Laser strikes rattle, worry Coast Guard

Three of its aircraft have been the targets of the beams, which cause temporary blindness for crews

By William Cole

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 15, 2013

~~<p>The Coast Guard expressed frustration Thursday about a third laser strike on its Oahu-based aircraft in the last five months, saying people need to be aware of the risk to its aircrews.</p>
<p>"This is the third in a series of events that have taken place since I took command on the 1st of June, and I'm interested in making sure we get that word out there, continue to get that word out there, on why it's such a significant issue," Capt. Timothy Gilbride, commander of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, said at a news conference.</p>
~~

The Coast Guard expressed frustration Thursday about a third laser strike on its Oahu-based aircraft in the last five months, saying people need to be aware of the risk to its aircrews.

"This is the third in a series of events that have taken place since I took command on the 1st of June, and I'm interested in making sure we get that word out there, continue to get that word out there, on why it's such a significant issue," Capt. Timothy Gilbride, commander of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, said at a news conference. Login for more...