SEATTLE – The Everett, Wash.,-based Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 313 deployed, Thursday evening, to the Middle East in support of Operation New Dawn.
PSU 313 deployed, from Fort Dix, N.J., with the Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Squadron Three as part of Combined Task Group 56.5, under the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command.
“I very much appreciate the collaborative working environment which has been developed between the Coast Guard and our Navy counterpart working up to the deployment,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. James B. Andrews, commanding officer of PSU 313. “We are fully trained, equipped, and prepared for the mission and look forward to the opportunity to serve our country overseas.”
CTG 56.5 is charged with providing harbor defense and security to ports, seaward approaches, and waterways within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.
PSU 313 was established December 12, 1998 as a Coast Guard Reserve unit. PSUs provide security and protect military personnel and facilities from terrorism, sabotage, espionage, subversion, and attack.
PSUs have a proud operational heritage, including recent security and humanitarian support to Haiti after last year’s devastating island earthquake; and, in support of Operations’ Enduring Freedom, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle and Uphold Democracy.
PSUs are a component of the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group (DOG). The DOG provides properly equipped, trained, and organized Deployable Specialized Forces (DSFs) to Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and interagency operational and tactical commanders.
FORT DIX, N.J. -Port Security Unit 313, homeported in Everett, Wash., pose for a unit photo at Fort Dix, N.J., before deploying to Kuwait Feb. 10, 2011. PSU 313 has 108 members attached. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Crystalynn A. Kneen.
