As part of Washington state’s annual Navy Day celebration, Gov. Jay Inslee recognized seven Whidbey Island Naval Air Station personnel on Feb. 11 for their actions rescuing seven people from the Oso mudslide last year.

Inslee said it was an honor to recognize and pay respects to men he called heroes for their actions that day.

NAS Whidbey’s Search and Rescue was among the first rescue units on scene following the devastating March 2014 mudslide. At one point during the rescue operations, the helicopter returned to the air station and picked up base firefighters from Navy Region Northwest Fire and Emergency Services Battalion No. 3.

Former Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class David Scott, one of the people recognized during Navy Day, was the crew chief on the base’s helicopter that day.

It was an experience he called “bittersweet.”

“It was a good feeling to help rescue people caught up in the mudslide,” Scott said. “But it was frustrating having to pull out while knowing people were still trapped.”

That sentiment still lingers with many of the rescuers today.

Inslee was joined by Rear Adm. Jeffrey Ruth, Commander, Navy Region Northwest, during the ceremony in the State Capital Rotunda where the following personnel were recognized:

Lt. Cmdr. David D. Warner — Air Medal (individual action)

Lt. Robert A. Merin — Air Medal (individual action)

Chief Naval Aircrewmen Richard L. Andraschko — Navy Marine Corps Medal

Naval Aircrewmen 2nd Class David A. Scott — Air Medal (individual action)

Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician Michael Wenzel — Navy Fire & Emergency Life Saving Award

Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician Ian Walton — Navy Fire & Emergency Life Saving Award

Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician Kevin Paggao — Navy Fire & Emergency Life Saving Award

“We were honored to be there and see everyone recognized,” said Merin, who was the mission co-pilot the day of the mudslide.

“We are happy to support the state and do good work in the community.”

The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60 helicopters from NAS Whidbey as search and rescue platforms for the EA-18G aircraft as well as other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation. The base also has an agreement to assist Washington State with medical evacuations and search and rescue activities.