In Memory of AST2 Tyler Jaggers: Honoring a Hero

The maritime community lost one of its finest on March 5^th, 2026. Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Tyler Jaggers, assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, passed away from critical injuries sustained while rescuing a distressed mariner from a commercial vessel offshore.

On February 27, 2026, Jaggers was part of an MH-60 Jayhawk crew responding to a medical emergency aboard the G/C MOMI ARROW, which was located approximately 120 miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington at the time of the incident.

In the hours that followed his injury, Jaggers was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital in British Columbia, then transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington, where he received medical care surrounded by those who loved him.

Prior to his passing, the U.S. Coast Guard recognized Tyler’s actions in a ceremony joined by his family and Air Station Astoria crew. He received a meritorious promotion to Petty Officer Second Class and was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross, a prestigious military award recognizing exceptional heroism in aerial operations.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday spoke for an entire service when he said that Jaggers “represented the very best” of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community, and that he “demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of danger.”

Tyler Jaggers joined the U.S. Coast Guard in January 2022. In just a few years, he had already been recognized for superior performance by the Secretary of Homeland Security for his work aboard the Cutter LEGARE during Caribbean operations. He arrived at Air Station Astoria in April 2024. He made a lasting impression in a brief time.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the circumstances of his injuries, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

To his family, his crew at Air Station Astoria, and everyone who served alongside him, we offer our greatest condolences. We are grateful for Tyler Jaggers’s service.