ALCOAST 238/08
COMDTNOTE 5360
SUBJ: PS3 RONALD A. GILL, JR. INCLUSION TO THE NATIONAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL
1. TODAY WE HONOR A FALLEN SHIPMATE, PS3 RONALD A. GILL, JR WHO
DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY ON 25 MAR 2007 FROM HEAD TRAUMA RECEIVED
WHEN HE WAS EJECTED FROM A 25 FT RESPONSE BOAT-SMALL (RBS) THAT WAS
CONDUCTING WASHINGTON STATE FERRY ESCORT OPERATIONS NORTH OF VASHON
ISLAND, WA. PS3 GILLS NAME WAS AFFIXED TO THE NATIONAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MEMORIAL AND HIS SACRIFICE RECOGNIZED DURING A
SERVICE THAT WAS CONDUCTED TODAY IN WASHINGTON, DC.
2. EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE CHIEF OF STAFF HOSTED THE GILL FAMILY AT
COAST GUARD HEADQUARTERS TO UPDATE THEM ON THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO PREVENT THIS TYPE OF TRAGEDY FROM HAPPENING
AGAIN. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS INCLUDE THE ADDITION OF NEW BOAT CREW
GUNNER SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVED OPERATIONAL DOCTRINE, TRAINING
AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT. CREATION OF THE DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS
GROUP LAST YEAR WILL ALSO ENHANCE OVERSIGHT AND ENSURE
STANDARDIZATION WITHIN THE DEPLOYABLE SPECIALIZED FORCES COMMUNITY.
3. THIS TRAGIC ACCIDENT IS A STARK REMINDER THAT COAST GUARD MEN
AND WOMEN ARE CALLED TO DUTY EVERY DAY TO PERFORM DEMANDING, HIGH
RISK ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE THE UTMOST ATTENTION TO SAFETY,
TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. AS WE REMEMBER PS3 GILL, TAKE
THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON YOUR OWN INDIVIDUAL READINESS TO
PERFORM THE VARIOUS TASKS THAT HAVE BEEN SET BEFORE YOU. CLOSE
KNOWLEDGE GAPS QUICKLY AND SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM YOUR SUPERVISORS AS
NECESSARY TO ENSURE YOU ARE READY TO SAFELY MEET YOUR ASSIGNED
RESPONSIBILITIES.
4. AS WE APPROACH MEMORIAL DAY LATER THIS MONTH, THE GILL FAMILY
REQUESTS THAT ANY VOLUNTARY DONATIONS BE SENT TO: PS3 RONALD A.
GILL, JR. SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION, 178 JORDAN AVE, CRANSTON, RI
02910
5. VADM DAVID P. PEKOSKE, ASSISTANT COMMANDANT FOR OPERATIONS,
SENDS.
6. INTERNET RELEASE AUTHORIZED.