Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Coast Guard

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    July 5, 2000

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Troy A. Beshears, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as copilot aboard Coast Guard HH-65A CGNR 6539 on the night of 5 July 2000, responding to a reported oil rig fire. He displayed exceptional fortitude during the evacuation of all 51 people. Upon arrival on scene, the crew realized the oil rig was ablaze, the rescue ladder was blocked by fire, and an immediate evacuation of the crew was required. After first landing on the burning rig, the aircrew left the rescue swimmer to coordinate evacuation and began ferrying personnel to an adjacent oil rig. Making three trips, the CG 6539 airlifted 12 persons to another platform nine miles away before having to refuel, while 36 people were safely lowered to a surface vessel via a gondola attached to the rig crane. Meanwhile CG 6585 arrived to evacuate the final four people after all power to the rig was secured, but was weight limited and left the rescue swimmer on the rig. While CG 6539 was on downwind for the final pickup of the rescue swimmer, only seconds from landing, the rig exploded into a ball of fire that extended from the waterline to 100 feet over the top of the platform. Lieutenant Beshears, fearing for the life of the swimmer, approached the dark billowing smoke from the platform and entered instrument conditions in the smoke, he skillfully continued the approach, took conning commands from the flight mechanic, and gained visual reference merely 75 feet above the rig. He briefly landed and picked up the rescue swimmer prior to a second explosion. Lieutenant Beshears’ action and aeronautical skill were paramount in the rescue of 51 persons, who otherwise would have perished in the fire. His courage, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.