Coast Guard Honors Helicopter Team Lost Trying to Save Crew of Sailing Ship
Press release from the US Coast Guard:
The crew of Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay held a memorial service in McKinleyville, Thursday, in remembrance of the crew of the rescue helicopter 6549 helicopter that crashed 20 years ago during a search-and-rescue mission.
The ceremony paid tribute to the two pilots and two crewmembers who lost their lives aboard a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter during an effort to save five mariners stranded on a Canadian sailing vessel during a storm. Lt. Jeffrey F. Crane, 35, of Marshfield, Massachusetts; Lt. j.g. Charles W. Thigpen IV, 26, of Riverside, California; Aviation Machinist’s Mate Petty Officer 3rd Class Richard L. Hughes, 33, from Black Canyon, Arizona; and Aviation Survivalman Petty Officer 3rd Class James G. Caines, 26, of Hinesville, Georgia, died in the line of duty.“Flying helicopters is dangerous in any weather,” said Rear Adm. Todd Sokalzuk, Coast Guard 11th District commander, during the ceremony. “Doing so in the extremes we regularly ask of our Coast Guard crews requires courage, skill and dedication to helping others, three traits embodied by all crew members on the 6549.”Following the memorial, a Coast Guard helicopter crew laid a wreath at sea near the location of the crash.
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Beautiful and finally. RIP
Thank you.
The USCG unofficial motto states: “You have to go out. You don’t have to come back.”
“Coasties” take their unofficial motto, as well as their official motto “Semper Paratus” (Always Prepared) seriously everyday.
SEMPER PARATUS “ALWAYS READY “
Semper Peratus and * Hand salute
God bless these families. And thanks to all the coasties and their bravery for the job they do and have done. God bless you all
God bless the members of the Coast Guard and their families. Thank you for your service and personal sacrifice.
What about the crash at sheltercove i didn’t known there was two how unfortunate sempre paratus when i was stationed at small boat ststion humboldt bay there whas a sign that sed you have to go out but you don’t have to come back the coast guard motto always ready is what we lived for.
6541
The United States Coast Guard Is the highest quality emergency service on the planet. What an example the rescue helicopter 6549 displayed during their effort to save mariners lives. Thank you. SEMPER PARATUS.
I was stationed at air station humboldt bay as a non rate and was on my way from a school to Seattle when I herd about it. R.I.P ship mates.
I was stationed there for both of ’em. RIP, sorry guys
As a mariner, I am always gratefully aware that the Coast Guard is there. It is my job to be prepared. Did the sailing crew parish as well?
May all who lost their lives feel safe, warm and loved now.
no, they were all fine. but, it wasn’t their fault.
We got caught in the same storm as that Gorden Lightfoot song,The Edmond Fitzgerold.USCG CUTTER OJIBWAY (WYTM-97),I keep all members of our military in my prayers
I was station there 1985-1988. That coast line and weather was real bad during storms.
My prayers are with the family’s.