Corpus Christi Coast Guard City

Coast Guard City Designation

The U.S. Coast Guard designated the City of Corpus Christi a Coast Guard City on February 27, 2025. We received this designation from the Coast Guard as part of their Coast Guard City program. Cities earn this designation by making special efforts to acknowledge the professional work and support the local Coast Guard members. This designation recognizes the strong relationship the entire community has built with their Coast Guard.

Many partners have earned Corpus Christi this prestigious designation. The City of Corpus Christi, the South Texas Military Taskforce, our school districts, and the Port of Corpus Christi each work to support, collaborate with, and celebrate our Coast Guard community.

Highlights

Recognition

On August 19, 2025, Mayor Guajardo recognized the U.S. Coast Guard rescue team, Lieutenant Aircraft Commander Ian Hopper, Lieutenant Copilot Blair Ogujiofor, Flight Mechanic Seth Reeves, and Petty Officer Rescue Swimmer Scott Ruskan, with Medals of Civic Valor. This honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, selflessness, and commitment to protecting others. The team exemplified these qualities by rescuing 165 people in Kerrville during the catastrophic flood, navigating treacherous weather for more than six hours. Their efforts included three unsuccessful attempts to reach Kerrville in extreme precipitation, low visibility, and difficult terrain.

Community Engagement 

The City actively supports Coast Guard initiatives through partnership with our Park and Recreation Department. The Downtown Management District and the City’s Park and Recreation Department help facilitate the Coast Guard’s Community Days at the City’s Water’s Edge Park, giving the community a chance to engage with the Coast Guard and learn about how they serve our region.

Advocacy 

The South Military Task Force is a community group that advocates on behalf of the military installations and the military community. They were instrumental in advocating for an Aerostat Surveillance Balloon in South Texas for the Coast Guard to help the local drug interdiction and homeland security efforts. Additionally, the Task Force and business leaders will host an annual Military Appreciation Dove Hunt for all local military personnel. At this event, participants compete in skeet shooting, enjoy dinner, and of course hunt.  

Education and Youth Programs

Among our school districts, there are 11 Military Family Life Councilors that offer no-cost counseling to military students; along with Anchored4Life, a military club established to connect military children across Corpus Christi. The United States Coast Guard established a new JROTC program at Veterans Memorial High School, which is part of the Corpus Christi Independent School District. This program was launched, the first Coast Guard JROTC in Texas, in the 2024-2025 school year. 

Joint Training & Emergency Preparedness

Together, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and Sector Corpus Christi, the City of Corpus Christi, and the Port of Corpus Christi dedicate significant time and attention to training future Port State Control Examiners, Maritime Safety Inspection and participate in several exercises such as the Coastal Bend Wildlife Branch Exercise Series with Texas State Aquarium.

Additionally, the Coast Guard, with the City of Corpus Christi and the Port of Corpus Christi, hosts a consortium and exercises with local, state, and federal Emergency Management specialists.