Coast Guard Aviation Association CG-1705 Memorial

By U.S. Coast Guard PPC, Topeka

On the evening of October 29, 2009, Coast Guard HC-130 Rescue aircraft 1705 was conducting a search for a missing boater near San Clemente Island off the southern California coast.  Simultaneously, a flight of four Marine Corps helicopters from nearby camp Pendleton was on a training mission in the same area.  At 7:10 p.m., all communications with Rescue 1705 were lost. Subsequently, it was learned that Rescue 1705 had been involved in a mid-air collision with one of the Marine Corps helicopters. Despite an extensive search by multiple assets, no survivors were found; seven Coast Guard and two Marine Corps personnel perished in the accident.

A Coast Guard Memorial, funded entirely by donations, will be constructed under the auspices of the Coast Guard Aviation Association. It will be located at the Coast Guard Air Station in Sacramento, CA, and its centerpiece will be a bronze C-130 with a 10' wingspan.  Bronze plaques surrounding the memorial will tell the story and honor the nine individuals who gave their lives in the line of duty.  Memorial funds are being raised through direct donations to the Coast Guard Aviation Association, purchase of engraved memorial bricks, and purchase of Rescue 1705 commemorative coins and patches.  More information regarding the Memorial may be obtained by visiting the website http://www.rescue1705.com/.  All donations will be greatly appreciated.