HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- At sunset, the chase begins. Spray flies as U.S. Coast Guard boats slice through Biscayne Bay, their engines roaring in pursuit of a simulated hostile vessel. This high-intensity Non-Compliant Vessel Pursuit (NCVP) training isn’t just routine; it’s a testament to how strategic integration and joint-force readiness shape national defense.
This year, as the U.S. Coast Guard marks its 234th birthday, the Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Miami, presence and mission at Homestead Air Reserve Base offer a vivid example of how the service’s legacy of maritime protection continues in South Florida. From interdiction to homeland security, the unit’s readiness and reach are grounded in decades of tradition and sharpened through modern joint-service training.
For MSST Miami, based at Homestead ARB, this training marks more than a drill. It reflects a dynamic operational footprint that spans from the Caribbean to the northeast United States, and it signals the growing role of joint interagency cooperation in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders.
"We're mobile, we're adaptable, and Homestead puts us exactly where we need to be," said Petty Officer First Class Dustin Garnett, a boatswain's mate assigned to MSST Miami. "With an airstrip right in our backyard and close proximity to major highways, we can respond quickly by air or land. That makes us world travelers, ready to go wherever the mission calls."
Established to conduct port security, maritime interdiction, and rapid response operations, MSST Miami routinely trains for NCVP missions to counter threats ranging from drug trafficking and illegal migration to potential acts of terrorism. These missions require flexibility, endurance, and seamless interoperability with other services.
Homestead ARB, home to the U.S. Air Force's 482nd Fighter Wing, provides critical infrastructure that enables such agility. During recent deployments to St. Croix in support of presidential visits, MSST personnel coordinated with Air Force units to load Coast Guard boats and vehicles onto C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Garnett recalled how his team was able to drive the trucks onto the aircraft tarmac, highlighting a growing operational fluency between services.
"We got with the Air Force, figured out the C-17s, and loaded them up right behind our building. That capability makes all the difference when time is tight," Garnett said.
The geographic location further amplifies the Coast Guard's mission. With rapid trailer access north to West Palm Beach and south to Key West, MSST Miami maintains a versatile presence in some of the nation's most active maritime corridors. The unit frequently supports boarding operations in the Miami River, law enforcement actions, and inspections of charter vessels to ensure compliance and safety.
"You never really know what you’re getting into until you’re on scene," Garnett explained. "That uncertainty is why we train constantly. Whether it's a hostile vessel or a non-compliant operator, we have to be prepared to act safely and effectively."
Operating from an Air Force installation does come with adjustments. Unlike traditional Coast Guard units where vessels are docked waterside, MSST Miami stores boats on trailers, requiring frequent loading and transport.
"Trailering is one of the most dangerous parts of our job, and we do it daily," Garnett said. "But the support from the Air Force has been outstanding. From our building and equipment to the exchange and facilities, they’ve made us feel at home."
For Petty Officer Third Class John Hearn, a machinery technician who joined the Coast Guard just over five months ago, the unit’s location and camaraderie have made a lasting impression.
"First time showing up, it was really cool. It's loud, being right next to the airfield, but it's also amazing to be wrenching on a boat and looking up to see jets flying overhead," Hearn said. "Everyone here, Air Force and Coast Guard, has been helpful and professional."
During the evening NCVP exercise, Hearn experienced firsthand the pace and unpredictability of real-world training.
"It gets intense," he said. "You’re on the comms, the boat’s rocking, we’re moving at different speeds and turning constantly. It’s hard to keep track sometimes, but that’s why we train hard and rely on each other."
MSST Miami’s environment also offers junior personnel, like Hearn, unique access to training and mentorship.
"Being a third class, you don’t always get opportunities like this so quickly at other stations," Hearn said. "Here, there are plenty of boats, resources, and people who are always ready to help or point you in the right direction."
The unit’s advanced gear also plays a role in safety and confidence. Hearn described the team’s Tactical Flotation Support Systems, or TFS, as a key part of their gear.
"Each one is water-activated and provides up to 80 pounds of buoyancy," he said. "We all wear two. Even with all the weight from our gear, I know they’ll keep me afloat."
With the Coast Guard preparing to celebrate its 234th birthday on August 4, 2025, Hearn reflected on the service’s mission and personal meaning.
"The legacy, for me, is about safety," he said. "It’s making sure everyone’s got working radios, life jackets, and doing everything we can to keep boaters safe. That matters more than people realize."
Inspired by two uncles who served in the Coast Guard, Hearn joined with a desire to contribute to that legacy. "One of my uncles passed away a few years ago. Getting closer to his family made me realize I wanted to do something meaningful. That’s why I’m here."
In a world where threats evolve and boundaries blur, the Coast Guard’s integration at Homestead ARB exemplifies how shared purpose and strategic location can enhance national readiness. From the docks to the flightline, unity in mission remains the Coast Guard’s enduring strength.