July 08, 2010
Thursday PM

Lt. Lance D. Leone survived the crash and is being treated at a Seattle hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Lt. Sean D. Krueger AMT1 Adam C. Hoke AMT2 Brett M. Banks Photographs courtesy USCG

(SitNews) - Four Coast Guard Air Station Sitka members crashed in an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Sitka in the waters near James Island, Wash., Wednesday morning flying from Astoria, Ore., to Sitka with one survivor and three deceased recovered.

The Coast Guard has identified the one survivor and three crew members who lost their lives, Wednesday, after their MH-60 Jayhawkhelicopter crashed in the waters off of James Island, near La Push, Wash.

Governor Sean Parnell today expressed his sorrow over the lost lives and injuries sustained in Wednesday's helicopter crash. The incident claimed the lives of three Sitka-based Coast Guardsmen. One crewmember survived the crash and is hospitalized in Seattle.

In a prepared statement Governor Parnell said, "On behalf of all Alaskans, Sandy and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the Coast Guardsmen from Air Station Sitka who were lost in the crash near James Island, Washington," Governor Parnell said. "These men were devoted to their jobs, and we are grateful for their dedicated service to our state and country."

In honor and memory of the victims, Governor Parnell has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, July 9. Flags will be raised to full-staff the following morning.

Lt. Lance D. Leone, 29, of Ventura, Calif., survived the crash and is being treated at a Seattle hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is married.

Deceased are:

Lt. Sean D. Krueger, 33, of Seymour, Conn. The aircraft commander is married with three children. His awards and accolades include: Air Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, four Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Service Medal, Coast Guard Unit Commendation Medal, three Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, Commandant's Letter of Commendation, Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War Terror Service Medal, Coast Guard "E" Ribbon, two National Defense Service Medal, two Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Overseas Service Medal, Coast Guard Pistol Expert Medal, Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, Transportation 9-11 Medal, DOT Outstanding Unit Award.

Aviation Maintenance Technician 1st Class Adam C. Hoke, 40, of Great Falls, Mont. The aircrewman is single with one child. His awards and accolades include: Aircrew Insignia, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, two Coast Guard Unit Commendation Medal, three Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, Global War Terror Service Medal, two Commandant's Letter of Commendations, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, two Coast Guard "E" Ribbons, two National Defense Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, five Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, DOT Outstanding Unit Award, Coast Guard Rifle Marksman Ribbon, Coast Guard Rifle Expert Ribbon, Coast Guard Pistol Sharpshooter Ribbon.

Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Brett M. Banks, 33, Rock Spring, N.Y. The aircrewman is married with two children. His awards and accolades include: three Coast Guard Unit Commendation Award, three Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendations, Commandant's Letter of Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Coast Guard Presidential Unit Citation, Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon, three Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, Transportation 9-11 Ribbon, Global War Terror Service Medal, Coast Guard Rifle Marksman Ribbon, Coast Guard Pistol Marksman Ribbon.

"It was my deepest regret to have to speak to the families during this time of their painful loss," said Rear Adm. Christopher Colvin, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District. "I assured them that each of the families are in our thoughts and prayers and have the full support of the Coast Guard nationwide."

A memorial service Air Station Sitka is being scheduled for next week. Specific details will be released once a date and time have been determined.

The next step of this response is the salvage and investigation phase. The investigation includes survivor interviews, witness interviews, and examination of the wreckage and flight data recorder.

Sources of News:

United States Coast Guard
www.uscg.mil

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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