A soldier with the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade at Schofield Barracks was killed Nov. 21 after crashing his motorcycle into a guardrail on H-2 Freeway at an estimated 100 mph while not wearing a helmet, according to the Army.

The Army said alcohol is suspected as a contributing factor.

Two days later, a staff sergeant with the 545th Transportation Company was seriously injured when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a light pole, according to the service.

The Army said the soldier was wearing a helmet, but suffered injuries to his head, spinal cord and right arm.

On Dec. 2, a staff sergeant with the 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, was killed after crashing his motorcycle into a curb in Wahiawa, according to the Army.

The Army said the soldier was wearing a helmet, but speed and alcohol were suspected as contributing factors.

Three serious motorcycle crashes in three weeks' time. Two of the soldiers had recently returned from Iraq, officials said.

The Army makes a concerted effort to counsel soldiers returning from an extended period in a war zone to reintegrate into home life slowly, cautiously and responsibly.

The spate of motorcycle crashes was enough that Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, which has its headquarters at Fort Shafter, raised concern in a recent column in the Hawaii Army Weekly newspaper.

"First and foremost, these accidents are a tragic loss of life that affect families, friends, loved ones and everyone else in U.S. Army Pacific," Brown said. "The soldiers killed and injured in these accidents had families and friends, and everyone who they touched will feel their loss."

But in addition to the grief, mourning, anger and disbelief brought about by the deaths, "many are asking why these accidents occurred and what can be done to prevent them from ever happening again," Brown said.

Brown said investigations are ongoing, and it was premature to draw conclusions, but he wanted to use the opportunity to discuss the two leading causes of accidental death among soldiers: alcohol and speed.

In Hawai'i's small, tight-knit Army community, Brown said, it's almost always the case that a fellow soldier or family member knows when a comrade is about to drive under the influence of alcohol.

"All too often, no one intervenes to prevent his or her buddy from driving drunk," Brown said.

As the holidays approach, Brown's warnings are probably good for everyone, and not just soldiers.

According to an Army official, U.S. Army Pacific, including Hawai'i, Alaska and Japan, went 400 days without an accidental fatality before the motorcycle crashes.

In fiscal year 2006, U.S. Army Pacific had 10 fatalities that were accident-related, six in 2007, and three so far in the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, including the two motorcycle crashes and a car crash.

IN BRIEF

WELDS IN NEW SUBS UNDER SCRUTINY

Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard in Virginia and the Navy are inspecting all Virginia-class submarines after finding problems with welds in those vessels, The Associated Press reported.

The Texas, Hawai'i and North Carolina — three of the first four Virginia-class subs being built after the USS Virginia — will be home-ported at Pearl Harbor.

Katie Dunnigan, a spokeswoman for Naval Sea Systems Command, said the Navy, Northrop Grumman and its shipbuilding partner, General Dynamics Electric Boat, started assessing completed welds through record reviews, additional inspections and testing.

The shipyard and the U.S. Navy also are investigating welds in at least seven other vessels following the problems discovered on nuclear-powered subs in October, according to AP.

An initial investigation showed that inadequate processes at the shipyard permitted the use of weld material that could lead to cracking of joints and leaks in the interior of its newest class of subs.

The analysis now also includes four aircraft carriers and other submarines.

The assessment is thought to have delayed the sea trials and delivery of the submarine USS North Carolina, which Northrop Grumman planned to hand over to the Navy at the end of the month.

The Texas is expected to arrive at Pearl Harbor in 2009, followed by the Hawai'i the same year, and the North Carolina in 2010.

RETIREMENT HONOR FOR BRANDENBURG

Maj. Gen. William H. Brandenburg, deputy commander of U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter, will be honored at a "Flying V" retirement ceremony on Jan. 4 at Palm Circle.

Brandenburg assumed duties as deputy commander in 2003. Prior to his present assignment, he was deputy commander for training and readiness, I Corps and Fort Lewis in Washington state.

From 2004 to 2005, he deployed to Iraq as deputy commanding general for detainee operations.

TRAUMATIC INJURY INSURANCE ADVICE

Soldiers eligible for, or who want to determine if they are eligible for, payments under Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, now can get advice at Schofield Barracks.

Available at 10 military treatment facilities across the country, specialists provide advice and assistance to soldiers and family members so they can file claims for traumatic injuries.

For more information, go to www.tsgli.army.mil, or call 800-237-1336.

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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