Several lives have been saved as he and his helicopter crew have hoisted many people in emergent need to safety from rooftops.”

George R. Matthews, Jr., pilot's father

PORTSMOUTH — A local man has been carrying out dramatic air rescues of displaced Houston, Texas residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Lt. George R. Matthews III, a 2003 graduate of Portsmouth High School, is serving at USCG Air Station Houston as a rescue helicopter pilot. He’s the son of Victoria Matthews and George R. Matthews, Jr., a retired USCG captain.

As Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Lt. Matthews’ unit was immediately called to action for response operations, his father said. Knowing their apartment could flood and that Lt. Matthews would be doing round-the-clock response activities, his wife Natalie was evacuated to Austin before the storm arrived, he said.

“There’s flooding all around him; he lives in Houston himself,” Mr. Matthews said.

As soon as Coast Guard helicopters were able to safely launch, Mr. Matthews said, his son made his way around flooding waters to a nearby hospital helipad to be picked up by his unit. 

“He has been fully engaged in harrowing search-and-rescue missions ever since,” said Mr. Matthews. “Several lives have been saved as he and his helicopter crew have hoisted many people in emergent need to safety from rooftops.”

USCG Lt. Mike Hart told CNN that the Coast Guard rescued more than 3,000 people impacted by the storm on Monday alone.

Mr. Matthews said his son, along with many other rescue units and volunteer good Samaritans, “will undoubtedly be busy in the days to come. Their bravery and heroics are to be commended as they respond in harm’s way to save others.”

Lifelong dream

Mr. Matthews said his son dreamed of becoming a Coast Guard helicopter pilot ever since he was 5 years old. Following in his father’s footsteps, he graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2007 and was commissioned as an ensign in the USCG.

He later went to Pensacola Florida Flight School and earned his aviator wings in 2010. Lt. Matthews was then stationed in Puerto Rico and in Jacksonville, Fla. as a Coast Guard rescue helicopter pilot where he was involved in search-and-rescue, law enforcement and drug interdiction operations.

Just before he went into action last week, his father asked him how he felt.

“I was born to do this,” Mr. Matthews said his son replied.

While Lt. Matthews' parents are proud of his heroics, they remain nervous for his safety.

“I’m sitting here somewhat paralyzed, watching the TV. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best,” Mr. Matthews said.