Port Security Unit

U.S. Coast Guard specialized units

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The U.S. Coast Guard's Port Security Units are Deployable Specialized Forces organized for sustained expeditionary security and anti-terrorism. They perform Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) missions, which include harbor and port defense, expeditionary security, protection of High Value Assets (HVAs) and Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs), and coastal surveillance.[1][2][3] PSUs are expeditionary units that conduct OCONUS (Outside of Continental United States) missions in support of a requesting regional combatant commander. PSUs usually operate under the direction of the Coast Guard's Pacific Area (PACAREA) command but are unique in that they are the only Coast Guard units that can be quickly requested by the Department of Defense.

Port Security Unit (PSU) 311 of the Deployable Specialized Forces

PSU 308 members train with U.S. Army Special Forces assigned to the 3rd Special Forces (Airborne) to retake a ship overrun by OPFOR after fast-roping insertion

PSUs often operate and integrate with the Marines and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) elements. PSUs are also the only Coast Guard element that provide ground combat security capabilities to the Coast Guard.

PSUs were originally part of the Coast Guard's Deployable Operations Group (DOG) until it was decommissioned; PSUs are now a part of the reorganized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF), which includes Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRTs), Maritime Safety & Security Teams (MSSTs), and Tactical Law Enforcement Teams (TACLETS).

Transportable Port Security Boats attached to Port Security Unit 308, at Camp Lejeune in 2012

## History

[edit]

United States Coast Guard Beach Patrol in South Carolina training with military working dogs in 1943

The Port Security program of the Coast Guard began as a result of the Black Tom explosion and the passage of the Espionage Act of 1917.[4] The Coast Guard's Captain of the Ports (COTPs) were given responsibility for the security of port areas under this act. During World War I, port security operations were conducted by active-duty personnel.[5]

After World War I, interest in port security decreased until images of burning ships visible from US coastlines, as the country entered World War II, rekindled media and public concern.[5] In World War II, the Coast Guard increased its involvement in port security by conducting more coastal patrols, defending waterfront structures, and assuring the safe movement of ships. This entailed searching merchant vessels, supervising armament loading, and seacoast defenses such as machine gun nests. The Temporary Reserve was created and made up of armed volunteers under command of the Captain of the Port. Over 125,000 citizens would eventually serve as Temporary Reserves.[6]

During the early 1980's, Department of Defense planners formally identified the need for port security forces in OCONUS seaports. Dialogue began between the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, and the concept of the deployable Port Security Unit (PSU) was born. In January 1985, the Commandant of the Coast Guard approved three national PSUs to respond to the requirements of Department of Defense operations plans. The three units were located in the Coast Guard's District 9 at Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Coast Guard PSU reservist RAID in Afghanistan

In addition to more recent operations around the world, PSUs were first deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1990.[5] They operated in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994, responded to Port-au-Prince immediately after the devastating 2010 earthquake, and responded to various natural disasters in the United States, such as Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Ida.[7] In December 2000, PSU 309 from Port Clinton, Ohio was deployed to the Middle East to provide vital force protection for U.S. Navy assets following the attack on the USS Cole.[6] In 2009, PSUs provided waterside security at the Presidential Inauguration and the G-20 Summit in Pittsburg, PA.[8]

PSUs have played an active role during the War on Terror and have been deployed on numerous operations such as Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.[9][10]

PSUs 309, 311, and 313 served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and operated under Naval Coastal Warfare Group One (NWCG 1).[11] In March 2003, an amphibious force composed largely of British Royal Marines initiated an amphibious assault against Iraqi defenses on the Al Faw Peninsula, the location of many Iraqi oil facilities. In the Battle of Al Faw, shortly after the oil terminals had been cleared of Iraqi troops, explosives, and weapons by SEAL and Marine assault teams, PSUs 311 and 313 arrived to take control of the facilities. PSU boats met the U.S. Army’s large landing craft Mechanicsville and formed up in close formation near it to complete their transit to the oil facilities. PSUs also helped secure and establish the beachhead for the USAV Mechanicsville's beach landing, while a shoreside element of the PSU units reached the boat landing by convoy to help secure the port. They helped unload army vehicles and prepared for operations. While most of the coalition forces had secured the port earlier, snipers occasionally harassed the landing element and PSUs.[12]

Port Security Unit 311 in Iraq (2003)

Days later, an element of PSUs moved into Umm Qasr with coalition forces. NCWG 1 reassigned PSU 311 from its original mission and tasked it with providing port and perimeter security at Umm Qasr on the Khor Abd Allah Waterway during the Battle of Umm Qasr. Meanwhile, remaining members of PSUs 309, 311, and 313 back-filled port security needs at the back at the port of Ash Shuaybah.[13]

## Training

[edit]

Coast Guard sharpens shooting skills at Camp Lejeune

In addition to completing A-school training for their respective billets, members of Port Security Units receive training at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune's Special Missions Training Center (SMTC). Training at SMTC includes close-quarters combat, military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), CBRN defense, tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), tactical coxswain, opposing force (OPFOR) tactical coxswain, tactical bow gunner,[14] land navigation, Entry Control Points (ECP), vehicle searches, rear area security, crew-served weapons, convoy operations, patrolling, individual movements, & squad movements. Practical and live fire training exercises are also conducted.[15]

## Capabilities

[edit]

Coast Guard Port Security Unit and Marine Security Forces conducts convoy operations together.

Port Security Unit helicopter extraction

Port Security Units are the Coast Guard's expeditionary forces and are a quick response force capable of rapid worldwide deployment[16] They can deploy within 96 hours and establish operations within 24 hours of arrival.[16] They provide security for forward deployed base camps and ports around the world where needed.[1] Some of the unit's capabilities include, but are not limited to:

* Physical Security
* Anti-Piracy
* Maritime Interdiction
* CBRN Defense
* Military Combat Operations
* Humanitarian Aid
* Amphibious operations
* Point-Defense of strategic shipping routes, designated Critical infrastructure, and high value assets.

## Equipment

[edit]

A pair of 32-foot Transportable Port Security Boats (TPSB) in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 2015

Each Port Security Unit has several fast and maneuverable 32' Transportable Port Security Boats (TPSBs). Each unit is outfitted with spare material, pick-up trucks, boat trailers, transportable kitchens, tents, and Department of Defense-compatible radios. They maintain an inventory of equipment and spare parts to sustain operations for up to 90 days. Ongoing logistics support provides routine replenishment. All personnel have individual gear for field operations.

The PSU has a large suite of weapons available to them, compared to most Coast Guard units. Members of the Waterside Security Division and Shoreside Security Division use a variety of light and crew-served weapons, including 7.62 mm M240B Machine Guns, .50 caliber M2 Machine Guns, M4 Carbines, 9mm Glock 19 & SIG Sauer P229R DAK Service Pistols, 40 mm M203 grenade launchers, and 12-Gauge Remington 870 Shotguns.[17]

## Organization

[edit]

Port Security Unit 305, extract Marine Security Forces (FAST) Company during a joint training exercise.

Each Port Security Unit is staffed by 150-200 reservists and 6 active-duty personnel (one officer and 5 first-class petty officers).[3] The officer may or may not be a reservist. Personnel prepare for contingency operations during monthly drills (IDT) and normally participate in exercises and specialized training during their annual active-duty training (ADT).[3]

There are 8 Port Security Units:[3]

* PSU 301: Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts
* PSU 305: Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Virginia
* PSU 307: Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida
* PSU 308: Stennis International Airport, Mississippi
* PSU 309: Camp Perry, Ohio
* PSU 311: Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach, California
* PSU 312: Coast Guard Base Alameda, California
* PSU 313: Naval Station Everett, Washington

PSUs may operate independently or support, train or integrate with other units, such as:

* United States Navy: Navy Expeditionary Combat Command elements including, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadrons (MSRONs), Seabees, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Detachments.
* United States Marine Corps: Marine Corps Security Force Regiment and Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST)
* United States Army: Special Operations, Security Force Assistance Brigade, and Military Police
* United States Air Force: Security Forces

### Waterside Security Division

[edit]

The Waterside Security Division (WSD) is equipped with six Kvichak (Vigor) 32' Transportable Port Security Boats (TPSBs) (four operational, one in maintenance, one pre-staged theater spare), which are the fourth generation of the Transportable Security Boats (TPSBs) used by the Coast Guard for the port security missions. These boats are armed with three mounted machine guns, in addition to the crew's personal weapons.[18]

The main purpose of the Waterside Security Division is to provide maritime protection to key High Value Assets (HVAs), such as warships and military supply vessels, military bases, ports, harbors, and piers. Through the use of vigilant escort and patrol techniques, the HVA is protected from asymmetrical threats, such as assaults by small boats or swimmers.

Coast Guard Reserve Port Security Unit 305, fires a Browning M-2 .50-caliber

The Waterside Security Division consists of Boatswain's Mates (BMs), Gunner's Mates (GMs), Machinery Technicians (MKs), and Maritime Law Enforcement Specialists (MEs), led by a division officer (DIVO) and assistant division officer (ADIVO). Each Transportable Security Boat (TPSB) is crewed by enlisted personnel, consisting of a Tactical Coxswain and Tactical Boat Crew members, one of which is a qualified Engineer.

### Shoreside Security Division

[edit]

The Shoreside Security Division (SSD) is the ground element of the PSUs. They are often tasked with providing protection to vessels in security zones and pier areas and security for internal unit functions, such as joint command areas, communications centers, berthing areas, entry control points (ECP), and vehicle control points (VCP). SSD personnel are also trained in defensive position construction, convoy operations, individual movements, and patrolling.

Members of Coast Guard PSU 307 from Clearwater, Florida deployed to Middle East region to help protect the Port of Ash Shuaiba (2004)

The Shoreside Security Division consists of Maritime Law Enforcement Specialists (MEs), led by a division officer (DIVO) and assistant division officer (ADIVO). It is subdivided into squads with 3 four-person fireteams each. Each squad and fireteam has a designated squad or fireteam leader.

### Weapons Division

[edit]

Port Security Unit 313, operating the M2 .50-caliber machine gun during an exercise

The Weapons Division ensures that the unit is properly armed, equipped, and trained for exercises, operations, or incidents that the PSU may respond to. The Weapons Division consists of a Weapons Officer (WEPO) and multiple Gunner's Mates (GMs).

## Operations

[edit]

Port Security Unit 313 in Pohang, South Korea

### Sustainability

[edit]

Port Security Units are capable of worldwide deployment in national defense regional contingency environments. PSUs conduct layered defensive operations to protect High Value Assets (HVAs) within the protected waters of a port or harbor.[1] Operating environments include operations from shore sites, barges, or other moored platforms (including oil platforms). PSUs typically have enough supplies to operate between 15 and 30 days without resupply.[7]

### Support

[edit]

Coast Guard PSU 307 providing security for Navy Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 206 and Seabees in Operation Iraqi Freedom

PSUs will normally operate independently but may operate with U.S. Navy Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). PSUs are capable of conducting continuous boat operations with three or four boats underway simultaneously. An additional boat will be crewed and mechanically ready at all times as a ready response boat. The remainder of the boats may be undergoing maintenance or repair or used for spares. Boat hulls can be expected on station (not including transit and maintenance time) 18 hours per day when more than one boat is undergoing maintenance. During high threat conditions, PSUs are capable of conducting continuous operations with four operational boats for a maximum period of 24 hours.

## Port Security Qualification Badge

[edit]

There are two qualification badges authorized for Port Security Unit members; enlisted members wear pewter color insignia and officers wear gold color insignia. The badge is only earned by a small number of Coast Guardsmen (approx. 1%) and is primarily a Coast Guard Reserve qualification badge.[citation needed]

Port Security Enlisted Qualification Badge

The design for the pin was developed in 1991 by Reserve Coast Guardsman, Storekeeper First Class Terry D. Jelcick while sitting on his bunk at Batar Camp, Dammam, Saudi Arabia in the evenings after work. Jelcick is now retired and is a former member of PSU 312 based in San Francisco, California.[citation needed]

The parts of the insignia are:

* Coast Guard Shield: represents the Coast Guard authority.
* Trident: represents maritime defense, expeditionary, and victory.
* Crossed Swords: represent the PSUs operating in joint military environments.
* Seahorses: represent mobility.
* Waves: represent our seagoing heritage.

## See also

[edit]

* Port Security Badge
* United States Coast Guard Reserve
* Maritime Safety and Security Team
* Law Enforcement Detachments
* Special Missions Training Center
* Maritime Force Protection Unit
* Patrol Forces Southwest Asia

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "Port Clinton Coast Guard Unit returns from Cuba deployment". Port Clinton News Herald. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
2. ^ "Port Security Unit (PSU)". Youtube. GoCoastGuard. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
3. ^ a b c d "Port Security Unit". Go Coast Guard. Coast Guard. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
4. ^ Benjamin, Mike. "History - Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Organization". CGTLE. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
5. ^ a b c "U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit History" (PDF). Retrieved 7 February 2023.
6. ^ a b "Coast Guard Reserve History". USCG Reserve.
7. ^ a b Dean, Jenny (2022). "Clearwater is home to largest Coast Guard air station in the US. How they protect our country". 10 Tampa Bay. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
8. ^ "PSU 309 - UNIT HISTORY".
9. ^ Leake, Melissa (2017). "Coast Guard Port Security Unit 305 departs for 9-month deployment". Coast Guard News. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
10. ^ "#DesertStorm30: Protecting the seas". VA News. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
11. ^ Tripsas, Basil. "Coast Guard Operations During Operation Iraqi Freedom" (PDF). Retrieved 2 April 2025.
12. ^ "Port Security Unit 309, Port Clinton OH - Unit History". Retrieved 2 April 2025.
13. ^ "The Long Blue Line - 20 Years OIF: Combat Operations of Port Security Units during Operation Iraqi Freedom". Retrieved 2 November 2023.
14. ^ Training Courses. "SPECIAL MISSIONS TRAINING CENTER (SMTC)".
15. ^ "Non-Compliant Vessel Pursuit (NCVP)". forcom.uscg.mil. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
16. ^ a b Collins, Craig. "Staying Ready". DefenseMediaNetwork. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
17. ^ "Port Security Unit (PSU) Organization Manual (ORGMAN) COMDTINST M5400.17" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
18. ^ "U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2023.

## External links

[edit]

* Fact Card
* PSU History: USCG Historian's Website

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