“The crew of Coast Guard Rescue 1705 had honor. They were proficient. They were professional and they flew with pride.”
--Capt. J.J. O’Connor, Commanding Officer of AIRSTA Sacramento, 6 Nov. 2009
IN MEMORY OF THE CREW OF CG RESCUE 1705
On the evening of October 29, 2009 Coast Guard HC-130 Rescue aircraft 1705 was conducting a search for a missing boater off San Clemente Island, California. At the same time a flight of four Marine Corps helicopters from Camp Pendleton were on a training mission in the area. Coast Guard Rescue 1705 arrived on scene at 4:45 p.m. At 7:10 p.m. all communications with the 1705 were lost. They were involved in a mid-air collision with a Marine Corps AH-1 Cobra helicopter. An extensive search involving more than 20 Coast Guard, Navy and other agency air and surface assets was conducted covering more than 644 square miles. No survivors were found.
Seven Coast Guard crewmembers and two Marine Corp pilots were lost in this tragedy. This event highlights the risks Coast Guardsmen accept every day to ensure the Nation's safety and security. This website is dedicated to the crew of CG Rescue 1705.
"The crew of Coast Guard Rescue 1705 embodied a sense of purpose and spirit of public service that defines the U.S. Coast Guard itself. They were our shipmates, and an integral part of us. That part of us is gone, but their spirit and willingness to put themselves in harm's way for others lives on with us, and inspires us."
-- Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo, Commander 11th Coast Guard District, 6 Nov. 2009
--Capt. J.J. O’Connor, Commanding Officer of AIRSTA Sacramento, 6 Nov. 2009
IN MEMORY OF THE CREW OF CG RESCUE 1705
On the evening of October 29, 2009 Coast Guard HC-130 Rescue aircraft 1705 was conducting a search for a missing boater off San Clemente Island, California. At the same time a flight of four Marine Corps helicopters from Camp Pendleton were on a training mission in the area. Coast Guard Rescue 1705 arrived on scene at 4:45 p.m. At 7:10 p.m. all communications with the 1705 were lost. They were involved in a mid-air collision with a Marine Corps AH-1 Cobra helicopter. An extensive search involving more than 20 Coast Guard, Navy and other agency air and surface assets was conducted covering more than 644 square miles. No survivors were found.
Seven Coast Guard crewmembers and two Marine Corp pilots were lost in this tragedy. This event highlights the risks Coast Guardsmen accept every day to ensure the Nation's safety and security. This website is dedicated to the crew of CG Rescue 1705.
"The crew of Coast Guard Rescue 1705 embodied a sense of purpose and spirit of public service that defines the U.S. Coast Guard itself. They were our shipmates, and an integral part of us. That part of us is gone, but their spirit and willingness to put themselves in harm's way for others lives on with us, and inspires us."
-- Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo, Commander 11th Coast Guard District, 6 Nov. 2009
Lieutenant Commander Che J. Barnes......................... Aircraft Commander
Lieutenant Adam W. Bryant........................................... Co-Pilot
Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman............................. Flight Engineer
Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis....................... Navigator
Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham................ Radio Operator
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky................. Air Crewman
Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II................. Drop Master
Major Samuel Leigh......................................................... Helicopter Pilot
First Lieutenant Thomas Claiborne............................... Helicopter Pilot
Lieutenant Adam W. Bryant........................................... Co-Pilot
Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman............................. Flight Engineer
Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis....................... Navigator
Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham................ Radio Operator
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky................. Air Crewman
Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II................. Drop Master
Major Samuel Leigh......................................................... Helicopter Pilot
First Lieutenant Thomas Claiborne............................... Helicopter Pilot
Memorial Design:
The memorial has been constructed at USCG Air Station Sacramento to the left as you enter through the main gate, next to the Ceremonial flagpole area. CLICK on one of the pictures to watch a slideshow/video of the memorial dedication that took place on October 29th, 2011.
Below is a computer rendering of the final concept.
Other Links:
