Military

Mobile Security Detachment 25 Deploys

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050518-03
Release Date: 5/18/2005 7:20:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class Martha Kennedy-Lindley, Maritime Force Protection Command Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Eighty members from Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) 25 boarded a plane May 15 for a six-month deployment to the Middle East.

MSD 25 is staffed, organized and equipped to provide point defense as expeditionary anti-terrorism/force protection forces operating independently, but in close coordination with the asset being protected, as well as the host nation’s security and military forces.

“Everyone here is ready to go,” said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Jacobsen, officer in charge of MSD 25. “We are going over there to do the job we have been training for since last September.”

Mobile security squadrons were conceived as a result of the October 2000 bombing of USS Cole (DDG 67). They are strictly defensive units, and their mission is to deter terrorism, detect terrorist actions and operations, and defend against terrorist attacks. Mobile Security provides a resolute, heavily-armed presence to protect naval assets where U.S. shore infrastructure does not exist or needs augmentation.

MSD 25 finished their Final Evaluation Problem and received their final certification in April. While in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, MSD 25 will be providing Force Protection for high-value assets in the area.

Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Amanda Davis said she is excited and ready to go. This is her second deployment to the Middle East in two years. The first was aboard her previous ship.

“It is hard to leave home, but this deployment will be fast-paced," Davis said. "It is an important mission, and I am proud to be doing this."

MSD 25 was commissioned in September as part of Mobile Security Squadron 6, based in Portsmouth, Va. This is the unit's maiden deployment.