cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) (12/15/90)
From: cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) There are currently three Coast Guard Port Security Units (PSU) on duty in the Persian Gulf, providing waterside security in key ports where war materials are being landed and stockpiled. Each PSU consists of ~100 persons. Each has 6 Napco Raider boats, which are Boston Whaler-type boats with 2 .50 cal MGs mounted on movable mounts, plus various other small arms. Powered by two 150HP outboards, top speed 45 kts. Radar, fathometer, intercom system. Crew of 3 or 4. These units may be the only combat units in the Gulf that have women in combat roles (boat coxswains, boat engineers, gunners, radio operators, etc.) The news creatures are missing a great story here, IMHO. These PSUs are from the 9th CG District; PSU Milwaukee, PSU Buffalo, and PSU Cleveland. All are RESERVE units. The people are in these PSUs are scheduled to return ~March 15. A second contingent is scheduled to begin training for deployment in January or February, composed mostly of volunteers from Reserve units nationwide.