Loosefoot 616: Remembering the Fallen Crew of HSC-8

In Memory of the Crew of Loosefoot 616

On August 31, 2021, the United States Navy lost five exceptional Sailors when an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8), callsign "Loosefoot 616," crashed into the Pacific Ocean while operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of San Diego, California.

The tragedy claimed the lives of:

• LT Bradley A. Foster

• LT Paul R. Fridley

• AWS1 James P. Buriak

• HM1 Sarah F. Burns

• HM2 Bailey J. Tucker

  
  

These five Sailors represented the very best of Naval Aviation—leaders, aviators, rescuers, medical professionals, friends, spouses, sons, daughters, and teammates whose service embodied the Navy's commitment to mission and country.

The Mission and the Squadron

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8), known as the "Eightballers," is based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. The squadron's motto, "Ready & Lethal: Victory Follows the Eightball," reflects a legacy of operational excellence spanning decades of naval service.

HSC-8 conducts combat search and rescue, search and rescue operations, anti-surface warfare, special operations support, logistics missions, and carrier-based helicopter operations worldwide.

On that August day in 2021, Loosefoot 616 was participating in routine flight operations while embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. What began as a standard training evolution ended in one of the most devastating naval aviation losses in recent memory.

What Happened to Loosefoot 616?

According to the Navy's official investigation, the MH-60S Seahawk experienced catastrophic mechanical issues during landing operations aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. The investigation later determined that a damaged damper hose failed, creating severe vibrations that rapidly escalated into an unrecoverable emergency. The helicopter ultimately crashed into the ocean during the mishap sequence.

Of the six personnel aboard the aircraft, one crewmember survived. LT Foster, LT Fridley, AWS1 Buriak, HM1 Burns, and HM2 Tucker were lost in the crash. A subsequent Navy investigation determined that all five Sailors died in the line of duty.

The recovery effort that followed was one of the most challenging in recent naval aviation history. Search and salvage teams eventually recovered the helicopter and the fallen crew from a depth of approximately 5,300 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean, allowing their families and the Navy community to bring them home with honor.

The Heroes Behind the Uniforms

LT Bradley A. Foster

Lieutenant Bradley Foster, a pilot from Oakhurst, California, was known as a dedicated naval aviator and leader. Fellow service members remembered him for his professionalism, commitment to the mission, and unwavering support of his fellow Sailors.

LT Paul R. Fridley

Lieutenant Paul Fridley, a pilot from Annandale, Virginia, exemplified the spirit of Naval Aviation. His dedication to excellence and service made a lasting impact on everyone who served alongside him.

AWS1 James P. Buriak

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator First Class James "Jimmy" Buriak of Salem, Virginia, was widely respected throughout the helicopter community. Following his passing, friends and family established the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation, ensuring his legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire future generations.

HM1 Sarah F. Burns

Hospital Corpsman First Class Sarah Burns of Severna Park, Maryland, represented the very best of Navy Medicine. As a Corpsman, her mission was caring for others, a calling she embraced throughout her naval career.

HM2 Bailey J. Tucker

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Bailey Tucker of St. Louis, Missouri, was the youngest member of the crew. Though only 21 years old, his service and sacrifice reflected the courage and dedication expected of every Sailor who wears the uniform.

Their Legacy Lives On

In the years following the tragedy, the memory of Loosefoot 616 has remained alive within the Naval Aviation community. Memorial events, remembrance runs, foundation fundraisers, and tributes continue to honor the lives of the crew and support their families.

The annual "Run to Remember" organized through the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation serves as a reminder that their sacrifice has not been forgotten.

Their story is not merely one of loss—it is a story of service, teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice.

It is a reminder that behind every aircraft tail number are real people with families, dreams, and futures dedicated to serving something larger than themselves.

A Memorial Bracelet Created in Their Honor

At Black Horse Fabrications, we believe remembrance matters.

The Loosefoot 616 Memorial Bracelet was created to honor LT Bradley Foster, LT Paul Fridley, AWS1 James Buriak, HM1 Sarah Burns, and HM2 Bailey Tucker.

Each bracelet serves as a tangible reminder of their service and sacrifice, ensuring that their names continue to be spoken and their legacy continues to endure.

We do not create these memorials simply as products.

We create them because every fallen hero deserves to be remembered.

Never Forgotten

The crew of Loosefoot 616 answered the call to serve their nation. They lived with honor, served with distinction, and paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

May we never forget:

LT Bradley FosterLT Paul FridleyAWS1 James BuriakHM1 Sarah BurnsHM2 Bailey Tucker

"Ready & Lethal: Victory Follows the Eightball."

Fair winds and following seas.