We got word this morning that a CG helo crashed off the coast of Hawaii, killing all on board. 3 men were picked up with no vitals - CPR was given during the rush to the hospital, but they were declared dead upon arrival. The fourth individual, who has not yet been named, is still missing.
This is a copy of the email sent by the CG:
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
As a former Coastie, and as a wife to an active duty Coastie, I can say that this loss affects us all. This is a small service, and any injury or death reverberates throughout the Coast Guard like a shock wave. These men and women work and train hard to be some of the best - but sometimes, accidents happen anyway.
Please take a moment and wing a prayer out for the families of the fallen, for the CG family in Hawaii who is still searching for their friend, and for the CG family as a whole. And if you happen to meet a servicemember or spouse of any branch, please take the time to thank them for what they do. It is appreciated more that anyone can guess, particularly at a time like this.
Coast Guard Hymn
Eternal Father, Lord of hosts,
Watch o’er the ones who guard our coasts.
Protect them from the raging seas
And give them light and life and peace.
Grant them from Thy great throne above
The shield and shelter of Thy love.
Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!
Fair winds and following seas to the crew of CG-6505 - may your place in heaven be especially blessed.
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