United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer, Scott Ruskan said this is his first mission.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, stationed at Air Station Corpus Christi, is being called “An American Hero” after helping to save 165 lives during the devastating Fourth of July weekend flooding in Texas.
In an interview with ABC News Good Morning America on Monday, Ruskan said the Coast Guard launched the team last Friday on a flight that was supposed to be an hour and took them roughly seven or eight hours to get into the flying zone. Ruskan calls it, ‘some of the worst flying.’
Ruskan tells GMA a day he calls one of the worst days of their lives, which inspired him to get in there and help them out.
Ruskan has been a rescue for a year but has been fully trained for six months. He adds the Coast Guard rescue swimmers receive some of the highest level training.
Although Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noemi praised Ruskin as an “American hero” for his extraordinary bravery, Ruskin said the true heroes are the kids on the ground.
Noemi wrote on 𝕏, “This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.”
In a press release Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard wrote, “Sector New Orleans watch standers received a report July 4th at approximately 5:57 am from Texas A&M Task Force 1 personnel requesting assistance for rescue operations in response to flooding near Kerrville, Texas. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry Aircraft aircrew was launched from Air Station Corpus Christi along with an Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew to provide assistance with rescue operations.” The Coast Guard said it has conducted 12 flights to the affected area, and rescued 15 campers from Camp Mystic last Sunday. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer remained with victims of the flooding, providing medical assistance to and aiding with the evacuation efforts of 230 victims into assisting agencies air assets.