12/4/2012 Death of a Coast Guard Chief     

COAST GUARD MOURNS THE LOST OF A CHIEF PETTY OFFICER

KILLED YESTERDAY BY SMUGGLERS IN A BOAT RAMMING    

AMERICAN ADMIRALTY BOOKS FORWARDS A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE COAST GUARD FAMILY. WE THINK HIS THOUGHTS ARE APPROPRIATE TO THE ENTIRE NATION AND MOST ESPECIALLY THE NATIONAL MARITIME COMMUNITY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY OF CHIEF BOATSWAIN'S MATE TERRELL HORNE.

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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.
ADM Bob Papp, Commandant

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