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.
