Capt. Frank Larson Quotes in The Guardian (2006)

Capt. Frank Larson: Out of the 39 000 men and women that make up the United States Coast Guard there are only 280 rescue swimmers. This is because we are the Coast Guard's elite. We are the best of the best. When storms shut down entire ports, we go out. When hurricanes ground the United States Navy, we go out. And when the holy Lord himself reaches down from heaven and destroys his good work with winds that rip houses off the ground, We. Go. Out.

Ben Randall: [Later in private, quoting him:] "When God rips houses off the ground?"

Capt. Frank Larson: I was rollin'.

Jake Fischer: That guy who holds all them records, is he still alive?

Capt. Frank Larson: Why do you ask?

Jake Fischer: Just thought you ought to let him know I'm about to knock his name off that board.

Capt. Frank Larson: Why don't you let him know yourself? He's standing right behind you.

Capt. Frank Larson: If by some miracle you actually have what it takes to become one of us, then you get to live a life of meager pay with the distinct possibility of dying slow, cold and alone somewhere in the vast sea. However, you also get the chance to save lives, and there is no greater calling in the world than that. So, ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Welcome to A- school.

Capt. Frank Larson: Ben, come in. You work fast. Lyons? He was one of our top candidates.

Ben Randall: Sometimes you gotta shoot a hostage.

Jack Skinner: Look, we all know that you're a... legend and all, but our program has been proven to work.