Military

Coast Guard News
11th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Detachment,
1001 S. Seaside Ave., Bldg. 40 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208
(310) 732-7351/4  FAX 732-7359

     Release No: PADET LA/LB  04-03              Contact: 310-732-7351/4                    Feb. 20, 2003          

Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311 to deploy overseas

LOS ANGELES – Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311 departs March Air Reserve Base

Monday, Feb. 17 to support the global war on terrorism and to prepare for future contingencies. The ultimate destination of the approximately 120-member unit is being withheld for national security reasons.

"We are trained and ready to execute our mission," said Cmdr. Donald Karol, PSU 311’s commanding officer. "This deployment shows our determination to safeguard our nation’s security, both at home and abroad."

The San Pedro-based unit is comprised of primarily reserve members, most with civilian careers in local law enforcement. PSU 311 is a deployable unit organized for sustained operations to support military missions worldwide. Members of PSU 311 train in specialized combat, weapons and boat skills to provide waterside security and maritime force protection in support of military and commercial shipping.

PSU 311 patrolled the Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors with other Coast Guard assets immediately following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. On October 3^rd, 2001, PSU 311was called to active duty for service in the Persian Gulf for a six-month deployment.

-USCG-

Click here for photos of the offload