Coast Guard storms the bay

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tori Schultz
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 307 endured frigid weather conditions to conduct a field training exercise at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 6, 2016.

The PSU 307, from Air Station Clearwater, Fla., is a Reserve unit that provides sustained force protection and port security anywhere in the world through land and water tactics.

"The objective of this exercise is to train for an expeditionary deployment," said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Anderson, an executive officer with PSU 307. "We want to make sure we are ready to mobilize at any given time, per our standard operating procedure, which is to deploy anywhere in the world in 96 hours."

Before sunrise, the unit began the exercise established clear communications between all elements involved, and ensuring the unit's equipment was in operating condition.

"We need good communications between all elements so we don't interfere with our boat division and confirm they are out of our field of fire," said Chief Petty Officer Rob Freeman, chief of security with PSU 307. 

Waterside security members exercised a moving security zone for a high-valued asset from Clearwater to MacDill's marina. Once they arrived the team used tactical maneuvers to prevent an opposing force from penetrating their security.

Meanwhile, holes were dug by the shoreside unit to build barricades with sandbags and dummy rifles. The weather proved to be a challenge with the rain filling the holes with water.

Once the holes were covered with camouflage netting, shoreside security used binoculars to survey the coast for invaders. Their mission was to act as the last line of defense if the waterside security failed.

Despite the rain, the coast guardsmen were still able to simulate a scenario that could occur in the real-world.

"All these men and women enjoy what they do and have nothing but great camaraderie," said Freeman. "They feel a sense of accomplishment and teamwork by taking part in that."