Maritime Safety and Security Team 91104

Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston is a Coast Guard anti-terrorism team established to protect local maritime assets.  They are a harbor and inshore patrol and security team that include detecting and if necessary stopping or arresting submerged divers, using the Underwater Port Security System.

MSST Galveston was established in 2002, the fourth such unit commissioned in the Coast Guard.

MSST personnel receive training in Advanced Tactical Boat Operations and Anti-terrorism Force protection at the Special Missions Training Center.

In addition, MSST Galveston:

* Jointly staffed to maximize effectiveness executing Port, Waterways, and Coastal Security operations (enforce security zones, port state control boardings, protection off military out loads and major marine events, augment shore side security at waterfront facilities, detect WMD weapons/agents, and participate in port level anti-terrorism exercises.

* Provide enhanced port safety and security and law enforcement capabilities to the economic or military significant port where they are based.

* Deploy on board cutters and other naval vessels for port safety and security, drug law enforcement, migrant interdiction, or other maritime homeland security mission requirements.

GALVESTON, Texas - A Coast Guard work dog handler instructs a bomb sniffing dog during a drill in Galveston.  The Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston constantly works and trains with the dogs to keep their senses sharp. 

GALVESTON, Texas - Two members of the Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston stop a vehicle at a security check point during a sea and shoreside drill. 

GALVESTON, Texas - A small boat with two divers from the Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston make their way towards a pier needing to be inspected.  The unit routinely places divers in the water to inspect the underside of docks and piers for any suspicious materials.

GALVESTON, Texas - Petty Officer 1st Class John Callison, of Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston, engages role players attempting to breach a secured pier during a training exercise.  Members of the units fired blanks during multiple gun fights. 

GALVESTON, Texas - Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Troy Shull, of Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston, instructs his crew during a bomb sweep of a pier during a training exercise.  The four-person team successfully cleared the simulated secured pier of all explosive devices.

GALVESTON, Texas - A 25-foot response boat and crew from the Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston patrols the waters near Galveston.  The response boat's are routinely outfitted with heavy duty machine guns are the front and back of the boats.

GALVESTON, Texas - A member of Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston trades fire with a suspect during a training exercise, simulating a breach of a secured pier.  During the exercise, crewmembers fire blank rounds at each other to make the training as real as possible.

GALVESTON, Texas - Members of Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston practice shoreside tactical manuevers during a full-scale drill. 

GALVESTON, Texas - Petty Officer 3rd Class John Herried, of Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston, fires a handgun during a trip to the range.

GALVESTON, Texas - Crewmembers from Maritime Safety and Security Team Galveston stand ready to engage any hostile vehicles or personnel at a safety checkpoint during a full-scale drill.