R 251911Z JAN 13

ALCOAST 029/13
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE SINKING OF USCGC BLACKTHORN
1.  On January 28, 1980, the Coast Guard suffered our worst peacetime
loss when the USCGC BLACKTHORN (WLB 391) collided with another ship,
capsized and sank at night in Tampa Bay, Florida.  Twenty-three Coast
Guardsmen perished in the tragedy.
2.  Many of you know the story of Seaman Apprentice (SA) William
"Billy" Flores, a crew member aboard CGC BLACKTHORN who had recently
reported from recruit training.  Instead of abandoning ship and
swimming to safety after the collision, SA Flores remained aboard to
assist other crewmembers who were injured or trapped.  He went to his
station at the lifejacket locker and used his belt to secure the door
open so lifejackets would float to the surface for his shipmates as
the vessel sank.  When CGC BLACKTHORN slipped beneath the surface, SA
Flores went down with her.  SA Flores made the ultimate sacrifice so
other Coast Guardsmen could live to serve.  We honor his heroism and
memory with our newest Fast Response Cutter, the USCGC WILLIAM FLORES
(WPC 1103).
3.  The loss of CGC BLACKTHORN, along with the earlier sinking of CGC
CUYAHOGA (WIX 157) and loss of 11 Coast Guardsmen on October 20,
1978, compelled the Service to make needed improvements to cutter
policy, doctrine, training and standardization.  We created the
Prospective CO/XO Afloat Course, mandated that all CO/XO/OODs pass
the Deck Watch Officer Examination, required prospective CO/OINCs to
conduct underway familiarization rides, and promulgated Commandant
Cutter Navigation Standards.  We took deliberate steps to improve
proficiency and safety in our afloat operations, that are reflected
in higher levels of cutter and crew readiness today.
4.  We honor the Coast Guardsmen lost aboard CGC BLACKTHORN by
remembering them on this anniversary, and honor them each day by
focusing on proficiency and safety of operations.
5.  Semper Paratus.  Stand a taut watch.
6.  ADM Bob Papp, Commandant, United States Coast Guard sends.
7.  Internet release authorized.