4 Ports & Under

United States Coast Guard Port Security Units are elite deployable units organized for sustained force protection operations. They can deploy within 24 hours and establish operations within 96 hours. more...

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PSUs conduct OCONUS port security in support of requesting regional Commanders in Chief (CINC)'s. They provide waterside protection to key assests (e.g. pier areas, high value vessels, harbor entrances) at the termination/origination point of the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). PSU's may operate in U.S. territorial waters under the direction of a Coast Guard or Maritime Defense Zone (MDZ) command or in foreign waters as part of the Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron (NCWRON) within the Naval Coastal Warfare Command Structure.

PSUs often operate with other Naval Coast Warfare elements, such as a USN Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit (MIUWU) and Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD), however PSUs are not a regular part of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM or USSOC).

History

In addition to their most recent support of homeland security operations around the country, PSUs were deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1990. They also served in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994. In December 2000, PSU 309 from Port Clinton, OH was deployed to the Middle East to provide vital force protection for the Navy assets following the attack on the USS Cole.

The current PSUs evolved out of Coast Guard Ninth District's Reserve PSU program that began in the 1980s, but the port security mission and service goes back even further.

Previously, the Port Security program of the Coast Guard began with the passage of the Espionage Act of 1917 and due to the Black Tom Island explosion. Coast Guard's Captain of the Port (COTPs) were given responsiblity for the security of port areas under this act. During World War I, port security operations were conducted by active duty personnel.

After the war, interest in port security waned until pictures of burning ships visible form US shores as we entered World War II rekindled media and public attention. The Temporary Reserve was created and made up of armed volunteers under command of the COTP. Over 125,000 citizens would eventually serve as Temporary Reserves.

Capabilities

Each PSU has 6 fast and maneuverable Transportable Port Security Boats (TPSBs) - 25' Boston Whalers outfitted with two 175 horsepower outboard engines. The PSU has a large suite of weapons. Each unit is outfitted with spare material, pick-up trucks and vans, boat trailers, transportable kitchens, tents, and DoD-compatible radios. They maintain an inventory of equipment and spare parts to sustain operations for up to 30 days. Ongoing logistics support provides routine replenishment. All personnel have required individual gear for field operations.

Read more at Wikipedia.org