This resolution commends the Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi crew of CG-6553 and all responders for their heroic and courageous efforts during the catastrophic central Texas flooding.
Michael Cloud
Representative
TX-27
This resolution commends the heroic efforts and courageous response of the Coast Guard, specifically Air Station Corpus Christi and the crew of CG-6553, following catastrophic flooding in central Texas. It specifically honors the crew for successfully executing dangerous rescues amid severe weather and recognizes the broader Coast Guard deployment. Furthermore, the resolution extends gratitude to all federal, state, local responders, and volunteers who aided in the disaster relief efforts.
Congress Gives Official Shout-Out to Coast Guard Heroes for Texas Flood Rescues
This resolution is the legislative equivalent of a giant, official thank-you card from the House of Representatives. It’s all about commending the U.S. Coast Guard, specifically the crew of Air Station Corpus Christi’s helicopter CG-6553, for their heroic response to the catastrophic central Texas flooding that kicked off on July 4, 2025.
The Crew That Beat the Odds
This bill zeroes in on the incredible actions of the four-person crew of the MH65 Dolphin helicopter, call sign CG-6553: Lieutenant Ian Hopper, Lieutenant Blair Ogujiofor, AMT3 Seth Reeves, and AST3 Scott Ruskan. These folks faced down terrible weather, making three failed landing attempts before finally succeeding on the fourth. The resolution notes they then used their specialized radar to guide other rescue aircraft into the dangerous zone. This isn't just a pat on the back; it’s Congress acknowledging that these crew members put their lives on the line to save others, detailing their specific, high-risk maneuvers.
The Rescue Swimmer Who Coordinated a Small Army
The resolution gives special recognition to Rescue Swimmer AST3 Scott Ruskan. After being dropped into the flood zone at Camp Mystic, he was the sole first responder on the ground initially. For over three hours, Ruskan managed and coordinated the rescue of 165 people, working with local, state, and military aircraft across three different landing spots. This highlights the crucial role of highly trained specialists in disaster situations—one person on the ground with the right training can make the difference for hundreds of people.
Bigger Picture: Recognizing the Full Effort
While the CG-6553 crew gets the spotlight, the resolution also makes sure to recognize the broader Coast Guard deployment. The text praises the continuous rescue operations that involved 54 personnel, eight MH65 Dolphin helicopters, and two HC144 Ocean Sentry planes deployed from Air Stations in Corpus Christi, Houston, and Miami. Furthermore, the resolution extends deep gratitude to all Federal, State, and local first responders, as well as the volunteers who rushed to help Texas. This kind of resolution doesn't change policy or budget, but it is an important, official acknowledgement of the service and sacrifice made by military personnel and first responders during a major disaster, boosting morale and affirming the value of these critical emergency services.