MCCLELLAN PARK, Calif. — Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento personnel held a remembrance ceremony Saturday, honoring the Coast Guard and Marine Corps crews who were lost in a mid-air collision in 2009.
While conducting a search and rescue mission, Coast Guard 1705, an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, collided with a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter, Oct. 29, 2009, near San Clemente Island.
That night, the Coast Guard lost Lt. Cmdr. Che Barnes, Lt. Adam Bryant, Chief Petty Officer John Seidman, Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl Grigonis, Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica Beacham, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Moletzsky and Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny Kreder. The Marine Corps lost Maj. Samuel Leigh and 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne.
"I ask that you reflect and look into the lives of each one of the crew mates by remembering them for their honor, integrity, loyalty and devotion to service," said Cmdr. Roy Eidem, the executive officer of Air Station Sacramento.
The ceremony included a moment of silence and laying down flowers for each of the fallen members.