Stevens Speaks At Dedication
of the
Maritime Safety & Security Team
October 19, 2004
Tuesday
Recently Alaska's senior U.S.Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) helped
welcome a new Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) to the
Port of Anchorage. The mission of the Maritime Safety and Security
Teams is to provide waterborne and a modest level of shoreside
antiterrorism force protection for strategic shipping, high interest
vessels, and critical infrastructure. MSSTs are a quick response
force capable of rapid, nationwide deployment via air, ground,
or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions
and evolving maritime homeland security mission requirements.
The Honorable Senator
Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Appropriations Committee
and Senate President Pro Tempore, tours a 25-foot homeland security
boat with Petty Officer First Class Chris Mogavero and Vice Adm.
Harvey Johnson, Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, at the commissioning
of Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) 91111 in Anchorage,
Oct 15. Stevens was joined at the ceremony by The Honorable Senator
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Congressmen Don Young (R-Alaska).
MSSTs are a quick response force capable of rapid, nationwide
deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response
to changing threat conditions and evolving Maritime Homeland
Security mission requirements. They are modeled after the Coast
Guard's Port Security Unit's and Law Enforcement Detachments.
Anchorage's MSST 91111 is the fourth Coast Guard anti-terrorism
team commissioned in the Pacific region, and the ninth commissioned
nationwide. Other MSSTs are located in the ports of Seattle,
Los Angeles/Long Beach, San Francisco, Chesapeake, Va., Boston,
Houston, St. Mary's, Ga. and New York. Additional MSSTs are slated
for San Diego and Honolulu. Official U.S. Coast Guard photo by
Petty Officer Paul Roszkowski
"Because of this port's
geographical significance and its new and important missions
in support of our military the Department of Defense recently
designated the Port of Anchorage a strategic seaport," said
Senator Stevens. "The new ship, rail and port facilities
that are being built to expand this port will only enhance its
importance."
The MSST is based in Anchorage will consist of 75 active duty
personnel. The mobile unit will be responsible for protecting
all of Alaska's ports and can be deployed to specific ports in
the State during times of increased terror threats.
"The Maritime Safety and Security Team will help this port
fulfill its new missions by ensuring that it is secure and safe
from outside threats. The MSST is the only active component of
the Coast Guard that is principally designed, equipped, staffed
and trained in integrated multi-boat targets for intercepting
and engaging hostile targets. Given that Alaska has more coastline
than any other state, the MSST's mission is a vital part of our
efforts to protect Alaska and the nation. Working with existing
Coast Guard units, the MSST will improve the security of our
ports, waterways, and critical infrastructure in and around Alaskan
ports," said Stevens.
Other MSST units have already been established in many ports
including New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. By early 2005, MSST
units will be commissioned in 13 U.S. ports.
Source of News Release:
United States Coast Guard
Web Site
Office of U.S. Senator Ted
Stevens
Web Site
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