MSSTs were created under theMaritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in direct response to theterroristattacks on September 11, 2001, and they are a part of theUnited States Department of Homeland Security's layered strategy directed at protectingseaports andwaterways. MSSTs provide waterborne and a modest level of shore-side counter-terrorism force protection for strategic shipping, high interest vessels, and critical infrastructure. MSSTs are a quick response force capable of rapid nationwide deployment via air, ground or sea transportation in response to changing threat conditions and evolving Maritime Homeland Security (MHS) mission requirements. Multi-mission capability facilitates augmentation for other selected Coast Guard missions.
The MSSTs operate as part of theCoast Guard's Deployable Specialized Forces, they are under operational control of the Coast Guard's corresponding Pacific and Atlantic Area commands, as well as an active reserve component of theWhite House on request.
A boatcrew from Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team 91114 conducts high-speed maneuvers during a security patrol south of thePort of Miami
Coast Guard tactical CQB training
Modeled after thePort Security Unit (PSU) andLaw Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) programs, MSSTs provide a complementary non-redundant capability designed to close critical security gaps in United States strategic seaports. MSSTs are staffed to support continuous law enforcement operations both ashore and afloat. In addition, MSSTs:
Jointly staffed to maximize effectiveness executing Port, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) operations (enforce security zones, port state control boarding, protection of military out-loads and major marine events, augment shore-side security at waterfront facilities, detect WMD weapons/agents, and participate in port level counter-terrorism exercises).
Provide enhanced port safety and security and law enforcement capabilities to the economic or military significant port where they are based.
Deploy in support ofNational Special Security Events (NSSEs) requiring Coast Guard presence, such as OpSail, Olympics, Republican and Democratic national conventions, majordisasters or storm recovery operations.
Deploy on boardcutters and other naval vessels for port safety and security,drug law enforcement,migrant interdiction, or other maritimehomeland security mission requirements.
Support Naval Coastal Warfare requirements during Homeland Defense (HLD) and in accordance with long standing agreements withDOD and the Combatant Commanders (protect strategic shipping, major naval combatants and critical infrastructure at home and abroad)
MSST 91102 --Chesapeake, Va. (Established 2002. Merged with TACLET North in 2004 to form the prototypeEnhanced Maritime Safety and Security Team - "EMSST" which, in 2006, was finally named theMaritime Security Response Team - "MSRT;" the Coast Guard's only high-risk/counter-terrorism unit)
MSST 91109 --San Diego, CA (Established 2005) (transitioned into MSRT West in 2016, the Coast Guard' 2nd high-risk/counter-terrorism unit, also parent command of all Coast Guard dive lockers)
MSST 91110 --Cape Cod, MA (Boston Established 2003 relocation in 2018)
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