Officer Down

Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne, III
United States Coast Guard
End of Watch: Sunday, December 2, 2012
Age: 34
Tour: 14 years
Badge # WPB-87340

Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne was killed when the rigid hull inflatable boat he was commanding was intentionally rammed by a boat being used to smuggle drugs off Santa Cruz Island, California.

Shortly after midnight, a U.S. Coast Guard aerial patrol had observed a suspicious boat in the area believed to be involved in narcotics trafficking. A boarding team was deployed from the USCGC Halibut to interdict and board the vessel.

The boarding team made contact with the boat, which then accelerated toward them without changing course. The smuggler's boat struck the boarding team's boat, knocking Chief Petty Officer Horne and a shipmate into the water. Both crewman were immediately recovered. Chief Petty Officer Horne was transported to a hospital in Port Hueneme, California, where he succumbed to his severe head injuries.

Two illegal aliens on board the smuggler's boat were taken into custody and the boat seized.

Chief Petty Officer Horne had served in the United States Coast Guard for 14 years. He is survived by his expectant wife and one child.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.