Port Security Unit Returns to U.S.

Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308, which supported Operation Enduring Freedom in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain, will returned to the United States. The PSU, which is stationed in Gulfport, Miss., will arrive between Concourse A and B in Louis Armstrong International Airport. They will immediately depart to the Courtyard by Marriott at 300 Julia Street for a reception. The PSU, commissioned into the Coast Guard in 1991, deployed to the Middle East in March under the command of Capt. Ronald L. Davis, commanding officer, and Lt. Cmdr. Robert Grassino, executive officer. Approximately 50 members protected American and allied shipping, provided harbor defense and port security to the vessels of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, and trained Navy personnel in port security operations. PSUs are deployable Coast Guard units primarily composed of Reservists, and are designed to protect against waterborne and overseas threats to our nation’s naval assets. These units can deploy anywhere in the world within 96 hours and be operational within 24 hours thereafter. PSU 308 deploys six heavily armed transportable port security boats to provide port and harbor security and can counter surface and sub-surface threats, be they in the form of terrorists, mines or submersible craft. Approximately 130 personnel come from across the U.S. monthly to train with the unit in Gulfport. Davis said the mission was a success, and the PSU did an exceptional job in support of their country.