Coast Guard Unit Returns after Nine Months in Cuba

MarineLink.com August 22, 2013

A patrol boat manned by members of Port Security Unit 311 deployed to Joint Task Force-Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, escorts the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle as it sails into Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, June 7, 2013. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Bolz)

The San Pedro, Calif., based Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 311 returned home Aug. 15, from a nine-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.

During the deployment, PSU 311 successfully maintained a continuous maritime anti-terrorism/force protection presence in the Naval Defensive Sea Area of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba directly supporting the Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Guantanamo (GTMO).

“I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women of PSU 311 during this highly successful deployment,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. John M. Caraballo, commanding officer of PSU 311. “Every day, they exhibited the utmost in professionalism and excellence in action setting the standard in the joint task force. I am extremely honored to serve with each and every one of them in their service to our great nation.”

PSU 311 operated and conducted joint training with elements of JTF GTMO, Guantanamo Naval Harbor Defense Unit and the Marine Corps Security Force Company all jointly responsible with providing anti-terrorism/force protection of the Guantanamo Bay Naval reservation and adjoining waters.

"The seamless integration and outstanding working relationship with our Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force counterparts enabled us to conduct this joint service mission with great success,” Caraballo said. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our families and friends back home for their unmatched support. Every day they inspired our vigilance and will always be our heroes.”

Established in June 1995 as a Coast Guard Reserve unit, PSU 311 is an expeditionary warfare unit specializing in maritime anti-terrorism/force protection and port security in support of military or humanitarian operations worldwide. The unit has a proud operational heritage including deployments to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq providing force protection for U.S. and coalition supply and warships as well as critical infrastructure in support of Operations’ Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

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