USCG Releases Report on Fatal Rescue Mission
The U.S. Coast Guard has released today the Major Incident Investigation (MII) Report into the incident aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche, which resulted in the death of Petty Officer 3rd Class Travis Obendorf. Obendorf was a crewmember aboard the Alameda-based Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. He died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18, 2013, as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, 2013. The report identifies causal and contributing factors, including equipment failure, placement of small boat personnel and prevailing weather conditions. The investigation found that a capture system designed to automatically secure the small boat into the stern during recovery operations did not function as designed most of the time.
Papp Delivers Final State of the Coast Guard Address
U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp delivered his final State of the Coast Guard address at Coast Guard Headquarters, St. Elizabeths Campus, Washington, D.C., Wednesday. Papp provided an overview of programs and issues of the last four years and also looked ahead to what the Coast Guard may face in the future. Papp mentioned progress in the Coast guard’s improvement of its sexual assault prevention and response program, citing the commitment of $5 million and 32 military and civilian billets to the effort and the creation of the Special Victims Counsel…
Coast Guard Mourns Passing of Shipmate
Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. Obendorf’s family was by his side when he passed away in Swedish Hospital following surgery. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Petty Officer Obendorf's family and his shipmates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche during this difficult time,” said Vice Adm. Paul Zukunft, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
