Task Group 56.5 changed hands

Courtesy Photo | Commodore Scott Hudson, commander, Task Group 56.5, addresses Sailors and Coast Guardsmen during a Relieve in Place/ Turnover of Authority Ceremony at Camp Patriot, Kuwait, June 30. Task Group 56.5 is a composite of U.S. Navy and Coast Guardsmen of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FIVE and Port Security Unit 301 who recently deployed to Kuwait to conduct seaward and landward security in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

CAMP PATRIOT, KUWAIT

07.14.2009

Courtesy Story

1st Theater Sustainment Command

CAMP PATRIOT, Kuwait — Commodore Scott Hudson, a native of West Chester, Ohio, assumed command of Task Group 56.5 from Capt. Luke McCollum during a change command at a ceremony here, June 28th.

Task Group 56.5 is a composite of U.S. Navy and Coast Guardsmen of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FIVE based out of San Diego and Port Security Unit 301, based out of Cape Cod, Mass. Coast Guard PSU's deploy as an integral part of the MSRON's under the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command. The units recently deployed to Kuwait to conduct seaward and landward security in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During the ceremony, the Commodore discussed the importance of teamwork and complete integration of all components of the task group.

MSRON FIVE is an active squadron that is deployed under the transition from Naval Coastal Warfare to Maritime Expeditionary Security. It is the lead unit in Task Group 56.5 and is heading a unique mix of non-organic units including a security detachment from MSRON EIGHT, and is augmented heavily by sailors from across the Reserve Force.

The collective Navy and Coast Guard team completed mobilization and pre-deployment work-ups across the United States in various locations on both the East and West Coasts to include Cape Cod, Mass., Fort Dix, N.J., Newport, R.I., and San Diego. The leadership implemented an extremely aggressive training schedule which incorporated Coast Guard and Navy tactics in a joint environment. This combined effort culminated in a successful evaluation by MSRON FIVE's parent unit, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One.

• Date Taken: 07.14.2009
• Date Posted: 07.14.2009 09:08
• Story ID: 36348
• Location: CAMP PATRIOT, KW