Coast Guard Helo down in Mobile Bay

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Talked to one of our Coasties last night (we're close to Mobile)- they've been getting regular telephone updates about the situation (they all knew someone on the crew), they've recovered the fuselage as of yesterday - the problem has been that, the crew compartment immediately filled with mud after the mishap. Because of this and due to bad currents and zero vis, divers had been unable to access the crew compartment. The R.S was thrown free upon impact and they found him still in his seat, commenced CPR which continued until he arrived at the MedFac - but it was too late.

Best to all of you.
 
I do hope the MODs step in now and start handing out warnings.

This is not the time posters start lecturing "uninformed" or arguing with an AD member who pages ago stated:
For once, let's try not to turn this into a fight.
followed with
Sad times and circumstances indeed.
and
I hope their families find closure from the ensuing investigation.


That sums everything up in 3 simple sentences.

If it is indeed true that one of those lost was a USCGA 09 grad, chances are they know of this site, maybe they have a close friend that is a member here.

As a parent who will be kissing children goodbye this summer to see comments, such as, the policing one would make me run in fear.

If you want to argue this issue about helo crashes and rates, take it to the off topic and have a day at it!

If you can't end your post like the 3 I illustrated, don't post.

People died in order to protect all of us. Acknowledge that. Respect that. The CG deserves to know we respect them because they will be the ones going into the AK waters when any plane goes down or a crab boat disappears. They have a mission just as important as the Army, Navy, Marines or the AF. They have family members that will be forever changed.

This is not about your opinion/fact or my opinion regarding dunking. It is about putting their pain first, and what you would want if you died for those left behind. I have been there with spouses, they don't sleep.

My wish for the families and every CG member is that they know their loss is felt, not only by Helo pilots in every branch, or military members, but from the nation for raising and loving a person who put us first before their self.

My best hopes that you will one day smile when you remember them knowing that fact.
 
UPDATE: MOBILE, Ala. — "U.S. Coast Guard officials said they’ve recovered the bodies of two of the three crewmembers who had been missing since a helicopter crashed in Mobile Bay in Alabama.

Searchers recovered the remains of Lt. Cmdr. Dale Taylor of Snow Hill, N.C.; and Lt. j.g. Thomas Cameron of Portland, Ore., Thursday, authorities said."

"Active search and rescue operations for the remaining missing crewmember have been suspended, and crews were conducting salvage and recovery operations Friday, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

“The decision to suspend the active search was terribly difficult,” said Capt. Donald Rose, commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile."



http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...r-in-ala-bay/2012/03/02/gIQAd4eLmR_story.html
 
We lived for 8 yrs right outside of Snow Hill, that is small town USA where everyone knows everyone. This will rock their town.
 
Lt. j.g. Thomas Cameron was a 2009 graduate. When I knew him, and not incredibly well, he was a 4/c in Charlie Company (I was a 1/c in Bravo Company). He's going to be missed by many people, inside and outside the Coast Guard. CGA classes are small. This is a shot to the gut of every member of the class of 2009. Often they will find some strength in each other, just as they made it through CGA, and just as they work together in the Coast Guard every day.

I'd say a good portion of the Coast Guard has been on some Search and Rescue (SAR) case. You invest some hope that you will find them alive. When it looks like you're well outside of the curve, you hope you find their bodies, to provide closure for the family and friends and to return a loved one. You jump at every breaking wave crest. Every gull lifting off catches your eye "Is that someone waving to me?"

I have not been a part of a SAR case that involved searching for a Coastie. I cannot imagine the weight such a SAR case plays on the shoulders of those involved.
 
I don't know where the final write up is for this, but below is a citation for Lt. Cmdr. Dale Taylor, for his actions during a rescue in 2003. He was awarded the Coast Guard Medal.

Notice the helo he was in was a HH-65B. Those were the Dolphins before the were re-engined. They had a number of power issues. Those HH-65Bs are now MH-65Cs.

Date of Action: 9 December 2003
Date of Award: 12 March 2004
Lieutenant TAYLOR is cited for heroism on 9 December 2003 while serving as aircraft commander of HH-65B helicopter CG 6523 during the rescue of two survivors from the S/V JA'DA, located 47 nautical miles south of Key West, Florida. Launching from Naval Air Station Key West, the crew encountered 45-knot winds and 15-foot seas exacerbated by heavy rainsqualls. Lieutenant TAYLOR flew to the last known position of the distressed vessel and located the 27-foot sailboat helplessly adrift and violently pitching and rolling in the heavy seas. Unable to establish communications, the crew delivered a hand-held radio, by which--in broken English--the two survivors revealed they were sinking and pleaded to be rescued from their vessel. Despite numerous hoist attempts, the sailing vessel's instability and rigging precluded any type of basket hoist. Confronted with a sinking boat and no other reasonable rescue alternative, Lieutenant TAYLOR recommended to the survivors to enter the water for rescue basket recovery. After the successful hoist of one survivor, the second survivor's flotation device was swept away by the wind-whipped waves. Overcome by fatigue and unable to climb into the rescue basket or return to the sailing vessel, it was evident this 81-year-old survivor would surely drown in the crashing waves. With no rescue swimmer aboard, Lieutenant TAYLOR determined to rescue the otherwise vanquished survivor, quickly but methodically briefed his crew of his intent to vacate the copilot's seat and to be hoisted into the tumultuous seas. Lieutenant TAYLOR, fighting heavy seas to remain afloat, reached the remaining survivor just as he was going under the surface. Despite jeopardizing his own safety, Lieutenant TAYLOR grabbed the victim and with all his remaining strength, swam to the basket and lifted the exhausted survivor to safety shortly before the survivor would have surely succumbed to the seas. Only after this last survivor was safely aboard the helicopter was Lieutenant TAYLOR hoisted aboard. Lieutenant TAYLOR demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and bravery in spite of imminent personal danger during the rescue of two survivors from the S/V JA'DA. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
 
Lt. j.g. Thomas Cameron was a 2009 graduate.

He was also known to the class of 2012, who were 4/c when he was a firstie. Although billet night was festive and lively last night, a solemn tone was also noticed by many, especially in those who received flight billets.

Reading his self-written bio in the 2009 Tide Rips shows that he really enjoyed his time at CGA and that he impacted many during his time in Charlie and later Hotel company.
 
N
otice the helo he was in was a HH-65B. Those were the Dolphins before the were re-engined. They had a number of power issues. Those HH-65Bs are now MH-65Cs.

This is what? The 3rd crash of those re-engined birds?

Can't be too comforting to the flight crews.

Best
 
N

This is what? The 3rd crash of those re-engined birds?

Can't be too comforting to the flight crews.

Best

Not sure. The re-engined ones are FAR better than the old engines.

In the past.... 5 years that I can remember....

3 MH-65s
2 MH-60s
1 HC-130

I remember the 65 in Hawaii, on the Great Lakes, and now this one. The 60 was Utah maybe and just off of Washington or Oregon. The 130 was off of California. Can't remember any more right now.
 
Not sure. The re-engined ones are FAR better than the old engines.

In the past.... 5 years that I can remember....

3 MH-65s
2 MH-60s
1 HC-130

I remember the 65 in Hawaii, on the Great Lakes, and now this one. The 60 was Utah maybe and just off of Washington or Oregon. The 130 was off of California. Can't remember any more right now.

Transmission problems on the MH's? I remember the old C model Chinooks - it was very exciting flying in those things when they would just *quit* in midair and finally power back up - oh say 1500' lower...

:rolleyes:
 
N

This is what? The 3rd crash of those re-engined birds?

Can't be too comforting to the flight crews.

Best

With all due respect, there is no reason to suspect the engine to be a present and contributing factor in the incident. Any number of mechanical issues can make a helicopter incapable of sustained flight. Moreover, there may have been no mechanical error at all.
 
With all due respect, there is no reason to suspect the engine to be a present and contributing factor in the incident. Any number of mechanical issues can make a helicopter incapable of sustained flight. Moreover, there may have been no mechanical error at all.


Yeah, I agree that the engine is probably the last suspect on the list - I'm thinking power tran and gearboxes more than the powerplant actually - unless it's something metallurgical in the blades etc... I know that there has been at least one major stand down for these aircraft following the Great Lakes crash I believe...?

Crew error? Don't know, haven't read the reports myself - sure hope not...

I'm sure they'll work any bugs out - but how many morted in the V22 development program? It's always the crews and passengers that have my thoughts and prayers since they gotta fly these things until causalities are established... Part of what we got paid for - but still...:rolleyes:

Best

:biggrin:
 
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Yeah, I agree that the engine is probably the last suspect on the list - I'm thinking power tran and gearboxes more than the powerplant actually - unless it's something metallurgical in the blades etc... I know that there has been at least one major stand down for these aircraft following the Great Lakes crash I believe...?

Crew error? Don't know, haven't read the reports myself - sure hope not...

I'm sure they'll work any bugs out - but how many morted in the V22 development program? It's always the crews and passengers that have my thoughts and prayers since they gotta fly these things until causalities are established... Part of what we got paid for - but still...:rolleyes:

Best

:biggrin:

Far too early for us to know. Pilot error is a frequent factor, whether it's an unintentional flight mishap, or failing to react properly to an emergency.
 
Far too early for us to know. Pilot error is a frequent factor, whether it's an unintentional flight mishap, or failing to react properly to an emergency.

As I recall, the j.g. was a trainee there at the Aviation Center and the L Cdr one of the instructors - everyone was out doing some training in the bay.

Regardless... Real losses for the good guys.

Best
 
Lt. j.g. Thomas Cameron was a 2009 graduate. When I knew him, and not incredibly well, he was a 4/c in Charlie Company (I was a 1/c in Bravo Company).

He was also known to the class of 2012, who were 4/c when he was a firstie. Although billet night was festive and lively last night, a solemn tone was also noticed by many, especially in those who received flight billets.

A tragic loss for many in the Long Blue Line.
 
The CG Lost a good one...




Taylor, Dale T., Lieutenant, USCG

Date of Action: 9 December 2003

Date of Award: 12 March 2004

Lieutenant TAYLOR is cited for heroism on 9 December 2003 while serving as aircraft commander of HH-65B helicopter CG 6523 during the rescue of two survivors from the S/V JA'DA, located 47 nautical miles south of Key West, Florida. Launching from Naval Air Station Key West, the crew encountered 45-knot winds and 15-foot seas exacerbated by heavy rainsqualls. Lieutenant TAYLOR flew to the last known position of the distressed vessel and located the 27-foot sailboat helplessly adrift and violently pitching and rolling in the heavy seas. Unable to establish communications, the crew delivered a hand-held radio, by which--in broken English--the two survivors revealed they were sinking and pleaded to be rescued from their vessel. Despite numerous hoist attempts, the sailing vessel's instability and rigging precluded any type of basket hoist. Confronted with a sinking boat and no other reasonable rescue alternative, Lieutenant TAYLOR recommended to the survivors to enter the water for rescue basket recovery. After the successful hoist of one survivor, the second survivor's flotation device was swept away by the wind-whipped waves. Overcome by fatigue and unable to climb into the rescue basket or return to the sailing vessel, it was evident this 81-year-old survivor would surely drown in the crashing waves. With no rescue swimmer aboard, Lieutenant TAYLOR determined to rescue the otherwise vanquished survivor, quickly but methodically briefed his crew of his intent to vacate the copilot's seat and to be hoisted into the tumultuous seas. Lieutenant TAYLOR, fighting heavy seas to remain afloat, reached the remaining survivor just as he was going under the surface. Despite jeopardizing his own safety, Lieutenant TAYLOR grabbed the victim and with all his remaining strength, swam to the basket and lifted the exhausted survivor to safety shortly before the survivor would have surely succumbed to the seas. Only after this last survivor was safely aboard the helicopter was Lieutenant TAYLOR hoisted aboard. Lieutenant TAYLOR demonstrated remarkable initiative, exceptional fortitude, and bravery in spite of imminent personal danger during the rescue of two survivors from the S/V JA'DA. His courage and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.
 
I do hope the MODs step in now and start handing out warnings.

This is not the time posters start lecturing "uninformed" or arguing with an AD member
Pima, since apparently your desire is to commence acting in the moderator role, perhaps you should read the forum rules. I have boldfaced the pertinent parts for you:

This forum is intended for applicants and their parents to ask questions concerning the United States Coast Guard Academy. It is our desire that all information provided in response to those questions be accurate and that the threads not drift off-topic. As such, please reply only if you are certain of your answer. If your answer is based on one or more conditions, then please state them. Providing links to official or otherwise trustworthy sources is particularly encouraged.
Allow me to summarize. Factual information for candidates and parents. Prior to your quoted scoutpilot's condolences, way back on post # 2, he made a statement that is not factual, not in accordance with the forum's intent, not in the best interest of future candidate and parent readers. I ask you, should the inaccuracy be allowed to remain? If not, whose responsibility is it to correct it. The success of any forum such as this is the knowledge of all posters and their ability to ensure correct and factual information.

You never seem to see the harm of incorrect information and, along with scoutpilot, bully those who attempt to set the record straight. This thread is a textbook example. You see no harm in this statement? Analogous and totally pertinent. What if I came on the AFA forum and, every time UPT was mentioned, stated something to the effect that if a cadet goes to UPT, he will probably crash (Overwater flying is a high-risk endeavor) , and if he crashes, he will probably die (a crash usually means that good men will be surrendered to the deep). No matter where I posted this, everyone, including you, and rightfully so, would be up in arms. However, that statement basically is exactly what was stated in post #2.

Quit bullying. Acknowledge that you should never have agreed with a post about which you know nothing, and then move on.

Presently, scoutpilot and others are speculating as to the cause of the mishap. Perhaps he can enlighten us with some data as to the percentage of overwater helicopter mishaps that are pilot error. Also, perhaps I am the only one the bully moderators do not 'allow' to go off topic.
 
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Mongo, post about that in the new thread I have created. We don't care what you have to say about it in this thread. We're more concerned about the deaths, not the specifics about helicopter crashes in the water. Thank you.
 
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