Coast Guard Loss

[Damn True]

From: Allen, Thad Admiral
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008 2:25 PM
Subject: ALL HANDS - ACCIDENT INVOLVING CG-6505

To the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard:



It is with great regret that I inform you of a tragic loss of three of our
shipmates. Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Andrew Wischmeier, Aviation Survival
Technician First Class (AST1) David Skimin and Aviation Maintenance
Technician Second Class (AMT2) Joshua Nichols lost their lives when their
HH-65 helicopter crashed five nautical miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii. A
fourth member of the crew was also in the aircraft but is still missing.
Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Hawaii Air National Guard and local fire and
police assets will continue searching and we will make every effort to
locate our shipmate and wingman.

The incident occurred while the aircrew of CG-6505 was performing small boat
hoist operations with a Station Honolulu 47' motor life boat during the
early evening hours of 04 September. Immediately after the crash, a
Honolulu Fire Department Response Boat recovered LCDR Wischmeier, AST1
Skimin and AMT2 Nichols without any vital signs. The Fire Department boat
crew performed CPR and the three Coast Guardsmen were medically evacuated to
a local hospital but they did not survive.

Our highest priority now is the families, friends and shipmates of the
fallen aircrew. Each one was married with children. Our hearts go out to
their loved ones during this difficult time. All of the families have been
notified. The entire Coast Guard will provide whatever support services are
necessary for the families and crew of Air Station Barbers Point. We will
conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to
determine the cause and help prevent future incidents.

This terrible accident is a reminder that we operate in an extremely
hazardous environment. Coast Guard men and women go into harm's way to
train and conduct operations each day. In difficult times, we must
re-dedicate ourselves to performing operations safely and effectively. The
aircrew of CG-6505 epitomized the Guardian Ethos and the Nation is grateful
for their service.

Please join Secretary Chertoff, me and all who serve in taking a moment to
reflect on the loss of these Guardians. Please keep their families and
fellow crew members in your thoughts and prayers. Find time to also
recognize the value of your own loved ones, friends and teammates. Details
of the memorial services and how you can express your condolences to the
families will be provided when available. I will also notify you of the
search results for the missing member of the aircrew. Thank you for your
dedication to the Coast Guard and to each other.

Admiral Thad Allen
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

I served with PO Skimin when I was stationed at CGAS Barbers Pt. He was a truly great guy and had a beautiful wife/family. It looks like one pilot is still missing. Please pray for the family of this aviator that he is found soon.

[Paul_J]

It's always sad news to hear we lost personnel serving our country and worse when we have a personal connection to them. Prayers said.

[Damn True]

The remaining crew member was CGAS Barbers Pt. XO, Cmdr. Thomas Nelson of Staten Island, NY. They suspended the search for his body this morning. Cmdr Nelson is survived by his wife and two daughters.

[6'9"Witha69]

[WILWAXU]

Rip

[wiedemab]

My heart goes out to their family and friends.

[rob07002]

Sorry to hear about the lose of those serving.

[BonzoHansen]

Godspeed

[WS6]

sad news indeed.