Search for Crewmembers involved in Mid-Air Collision

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

Coast Guard aircrew members conduct search patterns east of San Clemente Island Friday. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall.

Coast Guard aircrew members conduct search patterns east of San Clemente Island Friday. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory J. Mendenhall.

It has been a truly tragic past couple of days for the Coast Guard, Marine Corps and the family and friends of the nine crewmembers who were involved in a mid-air collision on Thursday night.

A joint agency search and rescue operation continues off the coast of California east of San Clemente Island for the missing air crewmembers who were onboard the Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane and a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter that collided.

The search effort has saturated an area totaling 644 square miles and includes surface and air assets from the Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps and Customs Border Protection Air/Marine Branch.

Click on image to watch an Associated Press video about the incident.

Click on image to watch an Associated Press video about the incident.

The missing Guardians from the Coast Guard C-130 are:

  • Lieutenant Commander Che J. Barnes, age 35, Capay, Calif., Aircraft Commander.
  • Lieutenance Adam W. Bryant, age 28, Crewe, Va., Co-Pilot.
  • Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman, age 43, Stockton, Calif., Flight Engineer.
  • Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis, age 35, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Navigator.
  • Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham, age 29, Decaturville, Tenn., Radio Operator.
  • Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky, age 26, Norristown, Pa., Air Crew.
  • Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II, age 22, Elm Mott, Texas, Drop Master.

The missing crew members from the Marine Corps helicopter are:

  • Major Samuel Leigh, age 35, Kennebec, Maine.
  • 1st Lieutenant Thomas Claiborne, age 26, Douglas, Colo.

Thank-you to everyone who is praying for the missing crewmembers and sending words of encouragement to their families, friends and coworkers.

Click here for words from the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen.

For updates on the case, visit Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment San Diego’s news site.

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  • Mike Renz

    I want you to know that the crew of the helicopter that went down off the coast of CA are in our prayers. I hope the civilian boaters in the area help in the search for survivors.

    Out of all the services, I admire the Coast Guard the most – you risk your lives to save others.
    God Bless you all.

  • http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2009/11/itcg-search-for-air-crews-continue-pollution-response-13-barges-break-free-four-rescued/ The Coast Guard Compass | itCG-search for air crews continue, pollution response, 13 barges break free, four rescued

    of night flying and the inherent risk associated with the missions of the U.S. Armed Forces. Click here to learn more about the missing crewmembers. Story

  • candace wilshire lester

    To the families of the lost and the missing…my heart pours out to you with the loss of your family members…I am from Elm Mott Texas and know the family of Danny Kreder…such a sad loss for the states…May God be with you…you are in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come.

  • http://www.zoombits.co.uk/christmas-gifts gift ideas

    This is the way it goes. It was an unfortunate incident. I have pray to god for the wellness of everyone on board.

  • marti stewart

    Adam you will be missed. My prayers go out to all the families. Semper Paratus cousin

  • Amelia

    i love danny rae kreder junior.your alwayys in my heart,you were still lyk my brother,alwayys will be,you were the only one that didnt pick on me when we lived in leroy.you saved me when cory was tryin 2 beat me up.i love you so much and cant wait 2 see you again.

  • 6065

    My prayers are with all friends and family.

  • Allan Pither

    My heart felt prayers for the Crew Members their Families and Children.

  • Timothy Neill

    Mr. Barnes, you were my first inspiration in the Coast Guard. I will never forget the kindness shown from an O-3 to an E-2. You will not be forgotten. Fair Winds and Calm Seas. My prayers are with your family.

  • http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/index.php/2010/03/vadm-crea-inducted-into-women-in-aviation-pioneer-hall-of-fame/ The Coast Guard Compass | VADM Crea inducted into Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame

    sponsored a networking social and honored Petty Officer Monica Beacham, the only female aboard the C130 aircraft lost late last year. ORLANDO, Fla. – Rear Adm. Mary E. Landry, commander, Eight Coast Guard District, conducts a speed