On December 22, 1964 a devastating flood hit Humboldt County, CA. Coast Guard Helo 1363 from Air Station San Francisco was called out to assist the stranded victims. During challenging weather and circumstances, LCDR Donald Prince, LT Allen Alltree of the Royal Canadian Navy and AE2 James Nininger, Jr was able to save the lives of 20 people. After bringing onboard two women, one male and an infant girl, strong winds coupled with the inability to receive radio navigational aid, caused them to drift too far inland and they struck the mountains near Strawberry Rock. All onboard perished.
Name | Rating | Duty Station | Date |
Olson, W. | AM2 | AIRSTA Annette, AK | 7/3/1964 |
Malena, D. G. | AM2 | AIRSTA Annette, AK | 7/3/1964 |
Krajniak, E. A. | AT3 | AIRSTA Annette, AK | 7/3/1964 |
Nininger, J. A. Jr | AE2 | AIRSTA San Francisco, CA | 12/22/1964 |