He paid the ultimate price serving his country
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:08 pm
This tragic email from one of my students many long years ago just hit my computer.
Perhaps our group here might see here the other side of the debate about border searches.
What do you think, Moby?
Jim
_________________________________________________________
QUOTE
To the men and women of the United States Coast Guard:
It is with deep regret and sadness that I report the loss of Boatswains Mate
Chief Terrell Horne, the Executive Petty Officer of CGC HALIBUT, who died
early this morning from injuries sustained while conducting maritime law
enforcement operations off the California coast.
CGC HALIBUT was investigating a panga-type vessel suspected of illicit
activities after it was detected by a Coast Guard maritime patrol aircraft.
When the CGC HALIBUT small boat approached, the suspect panga-type vessel
maneuvered at a high rate of speed directly towards the small boat and
struck it before fleeing the scene. Two Coast Guardsmen were thrown from
the boat into the water, and both members were immediately recovered by the
small boat. Upon recovery it was apparent that BMC Horne sustained a
traumatic head injury. The other crew member had minor injuries. The CGC
HALIBUT crew quickly recovered the small boat and boarding team and
immediately administered first aid. CGC HALIBUT returned to port where
emergency medical service units pronounced BMC Horne deceased.
Coast Guard assets later successfully interdicted the fleeing panga-type
vessel, boarded it, and detained two suspects. I commend the Coast Guard
and Customs and Border Protection units who continued the pursuit and
apprehended those believed to be responsible. We are actively investigating
the incident.
BMC Horne stood the watch on the front lines of Coast Guard operations
throughout his nearly 14 years of active duty. He previously served at
Coast Guard Stations Emerald Isle, Humboldt Bay and Charleston, and also
sailed aboard the CGC DALLAS. Throughout his Coast Guard service, BMC
Horne's professionalism and commitment, like those before him, ensured that
we were always ready to answer the nation's call.
The entire service is energized to support the family and shipmates of BMC
Horne. Please keep his family and the crew of CGC HALIBUT in your thoughts
and prayers.
Semper Paratus.
Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant
________________________________________________
ENDQUOTE
Perhaps our group here might see here the other side of the debate about border searches.
What do you think, Moby?
Jim
_________________________________________________________
QUOTE
To the men and women of the United States Coast Guard:
It is with deep regret and sadness that I report the loss of Boatswains Mate
Chief Terrell Horne, the Executive Petty Officer of CGC HALIBUT, who died
early this morning from injuries sustained while conducting maritime law
enforcement operations off the California coast.
CGC HALIBUT was investigating a panga-type vessel suspected of illicit
activities after it was detected by a Coast Guard maritime patrol aircraft.
When the CGC HALIBUT small boat approached, the suspect panga-type vessel
maneuvered at a high rate of speed directly towards the small boat and
struck it before fleeing the scene. Two Coast Guardsmen were thrown from
the boat into the water, and both members were immediately recovered by the
small boat. Upon recovery it was apparent that BMC Horne sustained a
traumatic head injury. The other crew member had minor injuries. The CGC
HALIBUT crew quickly recovered the small boat and boarding team and
immediately administered first aid. CGC HALIBUT returned to port where
emergency medical service units pronounced BMC Horne deceased.
Coast Guard assets later successfully interdicted the fleeing panga-type
vessel, boarded it, and detained two suspects. I commend the Coast Guard
and Customs and Border Protection units who continued the pursuit and
apprehended those believed to be responsible. We are actively investigating
the incident.
BMC Horne stood the watch on the front lines of Coast Guard operations
throughout his nearly 14 years of active duty. He previously served at
Coast Guard Stations Emerald Isle, Humboldt Bay and Charleston, and also
sailed aboard the CGC DALLAS. Throughout his Coast Guard service, BMC
Horne's professionalism and commitment, like those before him, ensured that
we were always ready to answer the nation's call.
The entire service is energized to support the family and shipmates of BMC
Horne. Please keep his family and the crew of CGC HALIBUT in your thoughts
and prayers.
Semper Paratus.
Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant
________________________________________________
ENDQUOTE