CLEWISTON, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2025) –What began as a routine Wednesday afternoon quickly turned into an emergency response for four Jacksonville District Operations Division, South Florida Operations Office (SFOO) employees.
While conducting a buoy deployment mission, the team of Jessica “Skippy” Martin, biologist, Jeffrey “Lee” Martin, biologist, Steven Klemme, Supervisory Facilities Maintenance Specialist and Graham Thompson, Master Tender Operator, noticed a low-flying aircraft overhead. Moments later, Jessica and Lee Martin hopped in their vehicle and drove toward the plane’s pathway, where they noticed it had crash landed in some brush on the edge of the rim, across from the S-3 structure.
“The sea plane was ramped up on vegetation on the side of the channel,” said Jessica Martin. “Everything was pretty much out of the water except the back of the pontoons of the plane.”
Realizing the aircraft had crashed, Jessica Martin immediately called 911 to request assistance, while Lee Martin ran to the water’s edge.
“After putting on my life preserver, I ran down the water’s edge to make first contact with the people on the plane, then called the SFOO leadership,” said Lee Martin.
“I was scared at first because we did not see anyone in or around the plane and did not know the state of the people on board,” said Jessica Martin.
It wasn’t until after they made contact across the canal and heard from the pilot that everyone was safe that a sense of relief was felt.
“The sheriff’s office arrived very quickly within minutes of calling 9-1-1. The EMS and fire trucks arrived a few minutes after. It was an incredibly quick response considering the location of the accident,” said Jessica Martin.
Once on scene, officials asked Graham and Klemme to use their boat to ferry the passengers to the shore for medical examination and then assist in going back to the plane to document the scene.
Amid the chaos, the team remained calm and focused on safety, but adrenaline was running through their veins. Everyone worked together seamlessly to support the first responders’ efforts and ensure everyone’s wellbeing.
“Every member of our team embodies the Army Values both on and off the clock, so to hear of their quick and professional response to this incident did not come as a surprise to me. Skippy, Lee, Graham, and Steve all recognize the importance of being there for a fellow citizen, ready to respond and support however possible,” said Lydia Graham, Acting Chief, South Florida Operations Office. “I am extremely grateful that they were on site at the time of the crash and able to respond and act so quickly, likely mitigating any further damages or possible injuries as a result. It is difficult to put to words just how proud I am to have them on our team and witness their bravery and selflessness in action.”
Echoing Graham’s accolades, Jeffrey Fallin, Chief, Operations Division said “I am incredibly proud of our Operations team members for their heroic and decisive response to the recent plane crash. They acted immediately, reporting the incident to emergency services before proceeding to the crash site in government vessels. After confirming the well-being of the three passengers, they transported them to first responders for further medical evaluation. Their actions exemplify the dedication of our entire Operations team and the courage it takes to run toward a crisis. Well done and thank you for embodying the spirit of ‘Essayons!’”
It’s not every day that a Jacksonville District employee finds themselves part of a plane crash response effort – but for these four individuals, that day emphasized what selfless service and teamwork truly mean. Their quick thinking and courage under pressure are a testament to the district’s commitment to readiness to help whenever and wherever duty calls.
The Jacksonville District extends its gratitude to the team for bravery, fearlessness, composure and swift action in the face of the unexpected.