Have not seen this discussed here. Would sure like to be a fly on the bulkhead in the Chief's Mess, with the 1st deployment of a Marine det, aboard a Cutter.
I guess it would be a good thing, but where would you put them? I was in a Ledet in the first PG conflict, we (ensign, me and two second classes) in the first class lounge as all overflow berthing was taken. On our cutters, space has always been a premium, except the Polar Rollers, so it will make for some tight quarters.
The mission change appears to be a DOD realization that our mission is vital everyday. We are not waiting for the war to play the game. I cant tell you the number of accolades I have been offered for the USCG for their performance in Katrina. I dont think this went unnoticed by the DOD powers that be.
In 1994, during the Mass Migration of Cubans into South Florida the Marine Corps sent 600 Marines to Key West in support of the operations. They deployed in 4 man teams aboard cutters to provide security forces to watch the Cuban Refugees onboard the cutters. At the time, the Cubans regarded the Coast Guard in a different light the the rest of the military (gee Jack, a surprise?) not that they didn't have respect and admiration fo rus but they didn't see us as "authoritarian." The presence of an armed contingent of camouflage uniform wearing Marines served that purpose quite well. The Marines sent had just returned to the US after a tour as Security Forces at GITMO and were happy to be doing something instead of sitting around North Carolina doing "garrison" duties. They were a very professional group and the petty officers and chief that worked for me in supply "adopted" them and took very good care of them.
The only question that I wonder is where the heck are you going to put them? A Marine Squad has 10 Marines...
They'd probably be a welcome addition, berthing issues aside. I wonder how the idea will play out though with the Corps planning to become the primary ground force in A-Stan, and leaving the Army as primary in Iraq?
That would be something if my son, a Marine LCpl, could spend some time on the Chase, WHEC-718 like his dad 23 yrs ago. Doubt it will happen with his MOS being AAV's.
As Nobody pointed out, Marines were used in 1994 for the mass migrations and, I believe, in 1980 during Mariel.
The Marines also put out a great publication on their actions during 1994--have you seen the publication by the lead sea-going service during that time?
I was a non-rate on the Gallatian in 94 and we had a Marine detachment onboard. If memory serves me corret I believe it was a 1st LT and about 8 enlisted guys. We cleared the furniture out of the FWD lounge and they set up cots and stayed in there.
During the Haitian exodus of 1991 and 1994 we had Army comms guys on board, USMC security dets, and USMC sniper teams. Ain't nothin' new. Was a pleasure to have them on board.
The concept of how the USCG, USMC and USN will work together in the future is discussed in a report available on the USN website in a section called Navy Message.
I kinda remember asking for a security detachment from GITMO to help while we took 300 Haitians back to Haiti. We either dropped the link or they hung up the phone. I think it was the latter. Called back. Got a RNA.
I was on a 110 in 94 that had a 4 man marine detachment. They fit in well with us from what I remember, and were a big help. Berthing was tight though and they slept on the floor in sleeping bags in after berthing.
While serving on CGC ACACIA we were deployed to operation Uphold Democracy during the mid 90's. The ACACIA is a 180' buoy tender. We took with us a detachment of MArines for security. They stayed in the crew's rec deck. They did not participate in clean ups or mess cooking, however they were among the most professional and curteous group in the military I have ever came across. They insisted on eating last and treated everyone with great respect...
I believe having MARDETs aboard USCG assets would be a great addition to our forces. Aside from increasing the size of our available boarding teams, the Marines have been training their folks in a lot of CQB techniques that only select units in the CG are getting.
That kind of capability would be very valuable in a lot of USCG mission areas, and would be good for both Services.
