Hard to believe, perhaps, but the war with Iraq was fought more than 20 years ago.
John Doogan, FC Flotilla 6-1, tells us of a flotilla member and his port security unit who ventured into harm’s way in 2003:
We have had so many members of Flotilla 6-1 that have made a proud that they are in our Flotilla, Thomas F. Sperandeo is a great example of one of the finest USCG Auxiliary and a member of the elite active duty Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311, based in San Pedro.
(Yes, you can simultaneously be a member of he Auxiliary and the active-duty or reserve military. Tom joined the Auxiliary in 1994.)
On Feb. 18 to 20, 2003, Tom deployed with PSU 311 from March Air Force Base to the strategically important Mohammad Al-Ahmad Kuwait Naval Base. Their mission was to protect ships offloading military equipment.
On May 20, 2003, PSU 311 was the first official US military unit to cross the border from Kuwait into Iraq; their mission was to fight their way to the ports of Umm Qasar and Basra, The war was called Operation Iraqi Freedom, and PSU-311 was in the middle of it, playing a key combat role!
They were soon joined by the elite British Royal Marines as partners in defending the ports against the near by stationed, best combat proven fighting unit “Iraq Republican Guard”
The Royal Marines and American Coasties were greatly outnumbered.
The ports were heavy mined, so Navy divers and their dolphins were called in. PSU-311 boats were made of fiberglass and shallow (see below) so they didn’t have to worry as much about hitting mines, like a larger metal vessel would.
Once the ports were cleared of mines, the Navy was able bring in humanitarian aid and food for Iraqis.
PSU-311 worked under the command of the Navy and the southern part of part of Iraq was controlled by the British, which we worked with side by side.
They were able to deliver school supplies to the Iraq children, the photos show the awful conditions of the schools and communities. They had to give the school supplies directly to the kids or the teachers would steal them and sell them.
PSU-311 was expected to be deployed a year, but on May 1, 2003, President Bush declared the war to be over, so we handed the port back over to the Iraqis, returned to Kuwait and prepared to return home on July 4, 2003.
The prewar logistical buildup was known as Operation Enduring Freedom, and the war is known as Operation Iraq Freedom.
(For more information about PSUs in combat, see the official Coast Guard history.)