CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Members of the United States Coast Guard- Corpus Christi Sector are ready to respond no matter the situation; whether it's helping with search efforts here at home, or even assisting with surveillance following a major storm.
Hurricane Beryl was no exception.
The Corpus Christi team helped conduct assessment flights of the Texas coastline, including over the Port of Houston, in the aftermath of the category one storm.
The crew's effort played a major role looking at the damage and identifying any environmental impacts at the port.
Pilot Lt. Kyle Unger was part of that team.
"With the captain of the port to help them determine what sort of damage took place, was there any pollution that occurred from the oil wells? And just give the command out there an overall assessment of what to expect and what kind of damage took place during the hurricane," he said.
Much like our Port of Corpus Christi, Port Houston is a gateway for the flow of commerce.
That critical bird's-eye view gave officials there a better idea if it should return to daily operations.
"Looking at all the key locations, key infrastructure that they want to look at to make their assessments to determine are the waterways safely navigable, can we reopen the Port and allow our senior leaders make those decisions," Unger said.
He said the team stays busy.
"It's an exciting job to have, not going to lie, it's a job I've been doing now for a little over six years," Unger said. "Everyday I come to work not sure what I'm going to get."
No mater the mission, he said it's a team effort that is helping residents during one of their most difficult times.
"When they see our aircraft out there, they know help is on the way, help has already come and that we're able to really make a difference and impact their lives," he said.
Unger also told 3NEWS that people in tense situations should always call 9-1-1 versus reaching out for help on social media. He said they don't monitor their Facebook page all the time so if you are ever in an emergency call 9-1-1 or have a radio on your vessel and use VHF FM Channel 16.