Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313 members await the arrival of Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Johnson, the Coast Guard reserve force master chief, at Naval Station Everett, Wash., Feb. 21, 2015.
Commissioned in 1998, the PSU is a self-sustaining unit that can be deployed anywhere in the world, with member roles covering boats, security, communications, weapons, engineering, logistics, food service and medical staff.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
Cmdr. James R. Hotchkiss, commanding officer, Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313, introduces the unit's new ombudsman, Carmela Fortin, during the morning brief before Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Johnson, the Coast Guard reserve force master chief, speaks with unit members at Naval Station Everett, Wash., Feb. 21, 2015.
Ombudsmen play a vital as a communication link between a unit's command and family members, which is especially important for deployable units like the PSU.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Johnson, the Coast Guard reserve force master chief, speaks with Port Security Unit 313 members during their morning brief at Naval Station Everett, Wash., Feb. 21, 2015.
Drawing from experience as the senior most enlisted reserve member and his position as a personal advisor to the director of reserve and military personnel, Johnson answered members' questions as well as offering both his advice and gratitude for the services they provide.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.
Coast Guard Port Security Unit 313 members, their new ombudsman, Carmela Fortin, and Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Johnson, the Coast Guard reserve force master chief, pause for a group picture after a morning brief at Naval Station Everett, Wash., Feb. 21, 2015.
The PSU maintains port security during wartime and peacetime, deploying to occupied foreign ports to conduct security operations, as well as maintaining security for domestic ports as necessary.
U.S Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross.