uscgc blackthorn crew list

[4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, and was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. It is a privilege to be here with the survivors, families, friends and Coast Guard men and women at the 40th Anniversary of the tragic sinking of Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn. He talked with his family about the account of Larry Clutter, who served with his uncle on the Blackthorn. On board, chaos. Blackthorn's captain, Lieutenant Commander George Sepel had departed the bridge to investigate a problem with the newly installed propulsion shaft. The tragedy of Cutter Blackthorn changed the Coast Guard forever, providing a painful lesson on risk management and training. PO1 Subrino I Avila Flowers have been left. USCG:"On 28 January 1980 at approximately 2021 e.s.t. It is sorted by length down to 65', the minimum length of a USCG cutter. And 23: the number of lives lost aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn after it collided with a passing 605-foot oil tanker in the waters of Tampa Bay. His actions saved a number of lives during the accident. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. One of 40 180-foot buoy tenders built during World War II, Blackthorn was commissioned in 1944. . Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm, were trapped inside the ship. Additionally, Admiral Hayes pointed out that attempts to establish a passing agreement by using only radiotelephone communications failed to be an adequate substitute for exchanging proper whistle signals. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost in the collision. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. A Coast Guard Academy graduate, Sepel was among 114 lieutenant commanders . An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. I was 9 years old. The following crew list identifies those individuals who have yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice. And in 2012, the Coast Guard dubbed a vessel the Coast Guard Cutter William Flores. The port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. A 501c3 nonprofit supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all ranks in the U.S. Sea Services! He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. Coast Guardsmen and women today are still performing this vital mission here in the Port of Tampa. As Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, I have the great honor to lead the 240,000 men and women of this Department. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California. Its a surreal fact made stranger by Bobby and Billys striking resemblance. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. [7][8] Thursday marked the 41st anniversary of the Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980, resulting in the deaths of . USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. The captain, LCDR George Sepel was on the bridge, but ENS John Ryan had the conn. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Hes going to come back a man, Richard Flores said. At least one of the passing Capricorn and Blackthorn ships was too close to the center of the channel near the Sunshine Skyway bridge. On 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) The U.S. Coast Guard gathered at Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg on Friday to mark 42 years since the tragedy. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Her normal sailing complement is 16 personnel. SA Flores, who had been out of boot camp just one year, opened the life jacket locker as Blackthorn capsized, securing its hatch open with his belt, and made sure that his shipmates were able to access and use the life jackets. USCG Blackthorn. Twenty-seven of the 50 Blackthorn crew members were rescued. Before Mondays ceremony, Bobby Flores read about the Blackthorn on Wikipedia. And, perhaps most poignantly, the number 18. Capricorn began to turn left, but this course would not allow Capricorn and Blackthorn to pass port-to-port, as the rules of navigation generally required. My family got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news,' he recounted. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. 4 20 millimeter/80 caliber After this loss of life, critical improvements were made to Service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Service today. Forty years ago, 23 of these heroes lost their lives in the line of dutybut they have not, nor will they ever, pass from our memory. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. Please join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz. This would be the worst. We remember and we honor the crew of Cutter Blackthorn; both those surviving and those lost. The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral John B. Hayes, approved the report of the marine board of investigation on the collision between Blackthorn and Capricorn. USCGC Blackthorn was a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Earlier they had been overtaken by the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan, Blackthorn pulled to the side to allow her to pass, when requested, and then continued almost in mid-channel. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. It tragically sank at 8:20PM on January 28, 1980, at the entrance to Tampa Bay in Florida, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. 7 and the Propeller Club - Port of Detroit at a memorial service held on the 30th Anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn disaster. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Earlier the cutter had been overtaken by the Kazakhstan, a Russian passenger ship. Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the channel to allow the passenger ship to pass. Although 27 crewmen . The collision occurred in the evening of 28 January 1980, near the junction of Mullet Key and Cut "A" Channels approximately three-quarters of a mile from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay. 1994- USCGC Polar Sea, in concert with the CCCS Louis S. Ste. Official websites use .gov TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. He was one of the 23 crew members killed in the tragedy. General characteristics (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) With the officer of the deck confused in regard to the standard operating procedure, Blackthorns Captain issued orders for evasive action. Skip past search results. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. Each of them is forever a part of the Coast Guards legacy. Her primary missions are Aids to . What: Coast Guard commemorates 40th anniversary of Blackthorn Tragedy, Location: Blackthorn Memorial Site FL-55, the southbound Pinellas County side of the Sunshine Skyway rest area, St. Petersburg, Florida 33752. Huse was just one of dozens of Coast Guardsmen and women who gathered Monday to celebrate Flores heroism and to honor the lives lost. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman . (Please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in progress.) Having just been overtaken by a brightly lit cruise ship, the Blackthorn had maneuvered into the center of the . The USCG Cutter Blackthorn (WAGL-391) was a 180-foot Iris Class Seagoing Buoy Tender. (LockA locked padlock) Blackthorn: 27 Mar 1944 : WAGL-392 Bramble: 22 Apr 44 : WAGL-393 Firebush: 20 Jul 1944 : WAGL-394 Hornbeam: 14 Apr 1944 : WAGL-395 Iris: 11 Aug 1944 : WAGL-396 Mallow: 6 Jun 1944 : WAGL-397 Mariposa: 1 Jul 1944 : WAGL-398 Redbud: 2 May 1944 : WAGL-399 Sagebrush: 1 Apr 1944 : WAGL-400: Salvia: 19 Feb 1944 : WAGL-401: Sassafras: 23 May 1944 . Tampa, Florida (FL), US. Blackthorn was 180'x37'x12' with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots powered by a single screw. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. Peacetime: None. LCDR George Sepel, the captain [] The original cost for the hull and machinery was $876,403. After this tragedy, the Coast Guard made critical improvements to service readiness, training, and safety that still echo across the Department today. Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost after the collision in Tampa Bay. The momentum of the two vessels caused Capricorn's anchor chain to become taut which resulted in the Blackthorn's capsizing. No grave photo. At approximately 8:21 p.m. on Jan. 28, 1980, USCGC Blackthorn collided with the U.S. tankship Capricorn in Tampa Bay waters near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Coast Guard explains. In 2000, the service heeded Clutters calls, awarding William Flores posthumously with the Coast Guard Medal, the forces highest peacetime service award. Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. On January 28, 1980, USCGC BLACKTHORN sank in Tampa Bay and 23 Coast Guard personnel lost their lives after colliding with the the 600 tanker S.S. CAPRICORN. 9,371 were here. We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. - I/ For more detailed information read, "Marine Accident Report--Collision of USCGC BLACKTHORN and U.S. Tankship CAPRICORN, Tampa, Florida, Januarv 28, 1980 (N TSR . References He doesnt remember hearing very much about Uncle Billy growing up, even though his family hung a picture of him on the wall. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped inside the ship. This 180 foot long ship was finished on May 21, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota and first serviced as a sea going buoy tender maintaining navigational aids. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. Burial Details Unknown . The Blackthorn collision has forever changed the Coast Guard and provided lessons on risk management and training. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and a graduate of Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. The captain was on the bridge, but a junior officer had the conn. Having been overtaken by the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan, Blackthorn continued almost in mid-channel. Looking for U.S. government information and services? Richard Flores, one year older than Billy, has seen his son Bobby, a high school senior in Texas, grow older than his heroic brother. USCGC Blackthorn memorial. Hes going to take care of him.. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. ^ Return to Top The remarks as prepared can be found below. Like the smaller Marine Protector class she is equipped with a stern launching ramp. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A new statue honoring a hero of the USCGC Blackthorn tragedy was unveiled today before being added to a unique underwater memorial off the coast of Pinellas County. James Rovolis' brother George was among the crew who lost their lives in the tragedy. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Bruce Lafond was drowned when the Blackthorn capsized. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. (No one on the Capricorn was harmed.). Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was . Meanwhile, the tanker Capricorn, owned by Kingston Shipping Company and operated by Apex Marine Corporation of New York, was standing (traveling with right-of-way) into the bay. It was a typical day at school. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California. @ 27.648589, -82.676007. Primary responsibility for the collision was placed on the Blackthorn's captain, Lt. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot sea going buoy tender (WLB). Although some accounts of the disaster say Flores wore a life jacket himself, his body was found without one, his brother Sam Flores said. Twenty-three of the Blackthorn's 50 crewmembers lost their lives during the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. A 501c3 Nonprofit Supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all Ranks in the U.S. Sea Services. But George's life was cut short on Jan. 28, 1980 when the USCGC Blackthorn collided with a tanker and sank in the mouth of Tampa Bay. In October 2010, it was announced that the third new Sentinel-class fast response cutter, a 154-foot patrol boat, would be named for Flores. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Water began gushing into the Blackthorn. His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. Seaman Apprentice Flores died aboard Blackthorn. Wartime: 1 3"/50 caliber single mount It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. [1][2][3] The marine board found evidence of violation of various navigation laws on the parts of Capricorn's master and pilot. I could not think of a better way to honor and remember the 23 sailors we lost, than to introduce a man who I have gotten to know well over the last 2 years, a man who I respect, and a man who is a selfless leader to our Coast Guard men and women. Propulsion: 1 electric motor Perhaps he gave his own life preserver to a colleague in need. Complement: 48Armament: Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter. Having just completed her overhaul at the Gulf Tampa Drydock Company, which included overhaul of the main propulsion generators, Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. The 935 ton USCGC Blackthorn was built in 1943 at a cost of $876,403. Sort By. The brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. Ironwood participated in the Fleet Week celebrations in Portland, Oregon in 2017. Blackthorn ' s preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the . Find your Shipmates on coastguard.togetherweserved.com. [1][2][3] An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was produced by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth. courtesy of Wikipedia USCGC Mackinaw (WAGB-83) 282' Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC) [ edit] USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39) USCGC Alex Haley (WMEC-39) 270' Medium Endurance Cutter (WMEC) [ edit] Main article: Famous-class cutter USCGC Thetis (WMEC-910), a Famous-class cutter USCGC Bear (WMEC-901) USCGC Tampa (WMEC-902) USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC-903) USCGC Northland (WMEC-904) 50 Blackthorn crew please note the red text denotes those Purple Hearts already awarded or in.! Suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history Flores read about the Blackthorn Wikipedia... Blackthorn on Wikipedia aground north of the Oregon in 2017. ) honor the lives lost in the collision were. Particular person 23 crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in,... 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