Maritime Safety & Security Team (MSST)
The United States Coast Guard (USCG)'s Maritime Safety & Security Teams (MSST) were established in 2004 to fulfill a requirement for a higher maritime security posture that arose as the result of 9/11. MSSTs are stationed at various coastal locations around the United States but may also deploy anywhere around the nation if required.
MSST Role
MSSTs help guard the nation's ports, maritime facilities and associated waterways. MSSTs typically deploy in order augment existing security forces at a location.
MSST personnel are trained in:
- Maritime Anti-terrorism
- Force Protection
- Maritime Law Enforcement operations (afloat and ashore)
- Underwater Port Security
- Non-Compliant Vessel Boarding and Pursuit
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
MSST personnel may deploy on USCG cutters as well as small boats for surface water operations. MSSTs also carry out underwater security.
MSSTs are not to be confused with another USCG unit, the Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRT). MSRTs are a reactive counter-terrorism unit ie they are deployed after a terrorist attack has occurred whereas MSSTs are a proactive anti-terrorism unit which prevents and defends against an attack.
MSST Organization
The Maritime Safety & Security Team is a deployable specialized force (DSF) under the the coast guard's regional (Pacific or Atlantic) commands.MSSTs are comprised of a command cadre, a plans and support section and 2 deployable teams (DETs). A MSST deployable team can be deployed anywhere nationwide within 12 hours. The deployable team consists of:
- Waterside Security Section
Enforces security zones around vessels (both mobile and fixed), defends critical waterside facilities and carries out high speed intercepts.
- Maritime Law Enforcement and Force Protection Team
MLE/FP teams carry out vessel boarding and search operations. They have the capability to detect contraband, stowaways and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear explosive (CBRNE) agents. The section is also trained in maritime counter terrorism and shoreside force protection for port facilities and VIPs. MLE/FP teams also include a Vertical Insertion Team - MSST operators trained in fast rope techniques ie roping down from helicopters in order to board a vessel underway.
- Dive Team
Divers from one of the Deployable Operations Group's 2 Regional Dive lockers, tasked with underwater port security operations.
- Canine Handling Team
Dog/handler teams trained to detect explosives and other dangerous material.
MSST Weapons
MSSTs have a range of weaponry in their armories. Personal weapons include 9mm pistols, CQBR and M4 carbines, M16 assault rifles and M870 shotguns. Small boats may be armed with M240b 7.62mm belt-fed machine guns.
MSST Video
MSST Photo
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