Bronze C-130 memorial to be unveiled at Air Station Sacramento

CG Rescue 1705 Remembrance Service and Memorial Dedication Ceremony

WHAT: Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento will be holding a remembrance ceremony where a bronze C-130 will be dedicated to honor nine aviators lost during a tragic mid-air collision off the coast of San Diego two years ago. The crews being memorialized were from Sacramento-based Coast Guard Rescue aircraft 1705 and San Diego-based Marine Corps helicopter Vengeance 38.

WHO: The United States Coast Guard District Eleven Commander, Rear Admiral Joseph Castillo, will serve as the presiding official for the ceremony. Guests include Coast Guardsmen from throughout the country, service members from other military branches, community leaders as well as the family of the fallen members.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011

WHERE: Air Station Sacramento, McClellan Park in North Highlands, Calif.

BACKGROUND: On the night of Oct. 29, 2009, a CG HC-130H Rescue Aircraft 1705 from Sacramento was searching for a mariner in distress near San Clemente Island off the San Diego coast when it collided with a USMC AH-1W Cobra helicopter flying a training mission. Seven Coast Guardsmen and two Marines lost their lives. They were: Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Che Barnes, Lt. Adam Bryant, Chief Petty Officer John Seidman, Petty Officer Carl Grigonis, Petty Officer Monica Beacham, Petty Officer Jason Moletzsky, and Petty Officer Danny Kreder, Marine Corps Maj. Samuel Leigh and First Lt. Thomas Claiborne.

MEDIA GROUND RULES: The media are invited but the event is not open to the public due to limited space and seating. Family of the fallen military members will be attendance but will not be available for interviews. A copy of the ground rules are posted on the fact sheets tab (home page) or click here.

Media interested in attending contact Lt. Scott Gilmore at (916) 643-7659 for program information and directions.

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