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 Brian K. Moore, United States Coast Guard, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as Aircraft Commander aboard Coast Guard HH-65A CGNR 6539 on the night of 5 July 2000. Upon arrival on scene, Lieutenant Commander Moore realized the oil rig was ablaze, the rescue ladder was blocked by fire, and an immediate evacuation of the 51 person crew was required. Displaying exceptional fortitude in acting as on-scene coordinator, he landed on the burning rig and left the rescue swimmer to coordinate. Due to the fires location, the only evacuation options were by helicopter and by the oil rigs crane, which when in use, blocked the helicopters approach path to the rigs landing platform. The rescue swimmer simultaneously coordinated the movement of the crane and the aircrafts approach to the landing pad with a hand held radio. Under his leadership, the crew of CG 6539 made three approaches and 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 6586 arrived but was weight limited and left the rescue swimmer on the rig. While 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 Commander Moore, fearing for the life of the swimmer, directed a recovery attempt. As the aircraft approached the dark billowing smoke from the platform and entered instrument conditions in the smoke, Lieutenant Commander Moore skillfully guided the pilot’s approach to the platform and gained visual reference 75 feet above the rig. His guidance enabled the aircraft to land and picked up the rescue swimmer prior to a second explosion. His expeditious decision-making was crucial at a time when on scene fire extinguishing stores were rapidly depleting and aircraft fuel was critical. His crew resource management and aeronautical skills were paramount in the rescue of 51 persons who otherwise would have perished in the fire. Lieutenant Commander Moore’s courage, judgment, and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.