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This Sailor has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in Smithfield City Cemetery, Cache County, Utah. .
SYNOPSIS: LCdr. Peter H. Krusi, pilot; LtJg. Hans H. Grauert, co-pilot; and Lt. Richard W. Sanifer, crewman, launched from the USS CONSTELLATION on November 3, 1967 in their KA3B tanker about 1900 hours in support of a combat mission. Their responsibility was to circle outside the combat area for accompanying fighter jets to return to their area for refueling.
Upon takeoff, the tanker crashed, and all aboard were killed. Subsequent searches yielded the body of Richard Sanifer, but the bodies of the rest of the crew were not located. Krusi and Grauert were placed in the category of Killed/Body Not Recovered. There is no hope that their remains can be recovered.
Other Comments:
LCDR Krusi was promoted to the rank of Commander while in a MIA status.
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, WA Details
Present day
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eleven (EODMU-11) members perform a static jump from the ramp of a C-130 "Hercules" at Outlying Landing Field Coupeville, south of NAS Whidbey Island, on central Whidbey Island, at coordinates 48°11"24'N 122°37"48'W / 48.19°N 122.63°W / 48.19; -122.63 (Outlying Landing Field Coupeville).
In all, there are 19 active duty squadrons and 2 Ready Reserve squadrons currently based at NAS Whidbey Island. The air station also maintains a Search and Rescue Unit, flying three Sikorsky MH-60S Nighthawks. With the addition of the MH-60S, Navy Search and Rescue provides 24 day and night maritime, inland and mountainous rescue support for Department of Defense personnel and the greater Pacific Northwest community. The SAR Unit (360) 257-2681 provides 15 minute alert coverage Monday through Thursday from 0800-0200 or last plane on deck, Friday 0800-2200 or last plane on deck and 30 minute alert coverage at all others times of the year. Additionally, SAR has organic SAR Medical Technicians on all missions it performs. NASWI SAR primarily serves military aircrews, but missions aiding civilians in distress are often approved and executed.[citation needed]
Over 50 tenant commands are also located at NAS Whidbey Island, providing training, medical and dental, and other support services, including a Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) for Whidbey" staff and student Marine Corps personnel. The base also continues its long-standing role as a center of activity for Naval Air Reserve operations and training in the region.
SEE UNIT HISTORY FOR MOR DETAILS