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MSRON 3 Returns To San Diego From Deployment

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110805-12
8/5/2011

From Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 125 Sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3, returned to Naval Base Coronado Aug. 4 following a six-month deployment to Camp Patriot in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR).

MSRON 3, under the command of Cmdr. Thomas F. Murphy III, served as Commander, Task Group 56.5 in the U.S. Central Command AOR. During the deployment, they conducted 100 high-value asset escorts and performed more than 180 underway patrols.

Detachments from CTG 56.5 and Boat Detachments 3A and 3B provided seaward security and surveillance forces in littoral areas, harbors and in militarily significant coastal and inshore areas.

"Our primary mission was to provide escort and static waterside security for designated high value assets in the area of Kuwait," said Lt. Cmdr. Corey McCollum, boat division officer in charge, and seaward security officer for CTG 56.5. "Our role here is vital in not only maintaining regional security but likewise ensuring combat critical cargo, ammunition and fuel reaches our warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan."

As CTG 56.5, MSRON 3 worked alongside U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313 and boat crews from MSRON 4, as well as elements from the U.S. Army's Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and Military Sealift Command.

The deployed Sailors provided escort and static waterside security for 100 naval ships and other designated high-value assets. They coordinated real-world evolutions and exercises with the Kuwaiti navy, U.S. Marine, and U.S. Coast Guard counterparts building on partner capacity and strengthening our capabilities to integrate as coalition partners.

"To have been part of an armed small boat unit and leading elements of it on a day-to-day basis has been an experience that I'll never forget," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class T. J. Bowman, patrol leader. "While I am away from the primary aspects of my rate, the command has given me plenty of opportunities to excel. Deterrence is often a hard case to justify, but I hope to prevent another USS Cole."

Sailors were greeted by a tearful reunion with families and friends from San Diego, marking the end of a successful deployment.

"MSRON 3 flawlessly performed our mission with uncommon dedication and valor," said McCollum. "I couldn't be more proud of our Sailors and guardians. They have truly set the bar for excellence."

MSRONs, formerly known as Mobile Security Squadrons, were established in the wake of terrorist attacks abroad, in particular the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole (DDG 67). MSRONs provide rapidly deployable point defense personnel and assets for force protection and anti-terrorism operations in support of fleet commanders.