GALVESTON -- The storm clouds of Hurricane Ike were replaced by the whirling blades of rescue helicopters Saturday morning as a massive search and rescue mission began along the storm ravaged Texas Gulf Coast.

A U.S. Coast Guard spokesman said 15 Coast Guard helicopters and 15 Army National Guard choppers were flying missions to Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach, San Leon, Galveston's West End, Surfside and High Island. There were more helicopter assets being dispatched to the region Saturday afternoon.

The rescue missions actually began when weather conditions improved and a Coast Guard Falcon jet flew reconnaissance missions over the impacted areas. Crew members aboard the Falcon then designated points for rescue missions.

From the command center at the Merrill Center in Katy, the rescue joint command dispatched helicopters to rescue points.

Stranded residents where then hoisted into the choppers and taken to either Ellington Field, Texas City High School Stingaree Stadium and Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque. Those rescued with medical issues were taken to Reliant Park and then transported by ground to the Texas Medical Center.

There were so many rescue missions taking place Saturday that the Coast Guard was unable to even estimate how many rescues were made. However, before missions were forced to cease on Friday, there were 103 rescues made prior to Hurricane Ike making landfall.