Coast Guard
US Coast Guard aircrew awarded for heroism during flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas
Stars and Stripes
July 13, 2025
Secretary Kristi Noem presents medals to Lt. Ian Hopper, Lt. Blair Oguiofor, Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Reece of Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, during a ceremony on July 11, 2025. (Perry Shirzad/U.S. Coast Guard)
Four U.S. Coast Guard aircrew members received military medals for their heroism during catastrophic flash flooding at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, on July 4.
Secretary Kristi Noem presented the medals during a ceremony in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, according to a service news release.
“This is what the men and women of the Coast Guard do,” Noem said. “The selfless courage of this crew embodies the spirit and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.”
Lt. Ian M. Hopper, aircraft commander, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, aviation survival technician, were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during aerial flight. Lt. Blair O. Ogujiofor, co-pilot, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth N. Reeves, aviation maintenance technician, were awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes, sweeping away cabins, killing at least 27 and stranding more than 200 campers at Camp Mystic. The crew boarded a MH-65E helicopter 6553 and responded to the crisis. They battled heavy rain, rough terrain and near-zero visibility to save many lives.
Flooding in Central Texas has killed at least 129 people.
“In the face of devastating floods in Texas, this Coast Guard aircrew’s courageous actions saved lives and reaffirmed our vital role in protecting American communities,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.