Keeping the blogosphere posted on the goings on of the world of submarines since late 2004... and mocking and belittling general foolishness wherever it may be found. Idaho's first and foremost submarine blog. (If you don't like something on this blog, please E-mail me; don't call me at home.)

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Fallen MSP Sailors Named

According to the BBC, the Navy has released the names of the two Submariners who were tragically lost off the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul on Friday:
The dead men were named as Senior Chief Thomas Higgins, 45, of Paducah, Kentucky, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Holtz, 30, of Lakewood, Ohio.
The US Navy said in a statement on Sunday that the cause of the accident remained under investigation.
Sailors, Rest Your Oars...

Update 0650 31 Dec: According to the CSG-2 web page, ETCS(SS) Thomas Higgins was the MSP's Chief of the Boat. This makes the incident even more tragic -- now the crew will have to cope with the sense of loss they feel without a man who I'm sure was a mentor to all.

Update 0818 31 Dec: Here's the Navy NewsStand article, confirming what the BBC story said.

Update 1421 01 Jan 07: Here's a story from the Norfolk paper that gives some personal background on the two fallen Submariners, including the information that Petty Officer Holtz was a Sonar Tech. (Unfortunately, you'll have to work your way around the portions of the story that demonstrate the reporter's unfamiliarity with the military -- I'm assuming their regular military reporter is on vacation.)

8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I offer my condolences to the family of the 2 fine men lost at sea. Chief Higgins and PO2 Holtz families, my prayers are with your families.
Sincerely,
STSC/SS Ralph Jennings

12/31/2006 7:33 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mike J. Holtz, 30 was an amazing friend, brother, son and father. The type of man that emulated the American spirit. He loved his job in the NAVY and all of those he served with him.

He comes from an amazing family, and raised by exceptional parents. Last night (New Years Eve) we held a celebration of life in the memory of Mike Holtz and Thomas Higgins. Instead of the traditional New Year toast, 25 close freinds and family took a moment to speak of their life with a toast, and a moment of silence.

We thank all of you who have been supportive, both military and non-military. It is a very trying time with lots of questions. Together we will all go on and thats what Mike would have wanted.

Mike and Tom may you be resting in GOD's eternal kingdom.

1/01/2007 12:10 PM

 
Blogger Bubblehead said...

Adrian,
Thanks for your touching post.

1/01/2007 2:04 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To both families I want to send my deepest sympathies. Both men were(I cannot believe I am even typing that) true sailors. They were both so proud to be sumbmariners and fight for our freedom. I was fortunate to have conversations with both of them before they left. I saw a big smile on the COB's face as he left for a rare dinner out. . Mike always had a smile on his face no matter what he was doing. Both of these men were highly respected and well liked. That is rare when you spend long amount of time with the same people.
I watched them leave, like so many other times. We knew that they would need dramamine but never thought that two amazing men would not make it. I cannot believe this has happened. I had hoped it was just a bad dream. My prayers and thoughts are with the families. Thank you for all you did for the MSP and for our Nation. We love you and miss you.
-MSP Wives
Jen B

1/01/2007 10:46 PM

 
Blogger Bubblehead said...

Thank you, Jen; our prayers are also with you and the entire MSP family.

1/01/2007 11:06 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another FYI-They were transfering the Harbor pilot. (Some wives watched them from another place)
The way I found out about it was driving to London and hearing it on the radio. Not to pleased with the BBC. But the MOD and Royal Navy are truly wonderful. They offered any help and support. Both men were Fathers. What happens next? An investigation? Someone getting relieved? These men deserve memorials in the fullest

1/01/2007 11:39 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences, to the families the two fallen sailors who gave thier lives in performance of thier duties. I live in connecticut not far fron New London, and spent 20 years active duty as an Air-dale with 3rd Marines as a combat SAR DOC. The true nature of the sacifices of the SILENT Service has never fully been appreciated or chronicalled. I have as have many of my comrades in other naval communities always help Submariners in the highest esteem. My i offer our prayers and this simple thought "never forget..they are never forgotten. V.M. D'Aiuto HMC/AC USN. ret

1/02/2007 4:52 PM

 
Anonymous www.estadisticasweb.biz said...

Thanks so much for your article, very helpful info.

11/24/2011 1:15 AM

 

Post a Comment

<< Home