Celebrating the Life of a Good 'Coastie'

By Victor Blackwell First Coast News

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- "She loved her job, she loved her shipmates, she loved the Coast Guard and she loved to dive," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Parker.

Thursday morning, relatives, friends and colleagues said goodbye to a, 'woman of honor.'

Lt. Hill, 30, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Duque, 26, of Miami, died last week during a scientific dive off the coast of Alaska.

LCDR Laura King escorted lt. Hill's remains from Alaska to her hometown of St. Augustine. LCDR king was her room mate on board the Healy.

"We kind of kept each other company. Whenever I was having a bad day, I could go to her room and she would give me a hug and it would just make it all better," said LCDR King.

Lt. Hill's younger brother Carl delivered her eulogy. Recalling her passion for the water was especially difficult for him. Because of his big sister?s enthusiasm, Hill became a certified diver

"I never did get to go under with her, but I know ... "I know the next time that I do go on a dive, I hope that she will be there swimming alongside me,? said Hill.

Capt. Paul Thomas never met Lt. Hill, but he says there was no way he would miss an opportunity to salute her.

"We're celebrating the life of a good Coastie. She was a great patriot. She served her country well and it deserves our recognition," said Capt. Thomas.

The Coast Guard awarded Lt. Hill the Meritorious Service Medal. She'll be buried at sea.

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