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U.S. Coast Guard
Part of the U.S. Coast Guard base at Kodiak, Alaska, is seen in this file photo.
Two U.S. Coast Guard members at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska, were found shot to death on Thursday, officials said, leading to a lockdown of the base and nearby schools.
It was not clear if it was a murder-suicide or double homicide.
"It is possible that the suspect remains at large," Capt. Jesse Moore, the base commander, said in a statement.
"Since we don't have all the details, we strongly advise that all Kodiak residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement officials," he added.
The base and nearby schools were on lockdown "until we can ensure no threat exists," the Coast Guard stated.
The communication station, which monitors May Day air and maritime traffic, is about two miles from the main base, Coast Guard spokesman Grant DeVuyst told msnbc.com. He wasn't sure if ID is required to enter the station, which has about 60 people working there, but noted that ID is required to enter the base and that only military police on the base are allowed to carry firearms.
FBI, state and local police were assigned to investigate, the Coast Guard said.
The names of the two dead were being withheld until notification of their families, and their genders were not immediately released.
Kodiak is an island about 250 miles southwest of Anchorage. About 6,300 people live on the island's main town of Kodiak, where the base is located. The base has about 1,000 Coast Guard personnel and several hundred civilian employees.
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It's a shame that both of these coastguards are dead. The sad fact is that most likely these men were killed by people who they worked with. May they rest in peace.
Ban handguns.
Takenaka - You're awake! Now go take your meds and go back to sleep!
that's 'coast guardmen,' or 'coast guardwomen.' semper peratus.
he he ban hand guns in Alaska he he now that is funny! ha ha ha ha
This most likely will be about someone sleeping with anothers wife, just wait.
joeblowski: The Coast Guard motto is "Semper Paratus" -- "Always Ready". Your "semper peratus" translates as "always wallet", something the CG rarely sees from budget committees.
Sarah Palin isn't the only Bad News to come out of Alaska...
What a sad day for our US Coast Guard.
I hope these two will RIP.
bernitch: Really pathetic that you are happy about these 2 being killed.
@takenaka - Who said it was handguns? It might have been rifles instead. Or is "ban handguns" the only two words you know?
Thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed.
Being a Retired Coast Guardsman, this sort of thing always hits home, especially when it is one of your own. I was stationed in Homer Alaska and lost a shipmate due to suicide. As bad as the tradgedy is, please understand what this does to the families. The impact of losing a loved one takes a terrible toll on the ones that are left behind. Semper Peratus.
Hey, a fellow buoy tender sailor. I was on the Sweetbrier in Cordova. I know a couple communications guys from that area, hope they're okay.
"bernitch (sic): Really pathetic that you are happy about these 2 being killed."
Bernitch said nothing like that at all. Those are your words, not those of Bernitch.
Clearly the killings must have been committed by one of the Military Police Officers. The policy is clear and the signs are posted. The only people with guns there have to be the MP's... clearly I'm being sarcastic. What sense does it make to disarm even our military personnel on their posts. Let's take this to a totally illogical extreme... Two service members sitting unarmed at a listening post when North Korean spy bursts through the door. NK is clearly angry about the failed missile launch and the closest American soil to strike is the Aleutians. And we expect our service members to call 9-1-1 in defense of their post. I'm sure this is not what happened, but it could have happened. Someone walked in there and started shooting and MEMBERS OF OUR MILITARY could not shoot back. Unacceptable!
Nice that you have all the answers, Random (#1) and Kevin (above). Call the authorities and lend your knowledge and expertise. You guys can have this incident cleared up before lunch.
"Your "semper peratus" translates as "always wallet", something the CG rarely sees from budget committees.'
Actually, medic, this translates to "always bidden."
"Always wallet" makes little sense in any language, but "Ubi mea perum" translates to, "Where's my wallet?"
http://www.ktuu.com/news/two-kodiak-shooting-deaths-under-investigation-coast-guard-says-041212,0,3033973.story
Says it's a double homicide. For a fairly isolated community of only about 6300, I would think they should be able to identify the shooter soon.
Sean and takenaka...
Handguns are required if you want to live in Alaska for bear protection. I dont go fishing, hiking, or anything outdoors up there unless I got my 44 mag.
Whomever did this should hope the cops get to em' before the good-ole-boys do. Its a very close knit community up there.
Sean,
IF they had been carrying their weapons...just as the NRA suggests they should have been.
Oh wait, no guns, no protection. How could that be, Sean?
Why has it taken so long to confirm if it is double homicide or murder-suicide? You only need to see if one of them was holding or was within reach of the gun (he may have dropped it) that killed them both. If no gun is present, then there is your answer. Dead men can't get rid of the murder weapon.... *facepalm*
Your kodiak tax dollars put to good use!
Oh my god...I used to live on that very base. It was a very tight knit and friendly place. You got to know everyone and their families and would have your own little community events, be they cookouts, baseball or soccer games, mountain hikes, dinners, holiday parties, etc. I can hardly believe something like this would happen there. My dad isn't taking this well (he was a Jayhawk helicopter pilot) as he was friends with a lot of people up there.
I hope they find those friggin suspects and justice is served. I would personally beat the living crap out of them if I was still there. May the families who have lost their loved once find peace...I'm so sorry this happened...
3 deleted, Lusitania with a cheap derail about telling 'if it was a republican or not'. There's a politics section. You're suspended for a week for violating #4 of the Code of Honor.
You're kidding, right Tyler? You NEED to be on the boards that pertain to blacks...ALL OF THEM, and suspend those RACISTS over there! I see you let them spew all kind of hatred and nonsense, but someone says 'REPUBLICAN' and you're all over it.....???
If there's a racist section, maybe you should direct THEM TO IT!
commenting-Grow up. I'm so tired of hearing "Republicans are racist". I guess I can call Democrats socialists, but I don't because I don't want to stoop to your level.
How about this thought, commenting and random: anyone who can be neatly classified as a follower of liberal or conservative ideology is someone who doesn't bother thinking because they have a stock response for most situations?
Why don't people understand that one philosophy or way of doing things does not fit ALL situations in all times and places. In one situation, a "liberal" solution might work, and in a different time and place, a "conservative" solution might work.
Its about when to know to use a hammer for nails, and a screwdrivers for screws, and liberals and conservatives are arguing that a hammer is superior to a screwdriver and vice versa.
Really sad so many people are trapped by thought-ending ideologies.
Personally I'm a racist, but its ALL races I don't like. I think humanity is basically a waste of molecules.
To those people who think mankind was made in God's image, I counter that if God made the Earth, then Satan made Man out of jealousy and to create a creature that would rape, pillage and defile God's creation. So far, good job, human species!
What better evidence of my theory than how humans act towards each other? Case in point, the two dead coast guards. Damn shame, I was Navy but worked out of Curtis Bay. I liked the Coasties there.
If your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
Well, then, maybe they should stop hating on people like that. Then you wouldn't have to hear about it.
Bernitch- Name one comment on here that a conservative posted that is hateful. The truth is, Liberals are the real haters because they are accusing us of being haters.
Random that is because you are haters. You retardicans are more related to skin head fascist bigots than to normal people. So before you start throwing hater around you need to look in your own house.
Anyone remember:
1. Senator JF Kennedy - the DEMOCRAT who voted AGAINST the original Civil Rights Bill???
2. Senator Robert Byrd - the DEMOCRAT who tried to filibuster the Civil Rights Bill???
3. Sen George Wallace - the DEMOCRAT who fought for "segregation forever."
4. If it was not for the REPUBLICANS, the Civil Rights Bill would have been DEFEATED...
5. The KKK was founded in 1865 by the DEMOCRATS to fight the Reconstruction policies of the REPUBLICANS and to maintain "white supremacy."
Those that do not know their HISTORY are doomed to REPEAT IT...
AC Robertson -- what about recent history? Or are you contended that the Democrats and Republicans of even 50 years ago are the same as they are today, let alone in the 1860's? Any idiot knows what happened to the Dem party during the Civil Rights era, and how the supporters of Jim Crow fled to the GOP, mostly BECAUSE of what JFK began when he was elected. Or who the KKK supports NOW, and not a century ago. Or which party has supported Civil Rights for the last half century, and which has balked at expanding them at nearly every turn. Etc.
AC Come on now. Who are you trying to pull that high school history on.
Your party of Lincoln & Teddie would call both of them liberals today. Lincoln was a Federalist.
Over 200 years, the Republican Party absorbed the right wing of the old Democratic Party.
And that is why the much of the south South leans Republican.
Did this piece of vine get stuck in the wrong story? I thought it was about the deaths of two Coast Guards.
Many condolences to the families.
Thanks Zapper 45701: The postings on this page are supposed to relate to the story of the two Coast Guardsmen. Unfortunately, some seize the opportunity to make stupid remarks, political remarks, or just try to be funny. Still, I hope that they will find some consolment when a tragedyof this magnitude hits them. Semper Peratus!
We tour the nice campgrounds of the Pacific Northwest. One is at Brookings, right next to the Jetty, (Ore web cam). Chetco Harbor has a US Coast Guard Station and one of the retired patrol boats has been restored by locals. Interesting to watch the 'Coasties' go out in 'weather' to hone their skills while escorting craft 'over the Bar'. Each piloted and crewed by young people, often escorted by orange and white Helos, that patrol the coast routinely. All are excited to see what they and their equipment are capable of. Several videos on You Tube of The US Coast Guard in various predicaments, some exciting, some fatal. RIP our Protectors.
paganponderer
In one ear and out the other for these folks. Not all of humanity is as wretched as you say though, only the most vocal.
Wow. It's sickening to see these people turned this story into a gun/politics debate. Two of my father's former coworkers are dead and at least half of the island is feeling the pain.
Good going AC, besides that MLK was a republican.
DingleB:
Perhaps you are correct. One of my favorite poets Yeats said in "Second Coming":
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
AC...your rant has nothing to do with this article, STFU
Socialist- AC was responding to commentingbecauseican post. He started this whole arguement by calling Republicans racist. You Liberals remind me of a bunch of 3 year olds.
My sincere condolences to the families, friends, neighbors and co-workers of these people.
May they rest in peace.
I hope Big Bend is not involved.......
Having spent two wonderful tours back in the 70's at the Comsta its hurts to read this. My hopes and prayers are with the families of the fallen and with all the members of NOJ.
CWO3 Ret.
my dad is retired USCG CWO3. semper peratus
forever sorry what?
Semper Paratus is the Coast Guard Motto. It's Latin for "Always Ready".
RIP
Our hearts break for our fellow Coast guard families. our prayers are with all of the Coasties and we feel their sadness. may the light of the Lord surround them, protect them and comfort them. May justice be quick.
maybe your cult's lord-creature should show up and protect people when it counts. then you wouldn't have to keep climbing onto the shoulders of tragedies like this one to start yapping about your silly cult creatures.
Bernitch
What makes you so bitter and act so ignorant to people that show genuine love and give true compassion for those that are in pain? If you wish to argue theology go to a different site... these people post here to share their respect and true concern for the families that are suffering deep losses... You are here to do what??????????? By simple definition you are in all counts just a slime sucking bottom feeding troll tossing out personal crap against any post for attention. You're not wanted here, all here agree you can't be far out of 3rd grade and you lost all respect from those considered mature,,,
Here we go again. Just like Fort Hood, in that "only military police on the base are allowed to carry firearms." Those "No Guns Allowed" regs and signs for sure didn't prevent any "gun crimes", now did they? Isn't it about time we started asking about the liability of post commanders and all who support disarming law-abiding citizens, soldiers, airmen, marines?
That is basically the rule on any military installation and it is not the Post Commanders that are 'banning' anything. But don't let that get in the way of your unsubstantiated rantings.
Damn! I was born on this island and went out to The Base all the time as a child. My parents and immediate family still do to this day. Hopefully there will be some answers soon...
My heart goes out to the families of these fallen people.
These are our front line defenders. Whoever did this needs to pay the ultimate price of justice!
"It was not clear if it was a murder-suicide or double homicide."
---
They don't say if they found a gun at the scene. If not, wouldn't that rule out murder-suicide? (Unless the gun walked off on its own.) And if there was a gun, tracing it to its owner might offer a few clues.
Well, they seem to kill people on their own. Just ask the anti-gun crowd. So, it seems reasonable that it walked off.
I've never understood why military personnel aren't allowed to have arms and ammo on them at all times.
Is it because there is too much fighting among their own personnel? (fight the enemy, not your own compatriots)
Is there no self-control in the military?
Do the military leaders not trust their own personnel?
Are the military leaders not able to maintain control over their own units?
I have never understood the disarming of military personnel.
Hot damn! One of the Old Breed speaks, and asks pointed questions that need to be answered. We need more of you Marine57, that's all I know. Semper Fidelis
There had to be a gun left on the scene for them to consider murder suicide.
You are a dumb ass Bernitch. A shallow little creature who would make religion an issue in a time of tragedy. I served in the Coast Guard, and they are on the front end of the sharp end of a stick trying to protect and preserve lives and the environment. I find it interesting that you would attack a person for believing in a higher power and requesting said higher power to embrace those who have departed. In my opinion, this refelects a juvenile perception that the person is the center of the universe, and something that is wrong with the world. I personally have my beliefs, and unlike you who are evidently too cowardly to make any valid points substantiating your own beliefs and attacking someone who genuinely is presenting their beliefs in a time of tragedy, think that the people who serve should be given some form of respect for their service. If anything, respect the fact that the families have not been informed of their demise at the this time.
May the Souls of the Faithful, Departed Rest in Peace. May God give the strength and courage to their families to bear this great loss. GOD BLESS THE USA.
Kevin Valentine Moraes
Mira Road (Thane)
To all those families that lost loved ones in this tragedy, to those in the military or otherwise that can empathize with those of the USCG, and those otherwise that feel a true loss with this news article- I am very sorry and feel so very bad myself. To those of you that feel the need to inject politics, religion, racism, or other personal agendas into this story...well you really and truly suck, simple as that. Yep...just like in the old days, simple name calling. Now go get a life besides living in front of a screen of some some sort and make a difference in our society, especially in the part you know so much about. Bernitch, since you are indeed such an expert, you should have no problem solving all of the irrelevant issues brought into this story. Your moniker even has a bit of a stench about it. Kinda gestapo-ish...NoProblem has read enough, over and out.
As an ex-US Army soldier, it is considered exceptionally troublesome to think a Coast Guard service member could be the cause of these deaths. The entire persona of the US Coast Guard has been nearly unblemished in the past personal 50 or so years. Of course there must be exceptions but overall, it seems that this story has the impact to let everyone acknowledge the severe straights the entire world is involved. From every corner of the globe we are witness to extraordinary events shaping our opportunities to see the writing on the wall!
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims. Very tragic situation. Although there is some good natured bantering from time to time amongst the different Military Services, all in all, we are all brother/sisters, and share a common camaraderie, for sure. Non Sibi, Sed Omnibus (Not for one, but for all).
This is very sad, however; being they made a point about the gender not being mentioned I believe we will find that it was a male and female. This may turn out to be a murder suicide as there was probably an unwanted break-up on one of their parts.
Hopefully they catch whomever is responsible. Lets hope its not someone from the base, but chances are it is. Sad. R.I.P.
Time to repeal and replace the 2cnd amendment.
Oh right, that will do it, NOT! We must be allowed to protect ourselves.
"and that only military police on the base are allowed to carry firearms." Oh I see, so that means the bad guys will follow the law right? NOT! Sorry but we must be allowed to protect ourselves at any cost.
They didn't mention the "gender" of the victims. I wonder which one was on top when her husband caught them.
And there is ranting about politics and religion on this post because....??? My condolences to the families and friends of those two members of the Coast Guard who lost their lives yesterday.