Coast Guard Event Tomorrow for your Consideration

MEDIA Advisory

The Coast Guard is holding a memorial service, Tuesday, for Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn’s crew at the Blackthorn Memorial site in St. Petersburg.

WHO: Rear Adm. Douglas M. Schofield, District Seven commander and Capt. Michael P. Kahle, Sector St. Petersburg commander
WHAT: The 45th anniversary memorial service for the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Blackthorn Memorial Site, FL-55 St. Petersburg, Florida, 33752

Following the ceremony, Retired Coast Guard Master Chief John Chassereau Jr., president of the Blackthorn Memorial Committee, will be available to speak to interested media.
Tuesday marks the 45th anniversary of the collision between the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn and the motor vessel Capricorn near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Jan. 28, 1980, resulting in the deaths of 23 Blackthorn crewmembers.

The ceremony includes a wreath-laying by Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, an honor platoon representing each lost soul, acknowledgment of each Blackthorn victim, gun salute, laying of roses, and presiding official comments.

Susan Ludwig, President of the Coast Guard Foundation will also be at the event and available to speak about the importance of the Coast Guard Foundation’s support for the rebuilding of the Blackthorn Memorial.

The restoration of the site was made possible by the following organizations who generously donated funds to see this completed:
Coast Guard Foundation
Sun Coast Chief Petty Officers Association Port of Tampa
Propeller Club – Port of Tampa Tampa Bay Pilots Association
Supporters that enabled the raising and setting of the monument, as well as restoration of benches and plaques were: Cycadia Monument Co. and the Florida Department of Transportation

Please let us know if you gave any questions or are able to attend.

Thank you,

Jordan