PSU 309 Begins Operations in the Middle East
CAMP PATRIOT, Kuwait (CG Public Affairs) - An Ohio Coast Guard unit deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom has begun operations in the Middle East to protect high-value U.S. assets bringing supplies to troops setting the conditions for security and stability in Iraq.
More than 100 Coast Guardsmen from Port Security Unit 309, Port Clinton, Ohio, are working with sailors from the Navy Expeditionary Boat Detachments 211 and 411, Portsmouth, Va., to ensure ports in Kuwait are secure. This is the first time the crew of PSU 309 has been fully integrated with a Navy crew during an operation.
“(The integration) gives us a more robust ability to provide waterside protection at a much larger scale than you could with just one port security unit,” said Cmdr. Carl Leonard, commanding officer of PSU 309. “You’re able to serve as a force multiplier and handle multiple ports by combining the two units like this.”
A portion of PSU 309’s landside security team is also working with the U.S. Army to assist security forces in Kuwait ports.
PSUs provide waterborne and limited land-based protection for shipping and critical port facilities both and can deploy and establish operations rapidly after initial call-up. Each PSU has transportable boats equipped with dual outboard motors, and support equipment to ensure mobility and sustainability for up to 30 days.
There are more than 500 active duty and reserve Coast Guard members serving in Iraq and the Middle East including six patrol boats, several law enforcement detachments, marine safety personnel and support personnel.
Tags: .50 caliber, Army, Defense Readiness, Kuwait, Navy
June 19th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
My prayers to them.
As with all the Soldiers, Airman, Marines, and Coasties!
June 30th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Godspeed PSU 309. We are proud of you and all that you do!
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:25 pm
My husband’s unit is relieving the unit featured in this article, I am so proud of him and the whole unit for all they do and sacrafice. The sad part is that it’s us left behind, the spouses and children that suffer the most.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Hey Guys
Stay safe wish I were still with you! See you when you return!
July 15th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
ha! the psu’s are back in the rotation… and they said it wouldn’t happen. try to relax and have a good time guys, it’ll go by fast. good luck and do us proud and stay away from the shwarma guy in the back of the px, it’ll bite you at least once, i promise.
July 18th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Second deployment for my son and his fellow coasties..Good luck..take care and be safe..love and prayers from Ohio. We’ll see you soon.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Thank you for protecting our interests and putting your lives on the line. Our prayers and thoughts are always with you. Our daughter and her husband served in Iraq so we understand being the family at home too. Andi and Ron & Family
August 5th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Just wanted to say how proud we are of all of you. My son is one of the coasties in Kuwait along with the great young men I have had the honor of meeting. Stay safe and be proud that you are making history and protecting the rest of us. We thank you
August 7th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Second time around for my son also-Just be safe all you guys and enjoy your relaxation when you can-especially the water ballons.
Jane and I are very proud od all you young men and women who serving in Kuwait.
September 11th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I am so proud of my boyfriend who’s among the crew. We love you and miss you dearly. Make sure all your buddy’s don’t give you too hard of a time over there
September 21st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Proud? YOU BET!!
My Son in Law is in this group, and before this assignment this elite group went down to help in recovery efforts from Katrina and provide security there.
This group is always actively involved and is made up of dedicated SACRIFICING people. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU ALL !!!
Praying for your safety and safe return home!
September 21st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Love you Eric! Be safe!
September 25th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
My son is a member of the PSU 309 that is currently serving in the Middle East. He was also one of the members sent to Gulfport after Hurricane Katrina. I am very proud of him and all of the other dedicated members of his unit. Although I miss him terribly, I know that there have been wives, husbands, and children left behind to “hold down the fort”, and I know that it must be much more difficult for them. Hopefully their deployment will go by quickly and they will be back with us before we know it. God bless and Godspeed PSU 309!!!
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:56 am
My husband is part of that great group of people in PSU 309.