New Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group Commander Revisits Old Haunts

Photo By Sgt. Joseph Scozzari | Navy Rear Adm. Mark Buzby, commander of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visits with Coast Guard Rear Adm. Thomas Atkin, newly appointed commander of Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group, April 1, 2008. Atkin served here with Joint Task Force 160 during the Haitian/Cuban migrant exodus in 1994. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe and humane care and custody of detained enemy combatants. The JTF conducts interrogation operations to collect strategic intelligence in support of the Global War on Terror and supports law enforcement and war crimes investigations. JTF Guantanamo is committed to the safety and security of American service members and civilians working inside its detention facilities.  

04.03.2008

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheryl Dilgard 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Cheryl Dilgard
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Coast Guard Rear Adm. Thomas F. Atkin visited U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay from April 1 to 3, to take look at Guantanamo operations and the Coast Guard mission.

Atkin is no stranger to Guantanamo. He was stationed here with Joint Task Force 160 in 1994 and was involved in the Haitian and Cuban migrant operations mission then.

Now Atkin is commander of the newly established Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group. The DOG consists of 27 Coast Guard units that are primarily law enforcement, tactical and port security units such as Port Security Unit 313 that is deployed here.

"By putting all of these units under one command we can provide a more thorough adaptive force package to meet mission needs," Atkin said. "DOG is a force provider. We have elements of approximately 15 units deployed at any given time."

Due to his background in migrant operations, Atkin expressed a particular interest in the progress of migrant operations planning here.

"Migrant operations are much better planned than in 1994. The Department of Defense works with Department of Homeland Security to identify and meet requirements for large scale migration," said Atkin.

Atkin comes from a background of security and law enforcement which has prepared him for his new position. His visit to Guantanamo allowed him to see Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313 in its working environment.

"PSU 313 is doing an awesome job. They are doing what we want and more. They are meeting the JTF mission," said Atkin.

Atkin relishes his background in law enforcement. He has had the opportunity to work closely with the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security in counterterrorism and intelligence capacities. These experiences prepared him for his current position and he feels fortunate to have a job he loves.

"I have chosen my assignments based on fun and based on my family," said Atkin. "I would advise Troopers to do four things: Take care of their teammates and take care of their families from their families' perspective. Many times Troopers do it from their perspective, but their families feel left out. Be committed to doing the best job possible and have fun. Everyone does a better job if they enjoy what they are doing."

• Date Taken: 04.03.2008
• Date Posted: 04.04.2008 14:32
• Story ID: 18076