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Maritime Force Protection Command to Activate Oct. 1

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS040927-11
Release Date: 9/27/2004 4:24:00 PM

From Commander, Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy will consolidate the forces it deploys for anti-terrorism and force protection under a single command at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Oct. 1.

The Maritime Force Protection Command (MARFPCOM), with an annual budget of about $50 million, will be activated to oversee the administration and training of the expeditionary units the Navy deploys overseas to protect ships, aircraft and bases from terrorist attack.

"This is the first time that the Navy has stood up a single entity to focus solely on the Navy's Expeditionary Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) Force," said MARFPCOM Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Kosnik.

MARFPCOM will align four existing components: the Mobile Security Forces, Naval Coastal Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Expeditionary Mobile Diving and Salvage Forces.

Naval Costal Warfare units conduct surveillance patrols and protect harbor areas. The force is comprised of units including Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron Staffs, Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Units and Inshore Boat Units that can be deployed individually or together depending on the scope of the operational mission.

Mobile Security Squadrons are active-duty units that will eventually include 12 Mobile Security Force detachments. A detachment comprises 83 Sailors, equipped with three air-transportable, 25-foot boats.

A mix of active-duty and Reserve sailors, EOD teams are tasked with eliminating hazards from ordnance that jeopardize operations conducted in support of the national military strategy.

Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit units often work closely with EOD units to remove underwater ordnance. They are tasked with combat harbor clearance and salvaging aircraft that are lost in the water. These units report to the EOD commander.

Since the terrorist attack on USS Cole (DDG 67) and the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, all military forces have analyzed how they are going to operate in the new environment where terrorism is a real and viable threat.

"The Navy, like the other branches of the armed forces, has looked at the impact of the increasing terrorist threats on operational forces, and because of that increased threat, we have put more focus on force protection," he said.

Sixty military personnel and 10 civilians will staff MARFPCOM. Kosnik will report to the Commander, Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk. MARFPCOM will be responsible for the more than 7,000 Sailors and officers that comprise the Navy's Expeditionary AT/FP Force.