Briefing the Team

RDML Atkin observed sustainment training hosted by MSST Miami for the Maritime Law Enforcement/Force Protection Teams (MLE/FP) for MSST Miami, MSST New York and Tactical Law Enforcement Team South. The training combined the first Department of Homeland Security multi-agency effort to conduct joint training. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Response Team fast-roped from a Customs and Border Patrol Black Hawk helicopter to secure a waterside building alongside members of MSST Miami MLE/FP during the training. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/LTJG Kaleb Perez)

DOG Commander Visit

Rear Admiral Thomas Atkin, the future commander of the new U.S. Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group, made his first visit to Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. to meet with members of the specialized Maritime Safety and Security Team. During his visit he presented MSST Miami with the Sumner I. Kimball Readiness Award. The admiral also met with members of MSST New York, Tactical Law Enforcement Team South and MSST Miami to discuss the new DOG Command. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/LTJG Kaleb Perez)

Recognizing Excellence

Rear Admiral Thomas Atkin (left) presented the prestigious Sumner I. Kimball Readiness Award to MSST Miami during his visit June 13. The Kimball Award requires a combination of good test scores, crew proficiency, great condition of vessels, excellent performance of underway drills, successful and progressive unit training programs, survival systems readiness and good administrative work by all members. A mere ten-percent of all Coast Guard small boat stations can earn the Kimball Award each year. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/LTJG Kaleb Perez)

New command, new commander for special Coast Guard unit at Homestead

Published July 2, 2007
By Dan Galindo
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- The specialized Maritime Safety and Security Team Miami 91114, a tenant unit of Homestead ARB, will soon become part of a new command in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Currently under the Atlantic Area Command, MSST Miami will become part of the new Deployable Operations Group, which will stand-up as a command on July 20.

Members of the tactical unit had the chance to meet their future commander on June 13, as Rear Admiral Thomas Atkin made his first visit to the base.

RDML Atkin, a specialist in maritime security operations and response, has held several high-level command positions with Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Teams and is an experienced operations officer.

As the DOG commander, he will lead all Port Security Units, Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, Law Enforcement Detachments, National Strike Teams and all 12 MSSTs across the U.S.

"Bringing all these capabilities under the DOG will help us better manage our assets and be more effective in securing and engaging new threats from the enemies of our nation," said LTJG Kaleb Perez, MSST Miami planning officer.

Consolidating all of the tactical and special units of the Coast Guard under one command was one of several reorganization initiatives by USCG Commandant Admiral Thad Allen.

Under the new command, specialized units such as the MSSTs, will be able to respond to major disasters across the U.S., whether natural disasters or possible terrorist incidents. The DOG commander can make use of specific skills and team assets or deploy entire teams, depending on the situation.

"The MSST program will remain the same for now," LTJG Perez said. "Our mission to detect, deter, and interdict terrorists and smugglers is not going to change any time soon. But off course, if it does, we will be ready."

The quick-reaction-forces of the MSSTs were originally created in response to 9/11, bringing together highly specialized teams able to protect U.S. coastlines, strategic ports and waterways from the sea, air and land.

With such strong capabilities in the teams, U.S. Coast Guard senior leadership is always looking into improving the use, employment and better management of assets and skills, said Lieutenant Perez.

"The world has change, so we need to change the way we look at the world," he said. "The MSST Miami crew is very exited about the new command, and we're ready to accept the call anytime we're needed."