SITKA, Alaska – Coast Guard Air Station Sitka hosted a memorial service for the aircrew of Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter CG6017 Tuesday at 2 p.m.
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell, Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Robert J. Papp and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Michael P. Leavitt, along with many members of the community attended the service to show their support for the three men who lost their lives.
The crew of the Sitka-based rescue helicopter was transiting from Air Station Astoria, Ore., to Sitka Wednesday morning when it went down in the waters of La Push, Wash. One of the four crewmembers was taken to a Seattle hospital after the helicopter went down.
“Our service, Air Station Sitka, the family and friends are all shocked by these events,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp. “Of all the events we face in life, the loss of a husband, brother, shipmate is the most difficult. We all gather here today to morn together and help the families with their loss.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the families of the fallen Coast Guard aircrew can do so with the Coast Guard Foundation at CoastGuardFoundation.org, or by calling 860-535-0786 or Lt. Brooks Crawford at 907-966-5405.
