Caring for Families and Shipmates with Tragedy Assistance Support

On March 5, 2026, AST2 Tyler Jaggers, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer stationed at Air Station Astoria, passed away from injuries sustained on February 27 while responding to a medevac on a ship off the coast of Cape Flattery, Washington.

We honor the life and service of Petty Officer Jaggers and stand with his loved ones and shipmates during this difficult time. 

“We are deeply saddened by Tyler’s passing,” said Coast Guard Foundation president Susan Ludwig. “On behalf of the board of directors and staff, we send our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fellow service members at Air Station Astoria and throughout the rescue swimmer community.”

The Coast Guard shared:
The Coast Guard mourns the passing, and honors the courage, of Aviation Survival Technician (AST) Tyler Jaggers... Prior to his passing, he was meritoriously advanced to AST2 for his relentless drive in qualifications, the mentorship he consistently provided to swimmer candidates, and his exceptional performance across operational missions. Additionally, the Commandant of the Coast Guard awarded him the Distinguished Flying Cross – one of our Nation’s highest awards for heroism in aerial flight.  

Through his selfless service and sacrifice, AST2 Jaggers exemplified the finest legacies of Coast Guard service, and the sacred oath of the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community: "So Others May Live".

The Foundation provided immediate support to Air Station Astoria by funding bus transportation for more than 100 members of the unit to travel to Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Tacoma, Washington to be present for AST2 Jaggers and his family as he was transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center. 

We continue to offer assistance to his family and shipmates through our tragedy assistance program.  That support includes assisting with the memorial service and reception in addition to support for family members and shipmates who need to travel to the memorial service. 

We are also coordinating support for Air Station Astoria and Petty Officer Jaggers' family with other Coast Guard serving organizations like the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Association and the Coast Guard Aviation Association. 

Tragedy Assistance Support in 2025
Our tragedy assistance program delivers financial support to families and Coast Guard shipmates when a service member is injured, critically ill or loses their life.  For active-duty members whose spouse or dependent child passes away, grants are available to help ease unexpected financial burdens.

Last year, the Foundation provided tragedy assistance to 21 Coast Guard families following the critical injury, serious illness, or death of a Coast Guard member or an immediate family member.  As well, long-term assistance continued for families of fallen heroes to honor their service and sacrifice.

To support our work in this program area, please visit coastguardfoundation.org/tragedyassistance 

Cover photo by LCDR Bradley Davis, Air Station Astoria Facebook post