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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Statement By Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff On The Loss Of Three Coast Guardians In The Line Of Duty

Release Date: September 5, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Yesterday evening the Coast Guard lost three brave men assigned to Air Station Barbers Point when their HH-65 helicopter crashed during a training flight south of Honolulu, Hawaii. Lieutenant Commander Andrew Wischmeier, Aviation Survival Technician First Class David Skimin and Aviation Maintenance Technician Second Class Joshua Nichols served their country with honor, and their loss is felt by the entire Department.

On behalf of all Department employees, I offer condolences to the families, friends and fellow shipmates of the fallen aircrew, particularly the wives and children of each. They are in our thoughts and prayers.

A fourth member of the crew remains missing. I am grateful to the men and women of the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Hawaii Air National Guard, and local fire and police forces engaged in search and rescue efforts even now.

As our nation's guardians of the sea, the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard work tirelessly everyday to protect and secure our waterways. I am deeply grateful for their valiant service.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on September 5, 2008.