CG-6505 Investigation and the importance of mishap investigations

Shipmates,
On Friday the Commandant posted the final investigation documents on the loss of CG-6505 off Honolulu in September 2008. I encourage each of you to review the final investigation document as it identifies a number of important issues related to Crew Resource Management (CRM), risks of fouled trail lines and hoist cables during hoist operations, and the "task saturation" that can occur in times of high stress. We will review the report as part of an upcoming member training.

While we do not operate helicopters with hoists, our surface operations members may be on the other end of the hoist cable, operating on non-standard facilities with significant potential for hoist cable fouling. Both our surface and air operations members can find themselves confronted with CRM challenges and task saturation in high stress situations. I can identify a number of times I've been task saturated during surface operations. When operating as a new aircrew member I was task saturated much of the time we were in the air due to the workload and the unfamiliar environment.

Admiral Allen's iCommandant post: http://www.uscg.mil/comdt/blog/2009/12/cg-6505-final-investigation-documents.asp

Investigation document: http://www.uscg.mil/foia/docs/6505Mishap.pdf

We can best honor the ultimate sacrifice of CAPT Thomas Nelson, LCDR Andrew Wischmeier, AMT1 Joshua Nichols and AST1 David Skimin by taking these lessons to heart, reviewing our own actions in light of the findings and looking to the safety of our shipmates.

These investigations, and the public and open way in which the Coast Guard leadership shares them, save lives of Guardians and those we serve. I am very thankful to work in a culture which rigorously examines mishaps for lessons which can be applied to prevent future mishaps. Our end of the bargain is to take the lessons to heart and apply them to our actions.

As you celebrate the holiday season please keep the families of CG-6505, CG-1705 and all of our Guardians who have given their lives in service to the nation in your thoughts.

Thank you for your service and commitment to the safety of your shipmates,
Daren