Reservists Provide Support to DOD

Coast Guard personnel from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida are providing waterborne and shoreside safety and security of military equipment loading operations in Savannah, Ga., with the support of more than 60 Coast Guard reservists from throughout the Seventh Coast Guard District. The United States is repositioning some of its military forces where required to support the President’s global war on terrorism and to prepare for future contingencies. One of the Coast Guard’s responsibilities as the lead agency for maritime homeland security and a branch of the Armed Forces is to ensure the safety and security of U.S. ports during the loading of military equipment. We are working closely with the Department of Defense as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct these operations. The Coast Guard relies on its reserve component to supplement its active duty personnel and units across a broad range of missions, including maritime homeland security. This capability adds to the Coast Guard's multi-mission and flexible character. Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, more than 2,700 reservists were recalled to active duty, including Port Security Unit 307 from St. Petersburg, Fla., which deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to provide security. Seven reservists from the South Florida area are currently working for Marine Safety Office Savannah as it supports the military equipment loading operations. When not activated for specific Coast Guard operations these reservists support South Florida area units as they carry out the Coast Guard’s other daily roles including saving lives in peril at sea, interdicting illegal migrants, protecting natural resources and ensuring the safe flow of commerce.