FILE - This Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 file photo shows Homer Volunteer Fire Department emergency medical technicians treating a person injured when a crane tipped over in the buoy yard of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory at the Pioneer Dock on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. The Coast Guard announced Tuesday, May 21, 2019, that Lt. Cmdr. Adam Leggett was temporarily relieved of command of the Hickory following that accident that claimed the life of Chief Warrant Officer Michael Kozloski. (Michael Armstrong/Homer News via AP, File)

Coast Guard cutter captain sidelined after fatal accident

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard has temporarily relieved the commander of a Coast Guard cutter after a member was killed in a crane accident in Homer.

Rear Adm. Matthew T. Bell Jr. is commander of the 17th Coast Guard District. Bell on Tuesday relieved Lt. Cmdr. Adam Leggett of command of the cutter Hickory following the Jan. 31 accident that killed Chief Warrant Officer Michael Kozloski.

Bell cited a loss of confidence in Leggett’s ability to perform his duties. A formal review has been initiated.

The Coast Guard in a release said the investigation found that improper operation of the shore-side crane was the direct cause of the accident.

It also determined that leadership deficiencies on the Hickory contributed to inadequate crew member training and complacency with shore-side operations.

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