Memorial Service for CG 6017

Earlier today, the Coast Guard said goodbye to three of its own. In a memorial service held in the hangar at Air Station Sitka, LCDR (select) Sean Krueger, AMT1 Adam Hoke and AMT2 Brett Banks were honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation.

By Christopher Lagan in Operations on
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The American flag flies at half-mast along with three Coast Guard ensigns in recognition for the fallen aircrew of CG 6017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)
The American flag flies at half-mast along with three Coast Guard ensigns in recognition of the fallen aircrew of CG 6017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Allyson E.T. Conroy)

Earlier today, the Coast Guard said goodbye to three of its own. In a memorial service held in the hangar at Air Station Sitka, LCDR (select) Sean Krueger, AMT1 Adam Hoke and AMT2 Brett Banks were honored for making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation.

“There is no greater compliment than to be known as a great Shipmate and no better goal than to become one,” said Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard to those assembled to honor the fallen Coast Guardsmen of CG 6017. “By all definitions, Sean Krueger, Adam Hoke, and Brett Banks were great Shipmates. This is what makes their loss all that much harder to bear.”

On July 7, 2010, a Coast Guard helicopter, designation 6017, was lost off the coast of Washington State. Three Coast Guardsmen were pronounced deceased as a result of the crash. LT Lance Leone was the lone survivor of the air crew.

Over the past week, the outpouring of support for the Coast Guard family and those left behind by our fallen shipmates has been both a testament to the careers of these brave Coast Guardsmen but also an inspiration to those who choose to wear the uniform in service to and defense of the United States. We here at Coast Guard Compass thank you on behalf of the Service for your support and your prayers in this time of mourning.

Below are photographs capturing just a few of the moments from today’s ceremony. A recording of the webcast of the memorial service is available by clicking here.

A portrait of Lt. Sean D. Krueger is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A portrait of Lt. Sean D. Krueger is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A portrait of Petty Officer 1st Class Adam C. Hoke is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A portrait of Petty Officer 1st Class Adam C. Hoke is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A portrait of Petty Officer 2nd Class Brett M. Banks is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A portrait of Petty Officer 2nd Class Brett M. Banks is displayed next to an empty aviator helmet, flight suit and boots. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard addresses those gathered to honor the fallen Coast Guardsmen of CG 6017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard addresses those gathered to honor the fallen Coast Guardsmen of CG 6017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A Coast Guardsmen plays Taps in honor of the three fallen Coast Guardsmen of CG 6017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)
A member of the Honor Guard plays Taps in honor of the three fallen Coast Guardsmen of CG 6017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn)

1 comments on “Memorial Service for CG 6017”

  1. As an AM3 in the seventies we Coasties had such a good safety record because we fly in what we work on and USCG Airdales are such a small group it really tore all our guts out when we lost one or more of our own, I’m sure it is no different today. It hurt just to read this.

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