Update 1 – Loss of Coast Guard Aircraft 6017

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Posted by: CDR Glynn Smith

Admiral Robert J. Papp, 24th Commandant of the Coast Guard (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Posted from ADM Papp’s All Hands e-mail of 7/7/2010:

Shipmates,

I want to update the Coast Guard family on the status of the crew of CG6017. I am deeply saddened to inform you that the three fatalities in yesterday’s mishap are LT Sean Krueger, AMT1 Adam Hoke, and AMT2 Brett Banks. The fourth air crewmember, LT Lance Leone, survived the crash and is currently recovering from injuries. The combined efforts of all those who reached out and responded, have provided some small measure of comfort for the families of the deceased and injured crew members and their command. In times like these, our Service has always been able to count on each other for support. It’s part of the manners of our profession.

LT Krueger, AMT1 Hoke and AMT2 Banks collectively leave careers which serve as examples of our Service’s core values and underscore what America expects from its Coast Guard. Their sacrifice reflects our country’s best values and principles.

Further, I am deeply concerned with the number of serious aviation mishaps that have occurred in the past 22 months. I am addressing this separately and will update you in the future. For now, we should and must focus our attention on caring for and supporting our Shipmates and their families.

Our Service conducts hazardous missions every day both on and above the water, and ashore. The loss of these three exceptional Coast Guardsmen reinforces that fact. I ask that you remember this crew’s sacrifice and honor their lives.

Information regarding memorial services will be passed when the details are available.

Semper Paratus,

Admiral Bob Papp
Commandant

  • Bo and Bethany Payne

    As a retired CG airman and spouse, our hearts break for these fallen airman. Our prayers are with their families and friends they leave behind. All things happen for a reason. We hope that the Coasties uses this to pull together and grow stronger and better.
    God Bless the US Coast Guard!

    Bo and Bethany Payne
    Savannah, GA

  • John Sachse, ADCS (RET)

    To the families and Air Station Sitka personnel, my thoughts and prayers are with you. God will give you strength and comfort. To Adam, who worked with me at Air Station Clearwater, a hard worker and good man. SEMPER PARATUS my guardian friends.

  • Ben Lavine

    Rest in peace brothers.

  • Ken Nass AT1 USCG ret

    Most sincere gratitude and appreciation for these fine men and the contribution they have made in the name of our cause.
    Best wishes go to the surviving families and their recovery.
    Ken & Kathryn Nass
    Bozeman, Montana

  • Mervin Bartley

    My condolences go out to the Families of the Fallen Airmen that Guarded our nations Borders. My prayers are with you.

  • David Soby (HSC retired)

    My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are touched by this tragedy. As the USCG has done each time we are struck by tragedy we will become stronger, and better in all that we do. May all affected find peace during this difficult time. SEMPER PARATUS

  • Eileen & Brian George

    We are saddened today with the loss of three men on Wednesday. Lt. Sean Krueger was an outstanding example of a Coast Guard Officer. Our prayers are with all these families.

  • David Sousa (Reserve MST2)

    I was very saddened to hear that we lost three more shipmates as a result of this incident. This just shows how dangerous our jobs our and that we have to take mission safety very seriously. I am very proud to be one of the many reservist serving as part of the Deepwater Horizon spill response. Remember, safety first, last and always shipmates and fair winds and calm seas to our fallen brothers. You will be missed.

  • Ken Burt, HSCS, Ret.

    My family and I extend our condolences to families of our fallen commrades. As Chief Soby stated I would have to agree that after a tragedy like this we became stronger, more united, and better ate what we signed up to do, and that is to put our lives on the line to help those in need.

  • Andrew Pepe, CWO, Ret

    Having served with so many personnel that fly our aircraft, it reaches deep. May all members of the Coast Guard, active and retired, be lifted up at this time. We sorrow together and pray together. We will always be one family.

  • J Williams

    Our prayers are with the families of each and everyone involved. Thanks and prayers as well to all active and retired members of the USCG. I am a retired Law Enforcement Officer. My father, grandfather and many family members are retired or active duty USCG. God Bless

  • Susan Petto, Mom of of Guardian

    All will give some…. Some will give all. God Bless

  • Verna Peterson

    You will be missed, hope you find peace in this time of sorrow, know that the Lord will keep you safe and he is always with you. Your friend in Christ.