SAN DIEGO – A San Diego-based U.S. Coast Guard anti-terrorism team will return home on Mother's Day tomorrow from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

During the deployment, Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego members formed the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Maritime Security Detachment and were responsible for securing the port and waterways around the base.

"The Coast Guard is a nimble service that consistently is able to adapt to multiple military missions," said Cmdr. Eric Cooper, MSST San Diego’s commanding officer. "The team consistently demonstrates quiet professionalism in every job that we perform, and I am extremely proud of their impressive contributions to this strategically important mission for the United States."

MSST San Diego boat crews, specialized in armed boat tactics and threat interdiction, conducted more than 4,500 hours of continuous patrols during the deployment.

The unit also provided shore-side security at Joint Task Force Guantanamo, which includes internal courtroom security for the expeditionary legal complex where military commissions for high value detainees are held. 

Prior to deploying, unit members completed two-months of training that included boat and weapon qualifications, team coordination training and CPR certification. To augment the MSST's active-duty component, reservists from across the nation were hand selected for the six-month deployment. 

“During the deployment, the active and reserve components integrated seamlessly across all aspects and the reservists brought unique skill sets from their civilian jobs that greatly enhanced our effectiveness,” Cooper said.

The reservist members' civilian occupations include everything from undergraduate students to police officers and airline employees. Each reservist volunteered for the deployment, were excited to join MSST San Diego and serve their country.

“My time working with the JTF has been an enlightening experience,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Laurie Fletcher, a Coast Guard Reservist normally assigned to Sector Puget Sound. “Recently working with the Navy in CENTCOM as a communications supervisor, I was able to use that experience to bring knowledge to my job here in GTMO.  Working closely with JTF and the Naval Station Guantanamo has helped me a gain a better knowledge of different branches of the military.”

MSST San Diego was created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in direct response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and is a part of the Department of Homeland Security's layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways.

MSSTs provide waterborne and a shore-side antiterrorism force protection for strategic shipping, high-interest vessels and critical infrastructure. These units are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving maritime homeland security mission requirements.

Eleven MSSTs are strategically positioned throughout the nation and are components of the U.S. Deployable Operations Group (DOG). The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, DHS, Department of Defense and interagency operational commanders.

Editor's Note:  Media is invited to attend the homecoming of MSST San Diego at Naval Station North Island, Calif., May 13, 2012, at 2:45 p.m.  Family members will be at the hotel to greet their returning loved ones.  Please contact Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson at (202) 631-3313 to coordinate access to the Naval Station.

USCG MSST San Diego to New Orleans GTMO Transfer of Authority

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Outgoing Commander U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego, Cmdr. Eric M. Cooper addresses the audience during the turnover of authority ceremony from San Diego to MSST New Orleans. MSST provides twenty-four hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego Level 2 Tactics

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Fast boat teams assigned to he United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) San Diego apply their tactics training in Guantanamo Bay. The Opposing Forces (OPFOR) boat (left) simulates a breached 500 yard security zone of a high valued asset and the Reaction vessel goes in and determines the OPFOR’s intent. MSST San Diego provides 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

MSST San Diego / MCSFCO CASEVAC exercise

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — The United States Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego and the Marine Corps Security Forces Company use a Coast Guard fast boat to swiftly egress injured personnel to a medical check point during a simulated casualty evacuation exercise. Both MSST San Diego and MCSFCO provide 24-hour security to both the Joint Task Force and Naval Station. Joint Task Force Guantanamo photo.

SAN DIEGO – A Port Clinton, Ohio, based Coast Guard port security unit assisted four mariners in distress while conducting training on San Diego Bay, April 6.

“This is an example of the multi-mission capabilities of the Port Security Units,” said Cmdr. Gerald A. Nauert, Port Security Unit 309’s commanding officer.  “Our primary mission is to provide security to sensitive ports and vessels, but our training also enables us to provide humanitarian assistance to the public. It’s a perfect example of our members living up to our unit motto, Facta Non Verba – Deeds Not Words.”

During the first incident, an underway PSU 309 boat crew observed a distress signal from three passengers aboard a nearby vessel. Their powerless vessel was caught in the current and was being pushed toward the shore. The Coast Guard crew pulled alongside to provide assistance. After the vessel’s engine would not restart, they safely towed the civilian crew and their vessel to its homeport.

Later that same day, another PSU 309 boat crew was underway when Sector San Diego requested they assist a kayaker, who had washed onto rocks near the mouth of San Diego Bay. The crew made contact with the elderly male, brought him aboard and provided first aid before transferring him to a San Diego Harbor Police vessel to receive further emergency medical care.  

PSU 309 was conducting joint training on San Diego Bay with U.S. Navy Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Three in preparation for overseas deployment.

Established May 1995 as a Coast Guard Reserve unit, PSU 309 provides security and protects personnel and facilities from terrorism, sabotage, espionage, subversion, and attack. The unit has a proud operational heritage, including missions in support of Operations’ Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Uphold Democracy. 

PSUs are a component of the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group (DOG).  The DOG provides properly equipped, trained, and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and interagency operational and tactical commanders.

For more information about PSU 309 click here.

PORTSMOUTH, VA. -- An off-duty Coast Guard member and Virginia Beach native provided first aid to a downed F/A-18D Hornet pilot after his plane crashed near Virginia Beach, Friday.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Beane, a canine handler stationed at the Maritime Security Response Team, was at a friend's house having lunch when he heard the roar of jet planes over head.

His friend motioned for him to be quiet. Jets were a common occurrence because of the nearby Oceana Naval Air Station, and it was easier to talk after they had passed overhead. The plane's engine was straining though; something wasn't right.

There were a few loud pops, then an explosion as the F/A-18D Hornet crashed roughly 200 feet away from where Beane was standing.

"My training kicked in," Beane said. "I saw the fire and explosion, and I knew I had to help."

He raced to the nearby buildings on fire and began to knock on doors to make sure everyone was safely outside.

As he rounded the corner, he found the pilot, still attached to his parachute which was caught on the buildings roof, lying on the ground a few dozen feet from the flames.

As Beane raced to provide assistance, a civilian good samaritan leapt a nearby fence and was also moving to assist the injured pilot.

"My training as a Coast Guardsman prepares me to react to emergencies, Beane said. "The real heroes are the good samaritans. Their instinct to help overrides any fears they could have."

Together, they cut the pilot loose with Beane's knife.

After quickly checking for broken bones and other injuries, they carried the pilot to a parking lot about 100 feet away.

"We had to move him," Beane said. "There were more explosions, and the fire was spreading."

The pilot began talking although he seemed dazed.

"He kept asking if everybody else was OK," Beane said. He asked about the people on the ground and the other pilot. His own safety was the last thing on his mind."

There was another large explosion, so they moved the pilot to shelter behind a dumpster.

This time, he was able to gather enough strength to stand, although he needed help to walk.

Beane stayed with the pilot and provided water and care until paramedics arrived. The paramedics also treated Beane for smoke inhalation before he was released to go home.

"I am not surprised by Petty Officer Beane's actions," said Capt. Brian Thompson, commanding officer of the Maritime Security Response Team.  "Nick is one of our many top performers.  I am very proud he was able to use his Coast Guard training to help get the pilot to safety."

111109-G-RT555-388-USCG hosts HBCU summit

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Beane and Posca, an explosives detective K9, from the Deployable Operations Group was available to students attending a Coast Guard-Historically Black Colleges and Universities summit at Base Support Unit Portsmouth Wednesday, Nov. 9. The major element of the HBCU partnership is to create a mutually beneficial relationship with the Coast Guard and universities in support of higher education. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn.

PACIFIC OCEAN – A U. S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, deployed aboard a U.S. Navy frigate, apprehended three suspected smugglers and seized more than 900 pounds of cocaine from a vessel in international waters approximately 55 nautical miles off the coast of Colombia, Feb. 4.

The vessel was initially spotted by a U.S. Navy marine patrol aircraft after which, two Navy helicopters were launched to intercept the vessel. The suspects attempted to evade intercept, jettisoned several bales and altered their course.

A Navy helicopter and an interceptor boat chased the suspects’ vessel until it came to a full stop and the Coast Guard LEDET was able to conduct a boarding.  The LEDET searched the vessel, resulting in the discovery of a compartment underneath a false deck where the cocaine was hidden.

LEDETs belong to Tactical Law Enforcement Team South or Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team and are an armed deployable specialized force under the U.S. Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group. They were created to support narcotics interdiction operations aboard U.S. Navy and allied ships and are capable of supporting Department of Defense national defense operations. LEDETs provide specialized law enforcement capability and maritime security capabilities to enforce U.S. laws across a full spectrum of maritime response situations, maritime security augmentation and maritime interdiction anti-piracy operations.

120204-G-XX000-089 Eastern Pacific LEDET drug interdiction

PACIFIC OCEAN — A vessel spotted approximately 55 nautical miles off the coast of Colombia, sits in the water after suspected smugglers attempted to evade law enforcement authorities, Feb 4. An inspection of the boat performed by a U. S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment revealed more than 900 pounds of cocaine hidden under a false deck. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

120204-G-XX000-026 Eastern Pacific LEDET drug interdiction

PACIFIC OCEAN — Packages of cocaine totaling more than 900 pounds are packed inside a hidden compartment of a boat boarded by a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment operating from a U.S. Navy vessel off the coast of Colombia, Feb 4. The contraband was seized and two suspected smugglers taken into custody. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

MIAMI – Today, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the seizure of more than two tons of cocaine from a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico earlier this month.

A Coast Guard deployable specialized forces team operating from the USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) discovered more than two tons of cocaine during counter narcotics operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Dec. 2.

“This has been a great experience for us, being able to leverage the incredible capabilities of the Oak Hill,” said Cmdr. Rob Landolfi, Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team South’s commanding officer.  “Our joint efforts during this deployment have resulted in the seizure of over two tons of cocaine.”

Oak Hill intercepted the motor vessel Mr. Geo in international waters off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. The Coast Guard boarding team recovered a shipment of cocaine, weighing more than 4,400 pounds worth an estimated street value of $245 million.

“We were conducting our Amphibious-Southern Partnership Station mission when we received the tasking to help execute the interdiction,” said Cmdr. David Bauer, Oak Hill’s commanding officer. “I am proud that the crew of Oak Hill was able to assist in the seizure.”

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission’s primary goal is information sharing with navy’s coast guards and civilians in the region. 

The Coast Guard deployable specialized forces team was comprised of law enforcement personnel from Tactical Law Enforcement Team South, Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team and Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109).

111209-N-0000X-005 Coast Guard law enforcement team, USS Oak Hill seize cocaine shipment

GULF OF MEXICO – Bales of cocaine, seized by a Coast Guard law enforcement team, are shown ready for transport off of the USS Oak Hill, Dec. 9, 2011. Working jointly with the Oak Hill’s crew, the Coast Guard team, comprised of members from Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South and Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109), interdicted more two tons of cocaine from the motor vessel Mr. Geo. U.S. Navy photo.

111209-N-0000X-048 Coast Guard law enforcement team, USS Oak Hill seize cocaine shipment

GULF OF MEXICO – USS Oak Hill crewmembers prepare bales of cocaine, seized by a Coast Guard law enforcement team, for transport off of the USS Oak Hill, Dec. 9, 2011. Working jointly with the Oak Hill’s crew, the Coast Guard team, comprised of members from Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South and Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109), interdicted more two tons of cocaine from the motor vessel Mr. Geo. U.S. Navy photo.

111209-N-0000X-087 Coast Guard law enforcement team, USS Oak Hill seize cocaine shipment

GULF OF MEXICO – USS Oak Hill crewmembers prepare bales of cocaine, seized by a Coast Guard law enforcement team, for transport off of the USS Oak Hill, Dec. 9, 2011. Working jointly with the Oak Hill’s crew, the Coast Guard team, comprised of members from Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South and Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109), interdicted more two tons of cocaine from the motor vessel Mr. Geo. U.S. Navy photo.

WASHINGTON – Two deployed U.S. Coast Guardsmen received a holiday phone call from President Barack Obama Sunday.

Petty Officer 1^st Class Gilbert Zepeda and Petty Officer 2^nd Class Derek W. Weatherly, both currently deployed with Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109), answered the President’s calls at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

“It was an honor,” Weatherly said. “A person could go 10 lifetimes and never talk to the President. He took time out of his very busy life to call, thank us for our service and wish us a merry Christmas.”

President Obama thanked them and the other Coast Guard men and women for their sacrifices far from home during this holiday season.

“The President was very down to earth,” Zepeda said. “We talked about when we’re getting home and the weather. He then asked me about my son, Zack, and said he was my early Christmas present.

Zepeda’s baby son was born less than a month before his father deployed to Guantanamo Bay.

While overseas, Zepeda, a gunner’s mate, is responsible for maintaining MSST San Diego’s armory including the unit’s weapons, ammunition, and pyrotechnics. He also supervises weapons training. Due to operational needs, Zepeda deployed with eight days notice for the extended overseas deployment.

During Weatherly’s call with the President, they discussed his previous deployments, the current deployment, returning home and the NFL playoffs.

“We talked a lot of football,” Weatherly said. “The Raider’s overtime win and other NFL games from Saturday.

Weatherly, a San Francisco Bay Area native, is an avid Oakland Raiders fan.

Both conversations boiled down to thank you for your service.

“He thanked us for our service and asked us to tell our shipmates that he appreciates everything we do for our country.” Weatherly said.

Weatherly, a machinery technician, is a tactical boat crewmember in the waterside section and provides on-water anti-terrorism force protection for Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay.

While assigned to Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Zepeda, Weatherly and all of MSST San Diego form the Maritime Security Detachment Guantanamo and are responsible for securing the port and waterways around the base. They also provide landside security mission while Commissions for detainees are underway

Cmdr.  Eric Cooper, MSST San Diego’s commanding officer, was in the room when Zepeda and Weatherly took the phone call.

"The Coast Guard is recognized worldwide for having some of the highest quality professionals in the nation and I am fortunate to have the cream of the crop here at MSST San Diego,” Cooper said.  “Petty Officers Zepeda and Weatherly are true professionals and I couldn't be prouder of the dedication and consistently high performance that they display every single day. I am particularly impressed with the outstanding job that they have done while deployed supporting Joint Task Force Guantanamo."

As a part of the United States Department of Homeland Security's layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways, MSSTs safeguard the public and protect vessels, harbors, ports, facilities and cargo in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States from destruction, loss, or injury from crime or sabotage due to terrorist activity, and to respond to such activity should it occur.

MSSTS are a component of the Deployable Operations Group .  The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and interagency operational and tactical commanders.

111225-G-0000X-002 Coast Guardsmen get holiday call from President Obama

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Petty Officer 2nd Class Derek Weatherly, a machinery technician, talks to President Barack Obama on the phone, Dec. 25, 2011. President Obama called two Coast Guardsmen deployed overseas to thank them for their service and wish them a merry Christmas. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

111225-G-0000X-001 Coast Guardsmen get holiday call from President Obama

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Petty Officer 1st Class Gilbert Zepeda, a gunner’s mate, talks to President Barack Obama on the phone, Dec. 25, 2011. President Obama called two Coast Guardsmen deployed overseas to thank them for their service and wish them a merry Christmas. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

HONOLULU – Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Honolulu crewmembers joined with Coast Guard members from District 14 units to bring Christmas presents to more than 300 hundred children at Kuhio Elementary, a downtown Honolulu school that draws from a heavily underprivileged area of the island of Oahu, Dec. 14.

Dozens of MSST Honolulu crewmembers took wish lists written by the children and collected by their teachers, purchased gifts and wrapped them.  Crewmembers then delivered the gifts to the school with other District 14 units and attended a presentation by the children, who sang and performed holiday-themed routines for their families and the Coast Guard. 

“This is the second consecutive year that this unit participated in the local Angel Tree project, and it’s wonderful to be able to spread some holiday cheer to the kids,” said Lt. Cmdr. Helena Robinson, MSST Honolulu’s Commanding Officer who also participated in handing out the gifts. “From our understanding, many of these children were told this year that Christmas was going to be ‘cancelled due to tough times’, so we’re very glad to be able to reach out to them and bring smiles to so many faces right here in our community.” 

For one crewmember, this event struck a more personal chord.  “I looked out at the audience during the performance that the kids did, and I recognized some of my high school classmates standing there, taking video of their kids,” said Petty Officer Kenneth Pua’a.  “It was pretty amazing to realize I was helping them out by helping their kids have a good Christmas.” 

“I told them what the MSST does, and the teacher tied their recent lesson on goal setting and making progress towards their goals to my personal experience in joining and being in the Coast Guard,” said Petty Officer Michael Richards.

By the end, many happy and smiling children filled the school grounds, generously giving hugs and high-fives to the MSST Honolulu members as they departed.  In total, the Hawaii Coast Guard units donated more gifts than there were students, so the Coast Guard gave the excess presents to local homeless shelters for distribution. 

Created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the eleven MSSTs are a part of the United States Department of Homeland Security's layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways.

MSSTs are a component of the Deployable Operations Group.  The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces to Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and interagency operational and tactical commanders.

111214-G-0000X-104 MSST Honolulu brings Christmas to Kuhio Elementary School

HONOLULU – Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Waylon Logsdon and Lt. Cmdr. Helena Robinson pause for a picture with one of the classes of Kuhio Elementary School after they handed out Christmas presents to the children, Dec 14, 2011. The gifts were donated by the crewmembers of Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu in conjunction with other Oahu Coast Guard units as part of the Angel Tree charity event, which helped bring Christmas to over three hundred students, many of whom come from underprivileged families. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Warren Grimes.

111214-G-0000X-097 MSST Honolulu brings Christmas to Kuhio Elementary School

HONOLULU – A student from Kuhio Elementary School smiles for the camera after receiving her Christmas present from Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu crewmembers, Dec 14, 2011. The gifts were donated by the crewmembers of MSST Honolulu in conjunction with other Oahu Coast Guard units as part of the Angel Tree charity event, which helped bring Christmas to over three hundred students, many of whom come from underprivileged families. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Warren Grimes.

111214-G-0000X-102 MSST Honolulu brings Christmas to Kuhio Elementary School

HONOLULU – Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Waylon Logsdon, a Boatswain’s Mate stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu, smiles with students from Kuhio Elementary School after handing out Christmas presents, Dec. 14th, 2011. The gifts were donated by the crewmembers of MSST Honolulu in conjunction with other Oahu Coast Guard units as part of the Angel Tree charity event, which helped bring Christmas to over three hundred students, many of whom come from underprivileged families. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Warren Grimes.

111214-G-0000X-098 MSST Honolulu brings Christmas to Kuhio Elementary School

HONOLULU – Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Richards, a Maritime Enforcement specialist stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu, helps a Kuhio Elementary School teacher sort out presents for her class, Dec. 14, 2011. The gifts were donated by the crewmembers of MSST Honolulu in conjunction with other Oahu Coast Guard units as part of the Angel Tree charity event, which helped bring Christmas to over three hundred students, many of whom come from underprivileged families. U. S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Warren Grimes.

At 6 feet 5 inches tall, the center for the United States’ all-military team playing at Mons, Belgium, Nov. 26-Dec. 3, could be a member of any of the five military branches.  That man standing tall in middle for the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament  is Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson of Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105).

Johnson, a 2009 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, played for the Bears while attending the service school.  He continued to pursue opportunities to play basketball after commissioning. While stationed on the Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin, he was selected as part of the All-Navy team and then the all-military team at SHAPE last year.

That lead to him returning to this year’s team.

“This was a great opportunity to represent the Coast Guard overseas and work with members from the other services,” said Johnson.  “It’s always invigorating to be on a sports team in an athletically competitive environment."

Prior to the tournament, the team ran through their paces during a nine-day training camp at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. The extensive training schedule gave the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard members an opportunity to gel as a team. 

“There’s not a lot of time to get used to playing as a team,” Johnson. ”We pushed hard with a two-a-day practice schedule leading up to the tournament. We built our teamwork and camaraderie during those long days.”

Starting the tournament strong, Team USA defeated teams Belgium, Italy and France before falling to Latvia in the fourth game. They rallied and ended the tournament with a win over Lithuania to take the bronze medal.

“It’s always back and forth,” said Johnson. “You come to this tournament and have the opportunity to play against great teams, and I’m always grateful for the chance to build relationships with members of the other services and our allies. “

Johnson’s high-scoring game of 18 points was against Belgium. Last year, he was on the championship team. It was the first time the U.S. team had taken gold since 2004.

Looking ahead, he would like to play in more tournaments representing the Coast Guard if possible.

“Operational commitments always come first, and I’m hoping there’s a chance for me to play again next year” Johnson said. “The Coast Guard and basketball are synergistic in my life. Being physically fit, does more than make a me good basketball player; it enables me to excel at my Coast Guard duties.”

111203-G-0000X-001  Coast Guard basketball player competes at European tournament

MONS, Belgium  — Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson, stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105), competes as a member of the U.S. All-Military Basketball team at the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament here, Dec. 3, 2011. The U.S. team won bronze at this years tournament. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol.

111203-G-0000X-002 Coast Guard basketball player competes at European tournament

MONS, Belgium  — Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson, stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105), competes as a member of the U.S. All-Military Basketball team at the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament here, Dec. 3, 2011. The U.S. team won bronze at this years tournament. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol.

111203-G-0000X-003 Coast Guard basketball player competes at European tournament

MONS, Belgium  — Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Craig Johnson, stationed at Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco (91105), competes as a member of the U.S. All-Military Basketball team at the 48^th Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe International Basketball Tournament here, Dec. 3, 2011. The U.S. team won bronze at this years tournament. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol.

GALVESTON, Texas ­— Coast Guard Marine Safety and Security Team Galveston (91104) was awarded the Sumner I. Kimball Readiness Award for excellence in operational readiness at their home base., Nov. 30. 

“This award signifies MSST Galveston’s excellence in boat operations,” said Capt. Gene Gray, commander of the Deployable Operations Group. “In addition to large deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation, the continued readiness they maintained while deployed across the hemisphere is a credit to proficiency and professionalism of MSST Galveston’s command and crew."

Coast Guard boat force units receive this award for achieving an outstanding performance rating during a rigorous week-long inspection. 

The inspection examines the condition of the unit’s boats and equipment, rescue and survival systems, crew knowledge of standard operating procedures and parameters, training program and readiness, practical drills and exercises. MSST Galveston exceeded the Coast Guard average in each category and attained one of the highest scores among deployable specialized force units.

While the Coast Guard maintains a high readiness posture, only 10-percent of shore-based boat force units are awarded the Kimball Award each year.

“I am extremely honored to lead the outstanding group of professionals stationed here at MSST Galveston,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chad Holm, MSST Galveston’s commanding officer. “I could not be more proud of the phenomenal job every member of this unit does on a daily basis to protect our nation’s borders and citizens."

The award's namesake, Sumner I. Kimball, was appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878 to the post of General Superintendent of the U.S. Life-Saving Service which would later comprise a key component of the modern day Coast Guard.  Kimball's lofty standards laid a solid foundation and significantly contributed to the modern day Coast Guard's reputation as life-saving responders.  

Created under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the eleven MSSTs are a part of the United States Department of Homeland Security's layered strategy directed at protecting seaports and waterways.

MSSTs are a component of the Deployable Operations Group.  The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces to Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and interagency operational and tactical commanders.

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – A Clearwater, Fla., based Coast Guard Reserve unit deployed Saturday to the Middle East in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Port Security Unit 307 deployed from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst with the Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Squadron Two as part of Combined Task Group 56.5, under the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command. CTG 56.5 is charged with providing harbor defense and security to ports, seaward approaches and waterways within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility and ensuring the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the region.

“Our members are highly trained, very motivated and excited to be deploying,” said Cmdr. J. Brad Wallace,  commanding officer of PSU 307 and Task Group 56.5 deputy commander. “We have completed extensive specialized pre-deployment training which exemplifies the Coast Guard’s continuing commitment to safeguard our nation both at home and abroad.”

PSU 307 members conduct waterside security and maritime force protection training including specialized training and qualification in combat, weapons, communications and tactical boat skills areas before and after being activated.

“We mobilized months in advance of the deployment to conduct training and ensure medical, dental and personal readiness,” Wallace said. “Part of that mobilization readiness includes ensuring the families left behind are connected into a support system and are aware of all the resources availability to them while the service member is deployed overseas.”

PSU 307 families are benefiting from the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, a DOD-wide effort to help National Guard and Reserve members and their families locate resources before, during and after deployments. Yellow Ribbon events provide access to information on health care, education and training opportunities, financial and legal benefits. PSU 307 conducted a major Yellow Ribbon event in May after mobilization.

Established May 1999 as a Coast Guard Reserve unit, PSU 307 provides security and humanitarian support, protecting personnel and facilities from terrorism, sabotage, espionage, subversion and attack. The unit has a proud operational heritage, including recent security and humanitarian support to Haiti after last year’s devastating island earthquake and in support of Hurricane Katrina, Operations’ Enduring Freedom, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Uphold Democracy.

PSUs are a component of the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group. The DOG provides properly equipped, trained and organized Deployable Specialized Forces to Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and interagency operational and tactical commanders.

For more information on the DOG, go to www.DOGexternalaffairs.com.

110722-G-BV859-044 PSU 307 deploys to Middle East

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – A Port Security Unit 307 member embraces his spouse before he deploys to the Middle East in support of Operation New Dawn, July 22, 2011. While deployed, PSU 307 will be charged with providing harbor defense and security to ports, seaward approaches, and waterways within U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility and ensuring the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the region.  U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

110722-G-BV859-015 PSU 307 deploys to Middle East

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Capt. David Martin, Deployable Operations Group Senior Reserve Officer, speaks to Port Security Unit 307 members before they deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation New Dawn, July 22, 2011. While deployed, PSU 307 will be charged with providing harbor defense and security to ports, seaward approaches, and waterways within U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility and ensuring the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the region. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.

110722-G-BV859-087 PSU 307 deploys to Middle East

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Port Security Unit 307 members depart the passenger terminal for their flight to the Middle East, July 22, 2011. While deployed, PSU 307 will be charged with providing harbor defense and security to ports, seaward approaches, and waterways within U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility and ensuring the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the region. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Anderson.