Sailors assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2, based in Portsmouth, Va., and Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group (CGDOG) 307, based in Clearwater, Fla., patrol Kuwait Naval Base's harbor. Both units are part of Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.5, which provides harbor defense and force protection in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Krishna M. Jackson/Released) By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Krishna M. Jackson, Combined Task Group 56.1 Public Affairs
KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2 and U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (USCGPSU) 307 returned home Jan. 20, after completing a successful deployment as part of Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.5.
"Our overall integration with PSU 307 was seamless. We completed every task with efficiency and professionalism." said Cmdr. Kevin K. Hanson, MSRON 2 and CTG 56.5 commanding officer.
USCGPSU 307 deployed from Clearwater, Fla., and MSRON 2 deployed from Portsmouth, Va., in July 2011. CTG 56.5 provides harbor defense and security for ports, seaward approaches and waterways ensuring the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
"I've been in the guard a year and a half and to get to come out here and work with a different branch has been a amazing experience," said U.S. Coast Guard, Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Moulton LeBlanc. "It gives me a greater appreciation for the United States military as a whole."
LeBlanc is one of many Guardsman who took the opportunity to qualify on the Navy's coastal patrol craft; in turn, MSRON 2 Sailors, worked and qualified on USCG patrol boats and qualified to wear the USCG's Enlisted Port Security Badge.
In addition to boat qualifications, some PSU 307 Guardsman qualified to wear the Navy's Expeditionary Warfare Specialist pin.
"The deployment's been really good, especially the training," said Machinery Technician 2nd Class Steve Murdick. "The opportunity to get on Navy boats and learn something different was very valuable."
The Coast Guard uses a 25-foot transportable patrol boat, and the Navy uses a smaller Sea Ark tactical craft. CTG 56.5 conducts daily patrols ensuring security of the Kuwait Naval Base's harbor. USCGPSU 307 personnel operated and maintained some of the Navy's boats and shared operation and maintenance of the larger USCG patrol boats.
"It is a different platform, a completely different boat than what we use, but driving them is a lot easier because of the jet drive in comparison to the USCG patrol boat," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Steve Demboske.
An awards ceremony was held Jan. 6, with MSRON 2 and USCGPSU presenting awards and qualification pins to personnel. Cmdr. J. Brad Wallace, USCGPSU 307, commanding officer and Task Group 56.5 deputy commander, presented the Coast Guard awards and Hanson presented the Navy awards.
"This will pay many dividends down the road for the unit and the individuals," said Wallace.
"It speaks a lot to how well our units have integrated," said Hanson. "I am very honored to have had the opportunity to serve with all of you for the past six months."
MSRON 4 from Portsmouth, Va., and USCGPSU 305 from Fort Eustis, Va., assumed responsibility as 56.5 on Jan. 18.
