News Summary
Master-at-Arms Second Class Petty Officer Jackson Bower of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown pleaded guilty to dereliction of duty, following the death of fellow sailor Lyndon Cosgriff-Flax during a training exercise. The incident occurred when Cosgriff-Flax fell from the boat and was fatally struck by the propeller. Witnesses reported negligence in Bower’s actions leading up to the tragic event. Bower faces 70 days of confinement, sparking discussions on Navy safety protocols and accountability.
Yorktown – A sailor from Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Master-at-Arms Second Class Petty Officer Jackson Bower, pleaded guilty to dereliction of duty at a Special Court Martial following a tragic boating incident that resulted in the death of fellow sailor, 22-year-old Master-at-Arms Third Class Lyndon Cosgriff-Flax. The plea was entered during a court proceeding addressing the events that occurred on April 28, 2024, while Bower was piloting a boat on the York River.
During a training exercise that involved an unauthorized maneuver known as “chase the rabbit,” Cosgriff-Flax fell from the bow of the boat and was subsequently struck by the vessel’s propeller. Initial reports indicated that Bower faced additional serious charges including negligent homicide and making a false official statement, but these charges were dropped prior to the sentencing hearing. Bower ultimately received a sentence of 70 days in confinement at the Navy’s Chesapeake Brig, a term significantly less than the eight years he could have faced if convicted on all original charges.
Court documents revealed evidence that Bower failed to maintain proper logs or inform the watch commander before conducting the unauthorized exercise. Witnesses reported that during the “Chase the Rabbit” drill, Cosgriff-Flax was sitting on the bow of the boat, a position deemed dangerous for such high-speed maneuvers. When Bower made a hard right turn, the sudden movement caused the boat to bounce, leading to Cosgriff-Flax being thrown into the water where he suffered fatal injuries from the propellers.
After the impact, witnesses described finding Cosgriff-Flax in a “pool of blood” as they attempted to provide first aid. Bower’s initial statements to authorities falsely indicated that he and Cosgriff-Flax were in a different boat, which contradicted witness accounts of the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Stephanie Cosgriff, the victim’s mother, shared her difficulty in coping with the loss of her son. She remarked on Bower’s acceptance of responsibility but also emphasized the need for accountability from the Navy regarding the training procedures that led to the incident. Alongside Bower’s defense attorney, she highlighted the lack of adequate direction and oversight during training exercises that may have contributed to the fatal accident.
Bower has had a commendable record in the Navy, having received several honors such as the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. The incident has ignited discussions about safety protocols within the Navy and raised significant concerns over accountability in naval operations. Calls for reforms have intensified, with many advocating for changes that could help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
This incident emphasizes the critical need for rigorous adherence to safety protocols during military training exercises. As the Navy reviews its operational practices, the loss of Cosgriff-Flax serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and the imperative of safeguarding the lives of service members.
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