers out for the families and to our brothers and sisters at Barber's Point.
