Coast Guard holds 46th anniversary memorial for USCGC Blackthorn crew [Image 4 of 6]

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

01.28.2026

Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ilian Borrero-Aguirre 

U.S. Coast Guard Southeast     

Master Chief Petty Officer Henry J. Audette Jr., Southeast District command master chief, speaks to guests at the USCGC Blackthorn memorial in St. Petersburg, Florida on Jan. 28, 2026. William R. “Billy” Flores, a crewmember of USCGC Blackthorn, remained aboard to release and hold open the life jacket locker, helping others survive; he died and was later posthumously awarded the Coast Guard Medal. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ilian Borrero-Aguirre)

• Date Taken: 01.28.2026
• Date Posted: 01.28.2026 18:46
• Photo ID: 9497394
• VIRIN: 260128-G-UN319-1353
• Resolution: 6048x4024
• Size: 3.17 MB
• Location: ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, US