PSU 307 Keeps Guantanamo Bay Secure

Photo By Staff Sgt. Megan Leuck | Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Berg, machinery technician, mans the bow gunner in a transportable port security boat while escorting the U.S.C.G.C. Tampa through the bay. PSU 307 provides maritime safety and security for the water around U.S. Navy Station Guantanamo Bay and Joint Task Force Guantanamo. 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.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

07.11.2008

Story by Spc. Megan Leuck 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - One month ago the Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307 arrived in Guantanamo Bay and since then they have been busy patrolling the water as part of their Anti-Terrorism Force Protection mission. When they are on patrol their mission is to maintain awareness of all vessels and personnel that come in and out of the bay, to include swimmers and scuba divers, and identify any potential waterborne threats.

Along with the duty of maintaining awareness of all vessels, escorting them in and out of the bay is also a priority.

PSU teams escorted the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa into Guantanamo Bay as they came in from patrol June 28 to fuel up, obtain provisions and enjoy rest and recreation before returning on patrol. Their mission in the Caribbean is to perform migrant operations and drug interdiction.

The Coast Guard escorted the boat as part of ATFP against any waterborne threats in the bay when the boat came in, while in port and as it shipped out three days later. Their job was to keep any vessels out of the reaction zone around the cutter as it moved through the bay.

"We're protecting the gear and equipment on the front lines," said Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff Pires, a boatswain's mate with PSU 307. "We provide better visibility at the ports."

"Since 9/11, providing security escorts on high value assets became one of our primary missions," said Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Pedro Gonzalez, boatswain's mate.

When the cutter was preparing to go back on patrol, two Viper boats constantly patrolled the bay while the boat conducted skills training.

During the training, if any water vessel came within the reaction zone, Coastguardsmen on the viper boat performed a screening of that vessel. This process involves investigating and assessing the who, what, where and why and then redirecting the vessel a safe distance away from the cutter.

"It (the escort) was definitely appreciated by the guys in the cutter," said Pires.

The viper boats escorted the ship beyond the mouth of Guantanamo Bay and returned back to the boat house, their mission successfully completed.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2008
• Date Posted: 07.15.2008 13:46
• Story ID: 21507
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU