UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY UNOFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
USCG AND AUXILIARY MOURN CASEY PURVIS AND ROB FULLER
Submitted by:
Mary Larsen, DCO 7
The United States Coast Guard and USCG Auxiliary, are saddened by the loss of two
Auxiliary Aviators, who went down with their aircraft on the evening of February1,2003 .
Aircraft Commander Casey Purvis and Air Observer, Rob Fuller, from the Seventh District, USCG Auxiliary, were on a routine mission that night. The Auxiliary aircraft, a PA 32 300 Piper and a Coast Guard HU-25C Falcon jet from C.G. Air Station Miami, were practicing an “intercept” mission over Florida Bay.
During the mission the crew aboard the Falcon lost contact with the Auxiliary aircraft and standard “lost communication procedures,” were initiated. An infrared equipped HC-130 Hercules and a HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Clearwater assisted in the search effort, joining a HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Miami.
During the night seven searches were conducted by these three aircraft. Early on the morning of February 2, the wreckage was spotted in six feet of water north of Marathon, Florida. Recovery and salvage efforts began immediately, both men and aircraft were recovered by the morning of February 3.
The loss of Casey Purvis and Rob Fuller will be keenly felt by all members of “Team Coast Guard” at Air Station Miami and throughout the Seventh District.
Both men had been given the Award of Operational Merit by CAPT Brian Clark, Commander of the air station, just two weeks earlier. Thanks to the many flying hours they had devoted to the Auxiliary Air Program, both were known as “Hi-Flyers,” by Air Station Miami personnel. This is an honor bestowed on Auxiliary members who log the most flying time. Their teamwork with other members of the aviation program (Coast Guard and Auxiliary) and dedication to the program was recognized by all who knew them.
Members of the local USCG Auxiliary community met at Integrated Support Command Miami on Friday, February 2, for a briefing on the events leading up to the loss, and progress of recovery of the aircraft and crew, and actions which will follow the incident.
Those present had an opportunity to express their feelings and to remember both
men. The room was crowded with members of the Auxiliary who were joined by regular Coast Guard. The briefing was conducted the Acting District Commander, Commander of Group Miami, Commanding Officer of Air Station Miami, Chief of Seventh District Search and Rescue, Chief of Operations, Directory of Auxiliary and District Commodore. The Commander of Group Key West, whose surface vessels conducted the search, was unable to be present.
In accordance with their requests, funerals for both men will be followed by burial at sea. Honors to both will be provided by Coast Guard and Auxiliary representatives. A Memorial Service is in the planning stages and as soon as date and time are set; details will be sent out immediately.
As mute testimony to the sense of loss experienced by all of us, the United States flag flies at half-mast at Air Station Miami.
We Need You-- The Coast Guard Auxiliary is called upon to provide essential services to the Coast Guard as they focus more heavily on their military missions. We need all the help we can get. You needn't own a boat or be an experienced boater, since our missions are wide-ranging. For information about Auxiliary missions and the Auxiliary in general, go to our Join the Auxiliary web page. You will find there a form through which you can ask that a local Auxiliarist make contact with you to explore the ways in which you can assist Team Coast Guard.
