In a display of heroism and swift action, Coast Guard rescue swimmer Petty Officer Scott Ruskan spearheaded a massive rescue operation during the Independence Day weekend, saving 165 individuals from the deadly flash floods that ravaged central Texas. The 26-year-old New Jersey native, who transitioned from a corporate accounting career at KPMG to military service in 2021, was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, after completing his rigorous training as an Aviation Survival Technician.
The recent storms in Texas have been unforgiving, claiming the lives of at least 80 people across the state. Among the hardest hit was Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer camp, which experienced some of the most severe flooding. Ruskan, who had been on standby since November, leaped into action when the emergency call came on July 4th. Bryan Winchell of Texas Task Force 1 reached out to the Coast Guard for immediate support as traditional rescue methods were overwhelmed by the disaster's magnitude.
Despite the camp's location falling outside their normal operational area, Coast Guard leadership approved the mission, recognizing the severity of the emergency and the unique capabilities their crews could bring to the rescue effort. By early Friday morning, rescue teams were aboard Blackhawk 60 and Coast Guard MH-65 helicopters, making their way to the flood zone.
Camp Mystic, situated near the Guadalupe River, became a trap for nearly 200 survivors as the riverbanks overflowed. The swift rise of water levels during the night resulted in the tragic loss of five young campers, with a counselor and 11 additional girls reported missing. The urgency of the situation was palpable as rescue crews raced against time and the encroaching darkness to evacuate the stranded victims.
Roadways were impassable, and river currents were too perilous for boats, leaving aerial evacuation as the sole option for rescue. The operation's success hinged on the aerial prowess of the rescue teams, with helicopter weight restrictions necessitating Ruskan to remain on the ground to coordinate triage operations rather than participate in the flights. This strategic decision ensured the maximum number of survivors could be transported while maintaining safety.
On the ground, Ruskan faced the daunting task of evaluating survivors, directing helicopter crews, and providing comfort to the traumatized. Many of the survivors, including children, were in shock, having fled their sleeping quarters in pajamas, barefoot, and unprepared for the harsh elements. Ruskan's role expanded beyond logistics as he offered psychological support, attempting to calm and reassure the distressed victims.
The New York Post reported that Ruskan encountered adults desperate to locate missing family members amidst the chaos. He managed their expectations while focusing on the immediate rescue needs, saying, "It’s like, ‘Hey, I can’t help you guys locate these people, but I can get you guys out of here right now if we just try to remain calm,’ and just trying to comfort everyone as best I could is kind of what I was doing."
The rescue operation continued for several hours under treacherous conditions before successfully evacuating 165 people. Each helicopter flight was meticulously planned to ensure passenger safety and capacity optimization. Ruskan's efforts embodied the Coast Guard's commitment to service and the willingness to take risks to save lives.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to social media to praise the successful mission, singling out Ruskan as an "American hero" whose actions were in line with the highest values of the Coast Guard. The operation not only showcased the crucial role of the Coast Guard but also the effectiveness of interagency cooperation, with units from the Department of Public Safety, Air National Guard, and Texas Task Force 1 all contributing to the search and rescue efforts.
