[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 138 (Friday, September 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E861-E862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE U.S. COAST GUARD AIR STATION 
        CORPUS CHRISTI AND SECTOR CORPUS CHRISTI COMMAND CENTER

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                           HON. MICHAEL CLOUD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2024

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the 
exceptional bravery, skill, and determination of the United States 
Coast Guard units stationed along the Gulf Coast. These dedicated men 
and women came together in a large-scale Search and Rescue operation, 
resulting in the safe recovery of two scuba divers who had been 
separated from their dive vessel and lost at sea for nearly two days.
  On the morning of July 24th, the Sector Corpus Christi Command Center 
received a distress call reporting two divers missing more than 30 
miles offshore from Matagorda Texas and the Coast Guard immediately 
mobilized multiple assets.
  Leading this Search and Rescue effort was Lieutenant Commander Nina 
McDonald whose knowledge and experience helped coordinate the safe 
return of the divers. During the search, the Coast Guard faced severe 
weather and a vast search area. After hours without any luck, the 
aircrew of Coast Guard 2306 took over the search efforts. Despite 
daunting conditions, including reduced visibility, overcast skies, and 
hazardous flying through numerous cloud layers, this crew pressed on.
  After hours in the air, Petty Officer Nathan Cyrus, serving as a 
visual observer, spotted a faint flash of light on the water and the 
aircrew quickly maneuvered to the location where Petty Officer James 
Welzig, the dropmaster, prepared the aircraft for an aerial delivery of 
rescue equipment. Under the command of Lieutenant Brian Holcombe and 
Lieutenant Junior Grade Jake Pritchett, the aircrew helped guide the 
Coast Guard Cutter to the scene where the crew successfully located and 
rescued the two divers, who had endured 38 harrowing hours at sea.

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  This remarkable rescue operation is a testament to the unparalleled 
excellence of our Coast Guard personnel. Their efforts in saving these 
lives reflect the highest standards of service and sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these 
courageous men and women of the United States Coast Guard. Their 
actions over those intense 38 hours exemplify the very best of our 
Nation's values, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.

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