Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team

Part of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams (FAST), are an elite security force on standby to respond to threats to Naval, Marine Corps or other US government interests.

Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team - Role

The role of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams is to detect, deter and defend against threats, with a focus on antiterrorism. A common task of the FAST Team Companies is the reinforcement of security at US Embassies around the world. They also provide training and advice to other security forces.

Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams maintain forward-deployed platoons at Naval bases around the world. FAST also keeps alert forces on standby to respond rapidly to unforseen events.

The Marines within Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams are highly skilled in :

• counter surveillance
• physical security
• urban combat techniques
• close quarter combat (CQB)
• martial arts

FAST Video

Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team - Organization

• 1st FAST Company
  based at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Virginia
• 2nd FAST Company
  bases at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Yorktown, Virginia
• 3rd FAST Company
  based at Camp Allen, Norfolk, Virginia

Each FAST Company consists of 6 platoons of around 50 men each. A headquarters element of 14 Marines provides logistical, communications and training support to the platoons.

When deployed, Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team platoons are assigned to commands in three areas:

• FAST Company Europe - FASTEUR
  based out of Rota, Spain
• FAST Company Pacific - FASTPAC
  based out of Yokosuka, Japan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
• FAST Company Central - FASTCENT
  based out of Manama, Bahrain.

Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team - Operations

• Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989-1990)
• Operation Sharp Edge in Liberia (1993)
• Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia (1990-1991)
• Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia/Kuwait (1991)
• Haitian migrant operations in Caribbean Sea (1992)
• Operation Restore Hope in Somalia (1992-1993)
• Operation Promote Liberty in Panama (1994)
• Operation Restore Democracy in Haiti (1994)
• Operation Safe Passage in Cuba and the Caribbean (1995)
• Bahrain Anti-Terrorist Contingency (1996)
• Response to Embassy Bombing, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (1998)
• Response to Embassy Bombing, Nairobi, Kenya (1998)
• Embassy Reinforcement, Skopje, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1999)
• Support to USS Cole, Yemen (2000)
• Embassy Reinforcement, Skopje, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (2001)
• Security for the USNS COMFORT in New York City Harbor following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (2001)
• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003)

Members of 2nd Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Company fire 9mm M9 pistols aboard the USS Blue Ridge during small-arms weapons familiarization training, 2005.

DoD photo by Seaman Apprentice Marc Rockwell-Pate, U.S. Navy. (Released)

U.S. Marines with Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, FAST Company Central (FASTCENT) train in riot control techniques. Protecting US embassies and consulates from violent protests is one of F.A.S.T.'s roles.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Searfus CE MARFOR CENTCOM FWD COMCAM/ Released)

Fleet Antiterrorism Team Resources

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