To the Women and Men of our Coast Guard,
It is with great sadness that I inform you that on Friday, October 23rd, Lt. j.g. Morgan Garrett made the ultimate sacrifice and gave her life in the performance of duty when the T6-Texan II aircraft she was flying crashed in Alabama during a training evolution. Tragically, Garrett's U.S. Navy flight instructor, Lt. Rhiannon Ross, was also killed in the crash. Garrett was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, effective on July 8, 2020.
Garrett was a remarkable young officer with unlimited potential. She gave her life in the pursuit of her dream to fly for the United States Coast Guard so that she might, one day, save others and protect our shores. A 2019 Coast Guard Academy Graduate, Garrett was the kind of person who knew what she wanted in life and was wholeheartedly determined to achieve her dreams. Upon graduation, she immediately received a highly competitive and coveted assignment to naval flight training.
On Nov. 4th, at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Admiral Ray, Vice Commandant, had the honor of presiding over the memorial service which payed tribute to Garrett.
A full investigation into this tragic accident will be conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Navy. The loss of our Shipmate is a stark reminder of the inherently dangerous training and operations Coast Guard women and men perform daily. I ask every Coast Guardsmen to remain focused on their duties and look-out for each other.
Our top priority is to support the Garrett family and all of our Shipmates impacted by Morgan's loss, and I ask that you keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.
Semper Paratus,
Admiral Karl L. Schultz
Commandant