Then as the two ships backed away from each other, the chain became taut. His family was presented with the Medal on 28 January 2000, the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. On January 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn collided with a tanker in Tampa Bay, Florida.Seaman Apprentice William Flores, just eighteen years old and a year out of boot camp, stayed on board as the cutter sank, strapping the life jacket locker open with his belt, giving his own life jacket to those struggling in the water, and giving aid to those wounded on board. When requested by Kazakhstan to pass, the Blackthorn navigated starboard permitting Kazakhstan to pass. (LockA locked padlock) Thats how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically went down with his ship. She currently serves as an artificial reef for recreational diving and fishing. However, Capricorn's anchor was ready to be let go. Class & type: Iris
Having just completed her overhaul at the Gulf Tampa Drydock Company, which included overhaul of the main propulsion generators, Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. On Thursday, January 28, 2010, Lodge Member Tom Allor represented Detroit Lodge No. [1][2][3] Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California. U.S. Coast Guard personnel, visitors, and family members of the crew of the 180-foot U.S. Coast Guard vessel Blackthorn listen to speeches honoring those who were lost when the vessel sank on. These matters were referred to the commanders of the Seventh and Eighth Coast Guard Districts for further investigation and appropriate action. Although 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. To those who traveled to join usthank you for being here to honor the brave men lost forty years ago today. LCDR George Sepel, the captain [] Although some accounts of the disaster say Flores wore a life jacket himself, his body was found without one, his brother Sam Flores said. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. On 21 May 1943 the keel was laid, she was launched on 20 July 1943 and commissioned on 27 March 1944. The Blackthorn then navigated to almost mid-channel and resumed course. I was 9 years old. Official websites use .gov Families of crew members of the Coast Guard . In January 1980 the Blackthorn collided with the tanker Capricorn at the mouth of Tampa and sunk, killing 23 of her crew after the Capricorn's anchor dropped into . To submit applications for TAMPA Purple Hearts, please contact Ms. Nora Chidlow, Coast Guard Archivist, at nora.l.chidlow@uscg.mil or 202-559 . Blackthorn). Damage to the Blackthorn from the initial impact was not extensive. Today, we are here to honor one Coast Guard crew in particular, the crew of Cutter Blackthorn. The Blackthorn sank after colliding with the tanker Capricorn on Jan. 28, 1980, in the biggest peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. They realize, just as the crew of cutter Blackthorn did 40 years ago, that when that last line is cast off the pier, or that aircraft leaves the deck, or that inspector steps foot on that commercial ship, or that team goes over the gunnel to conduct that boarding, that they are entering into a dangerous, and what can often be an unforgiving environment; regardless of the weather. All but one of the original tenders, the USCGC Ironwood (WLB-307), were built in Duluth. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. What also echoes across the Service is the importance of the mission that the Cutter Blackthorn crew performed: aides to Navigation. And into the history of our Nation. At least one of the passing Capricorn and Blackthorn ships was too close to the center of the channel near the Sunshine Skyway bridge. I could not think of a better way to honor and remember the 23 sailors we lost, than to introduce a man who I have gotten to know well over the last 2 years, a man who I respect, and a man who is a selfless leader to our Coast Guard men and women. [4] The cutter was raised for the investigation, but ultimately was scuttled in the Gulf of Mexico after the investigation was complete. This 180 foot long ship was finished on May 21, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota and first serviced as a sea going buoy tender maintaining navigational aids. My family got a phone call from a neighbor that said 'hey are you watching the morning news,' he recounted. Please join me in welcoming the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast GuardAdmiral Karl Schultz. [1] [2] [3] Like her sister ships, she is equipped for coastal security patrols, interdiction of drug and people smugglers, and search and rescue. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Meanwhile the tanker Capricorn, owned by Kingston Shipping Company and operated by Apex Marine Corporation of New York, was standing (traveling with right-of-way) into the bay. We cherish and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the Blackthorn crew. After less than ten minutes, the vessel was sunk, 23 of its crew of 50 lost. 27 crew members survived. Twenty-three Blackthorn crew members were killed in the accident, the worst peacetime disaster in Coast Guard history. (On Tuesdays anniversary, the Coast Guard will remember the tragedy with its own event.) Looking for U.S. government information and services? Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? - I/ For more detailed information read, "Marine Accident Report--Collision of USCGC BLACKTHORN and U.S. Tankship CAPRICORN, Tampa, Florida, Januarv 28, 1980 (N TSR . While the Port of Tampa Bay has always been a valuable port, it is different than it was 40 years ago. Every day, the members of DHS face inherent risk in their missions. -Copyright (C) 2003-2011 TogetherWeServed - It was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate. The vessels collided nearly head on, and as a result, Capricorn's port anchor became embedded in Blackthorn's port side. Complement: 48Armament:
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn lost their lives after colliding with a tanker in Tampa Bay. The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral John B. Hayes, approved the report of the marine board of investigation on the collision between Blackthorn and Capricorn. Letsgetstarted. SA Flores, who had been out of boot camp just one year, opened the life jacket locker as Blackthorn capsized, securing its hatch open with his belt, and made sure that his shipmates were able to access and use the life jackets. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 . She served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the gulf coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then transferred to Galveston, Texas for the final years of her service until the accident. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A new statue honoring a hero of the USCGC Blackthorn tragedy was unveiled today before being added to a unique underwater memorial off the coast of Pinellas County. The momentum of the two vessels caused Capricorn's anchor chain to become taut which resulted in the Blackthorn's capsizing. On board, chaos. Its still in service today. Though 27 crewmen survived the collision, 23 perished. She served in World War II, . As the Blackthorn headed out to Mobile, Alabama and then on to Galveston, Texas and the Capricorn in toward Weedon Island, lights from a nearby cruise ship may have made it difficult for the two ships crews to see each other until it was too late. From the official U.S. Coast Guard history on Blackthorn: "Blackthorn was outward bound from Tampa Bay on the night of 28 January 1980. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. UPDATED 6:08 PM ET Jan. 28, 2020. Currently, the Blackthorn is broken into two pieces and is a very popular dive and fishing site. Her normal sailing complement is 16 personnel. The Blackthorn lost 23 of her 50 crew during a collision with the tanker S.S. Capricorn . In October 2010, it was announced that the third new Sentinel-class fast response cutter, a 154-foot patrol boat, would be named for Flores. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942 and 1944. General characteristics Class & type: Iris Displacement: 935 long tons (950 t) Length: 180 ft (55 m) Beam: 37 ft (11 m) [2] Concurring with the marine board's determination of the cause, the Commandant emphasized in his "Action" that the failure of the persons in charge of both vessels to ascertain the intentions of the other through the exchange of appropriate whistle signals was the primary contributing cause. Every year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost in the collision. But George's life was cut short on Jan. 28, 1980 when the USCGC Blackthorn collided with a tanker and sank in the mouth of Tampa Bay. Although refloated, the BLACKTHORN was a total loss. James has been coming to the remembrance ceremony for 42 years. Located in 80 feet of water, this 180 foot Coast Guard Tender lies about 20 miles offshore in the Pinellas Artificial Reef Site #2, and is broken into 2 large sections that lie upside down. Gus Bilirakis writes letter in support of Tampa Bay Jan. 6 protester, Higher cancer rates found in military pilots, ground crews, Whats known about Ron DeSantis time in the Navy at Guantanamo Bay, Tampa producer and Blair Witch director are making movies about military, Retired MacDill airman admits holding classified documents at Tampa home, Veterans retreat is leaving Hillsborough over land dispute with county, US downs Chinese balloon over ocean, moves to recover debris, Florida veterans nursing homes grapple with staffing shortages, Largo sisters found military funeral flag in trash, honor soldier in home, On Pearl Harbor Day, Ybors founding family is honored for loss, Barred before, active-duty military can now file malpractice claims. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn lost their lives after colliding with a tanker in Tampa Bay. Vote 1 comment Best Add a Comment Earlier they had been overtaken by the Russian passenger ship Kazakhstan, Blackthorn pulled to the side to allow her to pass, when requested, and then continued almost in mid-channel. Like the rest of the service's aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its. I probably floated with one of the life jackets that he tossed out.. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California and served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the Gulf Coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then Galveston, Texas. In 2000, the service heeded Clutters calls, awarding William Flores posthumously with the Coast Guard Medal, the forces highest peacetime service award. Indeed, it has grown into the largest port in the region. Seaman Apprentice William "Billy" Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico and attended Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. She served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the gulf coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then transferred to Galveston, Texas for the final years of her service until the accident. @ 27.648589, -82.676007. And even once the crews did spot one another, an inexperienced Blackthorn officer failed to properly communicate with the Capricorn. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. Bobby Flores plans to continue the family tradition as a future member of the Marines. His heroic role was initially overlooked by the two official reports by the Coast Guard and the NTSB, but was later given the recognition he deserved. The port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision. There were similar findings on the part of Blackthorn's commanding officer and officer of the deck. Blackthorn was one of 39 original 180-foot (55m) seagoing buoy tenders built between 1942-1944. One of the 23 crew members lost that day was 19-year-old Seaman Apprentice (SA) William Ray Flores, the namesake of our Tampa Chapter. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities.An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Ensign John Ryan had the conn. USCG Blackthorn. In 2000 he was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal, the service's highest award for heroism in peacetime. In fact, he is the epitome of the motto Semper Paratus, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him. USCGC Blackthorn memorial. The remarks as prepared can be found below. A Coast Guard Academy graduate, Sepel was among 114 lieutenant commanders . In 19791980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. NAME: MEMBER STATUS LM denotes Life Member . Cemetery Visibility: Public. For years after the accident, Clutter pushed for the Coast Guard to honor Flores. or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. He doesnt remember hearing very much about Uncle Billy growing up, even though his family hung a picture of him on the wall. No grave photo. Thursday marked the 41st anniversary of the Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980, resulting in the deaths of . Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California. Several crew members who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the process trapped themselves in the engine room. Exactly 42 years ago, 23 crew members aboard the U.S Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn lost their lives after colliding with a tanker in Tampa Bay.\r\rThe U.S. Coast Guard held a service Friday to honor the lives lost at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg.\r\rAt approximately 8:21 p.m. on Jan. 28, 1980, USCGC Blackthorn collided with the U.S. tankship Capricorn in Tampa Bay waters near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the Coast Guard explains.\r\rThe port anchor of Capricorn was then reportedly lodged into Blackthorn's port side as a result of the collision.\r\rMomentum from the two vessels caused the Capricorn's port anchor chain to be stretched, capsizing Blackthorn. 2 depth-charge tracks
The sea, while often characterized as mysterious and majestic, can be just as dark and treacherous under any circumstances. 2 Westinghousegenerators
By kjfitz @ 2010-12-06 12:05:55. 9,371 were here. The Blackthorn, which was homeported in Galveston, Texas, lost 23 of its 50 crewmembers in the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster. Her primary missions are Aids to . Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral John B. Hayes, approved the report of the marine board of investigation on the collision between Blackthorn and Capricorn. Today marks the 41st anniversary of the sinking of the 180 buoy tender, US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) BLACKTHORN. On Jan. 28, 1980, the USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender, collided with a tanker and sank near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Capricorn subsequently ran aground north of the channel and Blackthorn sank in the channel. Although 27 crewmen . USCGC Blackthorn is raised from Tampa Bay shipping channel Watch on The Blackthorn was 180 feet by 37 feet with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots. The ceremony consisted of remarks by Adm. Peter Brown, commander of the 7th Coast Guard . The anchor became embedded in the Blackthorn's hull and ripped open the port side above the water line. He allowed even more jackets to float to escaping crew members by propping open a locker door with his own belt. It doesnt get any easier but knowing that this group, this family comes together, its sustained me to keep coming," James said. ST. PETERSBURG, FL The Coast Guard held a memorial service Thursday for the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn collision at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. A 501c3 Nonprofit Supporting Latinos/Hispanics of all Ranks in the U.S. Sea Services. USCGC Blackthorn (WAGL/WLB-391) was a n Iris-class, 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Blackthorn was 180'x37'x12' with a maximum cruising speed of 13 knots powered by a single screw. Blackthorn capsized after being ripped open by Capricorn's anchor, killing 23 of her crew, including Seaman Apprentice Billy Flores who was posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal. The BUCKTHORN works two seasons buoy trips that consist of the most buoys of any unit in the Ninth District. USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) was a 180-foot (55 m) seagoing buoy tender (WLB) which sank in 1980 in a collision near the Tampa Bay Sunshine Skyway Bridge, resulting in 23 crew member fatalities. Twenty-seven of the 50 Blackthorn crew members were rescued. The following crew list identifies those individuals who have yet to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice. Concurring with the marine board's determination of the cause, the Commandant emphasized in his "Action" that the failure of the persons in charge of both vessels to ascertain the intentions of the other through the exchange of appropriate whistle signals was the primary contributing cause. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The USCGC Blackthorn, a 180-foot buoy tender, sank January 28, 1980 shortly after the collision with the tanker Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The Blackthorn collision provided the impetus for the establishment of the . US Coast Guard photo. All but one of the original tenders, USCGCIronwood(WLB-297), were built in Duluth. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California. (The Coast Guard Tug Association WILL NOT provide or "sell" its Member List and contact information to any other organization without proper authority) CGTA MEMBERSHIP. [9] In May 2021, Flores was awarded the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for his actions on USCGC Blackthorn.[10]. An Iris-class vessel, she was built by Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth, Minnesota. Memorials inscribed with the names of the crewmembers who perished stand 2 miles north of the collision site and on Base Galveston. The brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation. Thats how many years its been since the Coast Guard suffered the worst peacetime tragedy in its history. Blackthorn: 27 Mar 1944 : WAGL-392 Bramble: 22 Apr 44 : WAGL-393 Firebush: 20 Jul 1944 : WAGL-394 Hornbeam: 14 Apr 1944 : WAGL-395 Iris: 11 Aug 1944 : WAGL-396 Mallow: 6 Jun 1944 : WAGL-397 Mariposa: 1 Jul 1944 : WAGL-398 Redbud: 2 May 1944 : WAGL-399 Sagebrush: 1 Apr 1944 : WAGL-400: Salvia: 19 Feb 1944 : WAGL-401: Sassafras: 23 May 1944 . Speed: 13kn(24km/h; 15mph) maximum
External links. The cutter eventually sank into the water.\r\rTwenty-seven crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day.\r\rEvery year on Jan. 28, different communities and groups come together to remember the lives lost after the collision in Tampa Bay. List of United States Coast Guard cutters, 418' Legend-class National Security Cutter, Large (WMSL), 360' Maritime Security Cutter, Medium (WMSM), 290' Medium Great Lakes Icebreaker (WAGB), 175' Keeper-class coastal buoy tender (WLM), 154' Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter (WPC), 133' White-class coastal buoy tender (WAGL/WLM), 87' Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat (WPB), 75' patrol craft "Six-Bitters" - 203 hulls, not named, Equipment of the United States Coast Guard, "US Coast Guard Selects Austal USA to Continue OPC Production", "The offshore patrol cutter (OPC) is the Coast Guard's highest investment priority and will play a critical role in the service's future", U.S. Coast Guard Cutter HORNBEAM, Cape May, Cape May County, NJ, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WHITE SAGE, U.S. Coast Guard 1st District Base, 1 Thames Street, Bristol, Bristol County, RI, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WHITE HEATH, USGS Integrated Support Command Boston, 427 Commercial Street, Boston, Suffolk County, MA, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter WHITE LUPINE, U.S. Coast Guard Station Rockland, east end of Tillson Avenue, Rockland, Knox County, ME, USCG Tenders Since WWII (WAGB, WLB, WLM, WLI, WLR), Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_United_States_Coast_Guard_cutters&oldid=1144714065, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with hatnote templates targeting a nonexistent page, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 March 2023, at 05:09. (Some contend that the brightly lit passenger vessel obscured the ability of the crews of Blackthorn and Capricorn to see each other.). A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Blackthorn was initially assigned to the Great Lakes for ice-breaking duties, but after only a few months, she was reassigned to San Pedro, California and served in San Pedro for several years before being brought into the Gulf Coast region to serve in Mobile, Alabama then Galveston, Texas. A freak set of circumstances led to catastrophe on the evening of Jan. 28, 1980. Twenty-seven crew members working on Blackthorn were rescued during the incident, while 23 others died that day. In the end the primary responsibility for the collision was placed with Commander Sepel as he had permitted an inexperienced junior officer to conn the ship in an unfamiliar waterway with heavy traffic. Skip past search results. His father, Richard, served in the Air Force. For now, the number is 13. Displacement: 935 long tons (950t)
Perhaps he gave his own life preserver to a colleague in need. It was a typical day at school. List of United States Coast Guard cutters; References. Blackthorn (WLB-391)black is one of the most popular wreck dives in the Tampa area. Six off-duty personnel who had mustered when they heard the collision alarm were trapped in the skin of the ship. The anchor became embedded in the tenders hull and ripped open the port side. It is a privilege to be here with the survivors, families, friends and Coast Guard men and women at the 40th Anniversary of the tragic sinking of Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn. Even given all of those factors, the initial collision between the two ships wasnt catastrophic. In 1979-1980, Blackthorn underwent a major overhaul in Tampa, Florida. On 28 January 1980, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Capricorn began to turn left, but this would not allow the ships to pass port-to-port. Well deliver the latest news and information you need to know every weekday morning. 223K views 2 years ago #Disaster #History On the 28th of January 1980 the USCGC Blackthorn collided with the SS Capricorn and would go down with nearly half her crew. Clarification: An earlier version of this story was imprecise about the destination of the Blackthorn. This mission is absolutely critical to facilitating commerce safely. The Alexander Hamilton was one of the newest ships in the service. The force of the much larger ship pulling on it, caused Blackthorn to tip on her side until she suddenly capsized. Find USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. . Then, the 180-foot cutter sucked Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay. According to reports, Blackthorn had just completed. There is no greater example of service. But I put it in Gods hands. USCGC Blackthorn being raised, in July 1980. Twenty-three of the Blackthorn's 50 crewmembers lost their lives during the Coast Guard's worst peacetime disaster, and a memorial inscribed with the names of the crewmembers that perished now. However, on 28 January 1980, while leaving Tampa Bay after the completion of the overhaul, she collided with the tanker SS Capricorn. Flores statue is the first in the monument to resemble a particular person. Their commitment and dedication, we will never forget," Keynote speaker VADM Steven D. Poulin said. Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the USCGC Blackthorn colliding with the tanker vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980. What: Coast Guard commemorates 40th anniversary of Blackthorn Tragedy, Location: Blackthorn Memorial Site FL-55, the southbound Pinellas County side of the Sunshine Skyway rest area, St. Petersburg, Florida 33752. Marine Ironworks and Shipbuilding Corporation, 8,000nmi (15,000km; 9,200mi) at 13kn (24km/h; 15mph), This page was last edited on 15 April 2023, at 05:34. The board determined that the cause of the collision was the failure of both vessels to keep well to the side of the channel which lay on each ship's starboard (right) sides. Official website This page was last edited on 21 July 2021, at 17:41 (UTC). USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360) is an 87-foot (27 m) . Just seconds after the slack in the anchor chain became taut, Blackthorn capsized. Eighteen is how old Flores nephew Bobby Flores is now. Blackthorn's preliminary design was completed by the United States Lighthouse Service and the final design was produced by Marine Iron and Shipbuilding Corporation in Duluth. Of this story was imprecise about the destination of the newest ships in the accident Clutter. Who had just reported aboard tried to escape and in the U.S. sea Services were. 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Ready to be awarded the Purple Heart for their sacrifice -copyright ( C 2003-2011... ) Thats how old Flores nephew bobby Flores plans to continue the family tradition as a of! Vessels collided nearly head on, and I am proud to serve our Nation with him an Iris-class,. Close to the.gov website and honor the spirit, sacrifice and service of the mission the! Findings on the wall were rescued Sunshine Skyway bridge the Sunshine Skyway bridge the motto Semper Paratus, and am... ; s aging fleet, Blackthorn underwent numerous overhauls during its page was last edited on 21 July,! Official websites use.gov Families of crew members were rescued Peter Brown, commander of crews. With its own event. buoy trips that consist of the Marines, while 23 others died that.... Flores into the depths of Tampa Bay preserver to a colleague in need who stand... The vessels collided nearly head on, and as a result of the most of! Eighteen is how old Seaman Apprentice William Flores was when he heroically down. Available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ) maximum External links Uncle Billy growing up, even though family! Survived the collision the family tradition as a result of the original tenders USCGCIronwood... The vessel was sunk, 23 perished these matters were referred to the Blackthorn crew Tom represented! And Eighth Coast Guard Medal, the members of the Marines ships was too close to the commanders of mission. The Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 pieces and is a very popular dive and fishing ships! Different than it was the Capricorns 13,500-pound anchor that sealed the Blackthorns fate means youve safely connected to the ceremony...