USCGC Blackthorn
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USCGC Blackthorn was a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender of the United States Coast Guard that sank following a collision in Tampa Bay, resulting in 23 fatalities.
USCGC Blackthorn (WLB-391) underway in 1972
Blackthorn being raised in 1980
William Flores
Blackthorn circa 1945
William Flores
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William Ray Flores was a seaman apprentice in the United States Coast Guard. SA Flores was posthumously honored for heroic behavior during a 1980 ship collision. In November 2011, the Coast Guard sele
USCGC Blackthorn
…recommendations made by the marine board concerning training and equipment aboard Coast Guard vessels, and navigation considerations in Tampa Bay. William Flores was originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico, and attended Western Hills High School near Fort Worth, Texas. During the sinking of Blackthorn, seaman…
USCGC William Flores on the day of her naming ceremony
Cutter's coat of arms with symbolism honoring SA Flores
Flores' Company Photo (Far left, 2nd to last row)