Port Security Unit 309

In the early 1980's, the concept of a Rapid Deployment Force was presented to the U.S. military. Problems experienced by the military in the 1970's (including the attempted rescue of the Iranian hostages) revealed a need for greater mobility and flexibility within the military. As the concept grew, it became obvious that during a rapid deployment of U.S. forces, vital overseas ports and military equipment needed protection.

In 1984, Reserve Unit Cleveland participated in a major Fleet Training Exercise called Ocean Venture 84. The entire unit and members of other Ninth District reserve units were flown by C-141 to Key West Florida to establish a mock-up of an overseas port security base. Cleveland reservists manned the utility boats to provide 24-hour-a-day waterside security. Port Security men and other non-boat personnel established a communication center, sick bay, operations center and a security perimeter.

Ocean Venture 84 and Gallant Eagle 86 helped define the wartime role of the Cleveland Reserve Unit. Between exercises, the unit continued to augment local Coast Guard Stations and the Captain of the Port. But while the reservists were trained for peacetime missions during augmentation, the same reservists were training during exercises for a war everyone hoped would never occur.

"Until 1990, much of the wartime organization for a Port Security Unit (PSU) was only theoretical. Notional units were located as follows; PSU 301 in Buffalo, NY, PSU 302 in Cleveland, OH and PSU 303 in Milwaukee, WI. Between exercises, personnel in these notional units continued to augment local Coast Guard Stations and the Captain of the Port. But while the reservists were trained for peacetime missions during augmentation, the same reservists were training during exercises for a war everyone hoped would never occur."

In August 1990, Iraq invaded the country of Kuwait and the largest military build-up since Vietnam began. When allied shipping began to transport war materials to Saudi Arabia, the need to protect the ships became a major concern. All of the training and exercises conducted during the 1980's by Reserve Unit Cleveland resulted in the unit's name change to Port Security Unit 302 (PSU 302). On November 13, 1990, the unit's members received the call: "You have been involuntarily called to active duty." The men and women of the unit quickly left their civilian jobs and mobilized as a Port Security Unit. For one week members received last minute training at Camp Perry, Ohio and then flew to Manama, Bahrain on Thanksgiving Day. PSU 302's primary duty was to provide waterside security for U.S. and allied warships anchored in the port at Manama, Bahrain. On April 19, 1991, PSU 302 returned to U.S. soil.

In 1994, PSU 302 was again recalled to active duty in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. They were sent to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to secure the port facilities there while exiled President Aristide was returned to power.. On June 18, 1995, the unit was moved from a "notional" unit to a self-sufficient Coast Guard unit. It was commissioned as PSU 309 for the Ninth District, as by this time, there were 5 other PSU's either commissioned or in the process of being commissioned in other districts of the Coast Guard. Various overseas exercises occurred after Operation Uphold Democracy, including Operation Linked Seas in Portugal, Operation Foal Eagle in South Korea, and Bright Star 2000 in Egypt. The unit was again called upon to provide waterside security for the International Naval Review/OPSAIL 2000 in New York Harbor for the Fourth of July festivities on the Hudson River. The unit received a Coast Guard Unit Commendation for its support of that mission.

In December of 2000, three separate detachments, (Bravo, Charlie, Delta) of the unit participated in aspects of Operation Southern Watch, again providing waterside security in Manama, Bahrain, and providing shipboard security forces on a naval vessel. The exemplary service the unit provided for this operation earned the unit another Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation.

In February 2003, PSU 309 was recalled to active duty to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom to help in the war on terrorism. They were shipped to Sicily to help guard U.S. and allied ships in transit to Iraq, and were slated to move into Turkish ports, to aid security forces in that country. For their outstanding performance of duty, the unit received yet another Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Deployment Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Many individuals also received further award recognition for their performance of duty.

In Sept of 2005, the Gulf Coast was struck by a massive hurricane named Katrina. The devastation was widespread was widespread. PSU 309 was called to active duty under Title 14 and set up field operations at the Navy SeaBee base in Gulfport, MS. The unit provided critical support, security and humanitarian assistance for the next 20 days.

As the PSU 309 moves into the new century, it has a rich tradition to be proud of, and one it will carry forth into the future. No matter what the mission, the members of PSU 309 and their families will carry on the proud heritage of the United States Coast Guard.