Lieutenant Duane Elmer Stenbak

Lieutenant Duane Elmer Stenbak | United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government Lieutenant Duane Elmer Stenbak | United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government
United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government
Lieutenant Duane Elmer Stenbak | United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government
Lieutenant Duane Elmer Stenbak | United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government
Lieutenant Duane Elmer Stenbak

United States Coast Guard, U.S. Government

End of Watch Friday, August 24, 1990

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Duane Elmer Stenbak

Lieutenant Duane Stenbak, Lieutenant Craig Lerner, Lieutenant Paul Perlt, and Petty Officer Matthew Baker were killed in an airplane accident while conducting a drug surveillance operation in the Caribbean.

The Grumman E2C Hawkeye experienced a wing fire and crashed as the pilot attempted to land at U.S. Naval Air Station, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

Lieutenant Stenbak had served with the United States Coast Guard for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour 16 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Aircraft accident
  • Location Puerto Rico
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50 years ago, Feb 29, 1976, AT2 Duane Stenbak was the hoist operator of a Coast Guard helicopter flight that hoisted a man to safety and when the helicopter engine failed was in turn rescued by the Canadian Coast Guard. On Feb 28, 2026, the Bamfield Historical Society will hold a ceremony recognizing the heroic effort of the Canadian Coast Guardsmen. The Society website now displays one of three plaques that details the names of all who were involved that night, including Duane. Duane is included in books and news articles which are available by contacting me or the Coast Guard Aviation Association.

Lcdr Brian Mills
USCG

February 8, 2026

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