Coast Guard boat crews from Station Seattle, the cutter Midgett, the cutter Healy, Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101 and the Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor string their boats together to serve s a platform for members participating in an at-sea wreath laying ceremony in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Gill Jr. near Vashon Island, Wash., March 25, 2015.
Gill died in the line of duty after being ejected from a 25-foot Response Boat-Small while deployed to Seattle as a member of the Maritime Safety and Security Team 91111 Anchorage, Alaska, during a Washington State Ferry escort in 2007.
U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
A wreath stands on display aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Seattle prior to being laid at sea during a ceremony in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Gill Jr. near Vashon Island, Wash.,March 25, 2016.
Gill died in the line of duty after being ejected from a 25-foot response Boat-Small while deployed to Seattle as a member of the Maritime Safety and Security Team 91111 Anchorage, Alaska, during a Washington State Ferry escort in 2007.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
Coast Guard boat crews from Station Seattle, the cutter Midgett, the cutter Healy, Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101 and the Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor string their boats together to serve s a platform for an at-sea wreath laying ceremony in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Gill Jr. near Vashon Island, Wash., March 25, 2015.
Gill's passing led to changes made Coast Guard wide to prevent similar events and tragic loss of life in the future through the improved training, equipment requirements, communication protocols, guidance and procedures.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
Master Chief Petty Officer Sean McPhilamy (center), command master chief, Coast Guard 13th District, assists with the memorial wreath during an at-sea wreath laying in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Gill Jr. near Vashon Island, Wash., March 25, 2016.
McPhilamy served with Gill while stationed in Alaska and spoke fondly of the him, reminding members present to value each day and to thank them for taking the time to honor a fallen shipmate.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
A silicon bracelet made in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Gill Jr. sits atop an anti-exposure flotation survival suit in the boathouse at Coast Guard Station Seattle, March 25, 2016.
The other side reads forever in our hearts.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.