Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

Date: May 13, 2008
Contact: D17 Public Affairs - (907) 463-2065
Public Affairs Detachment Kodiak - (907)487-5700

COAST GUARD ALASKA RANGER RESCUERS TO RECEIVE AWARDS 
MEDIA INVITED

KODIAK, Alaska - Coast Guard crews involved in the fishing vessel Alaska Ranger rescue will receive awards Thursday May 15th during ceremonies at the Coast Guard base in Kodiak.

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Munro will be receiving the Coast Guard Unit Commendation and aviators Lt. Brian J. McLaughlin, Lt. Timothy L. Schmitz, Lt. Steven M. Bonn, Lt Greg S. Gedemer, Petty Officer 2nd Class O'Brien Hollow, Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert R. DeBolt and Petty Officer 2nd Class Alfred V. Musgrave will receive Air Medals for saving 20 of the 47 crew members of the Alaska Ranger. The Alaska Ranger's sister ship, Alaska Warrior, saved 22.

"If not for these brave actions in 30-knot winds, heavy snow squalls, 24-degree wind chill and turbulent seas," said Rear Adm. Gene Brooks, Commander of the 17th Coast Guard District, "the Bering Sea could have taken them all."

Brooks will present onboard the Cutter Munro at 9:15 a.m. and at 1 p.m. in the hangar at Air Station Kodiak.

Media is cordially invited to attend the ceremonies. Interviews with Brooks and Coast Guard rescue crews will be available.

The Alaska Ranger sank approximately 125 miles west of Dutch Harbor March 23, 2008.

For more information contact 17th Coast Guard District Public Affairs at 907-463-2065 or Public Affairs Detachment Kodiak at 907-487-5700.

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