JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- More than 276 Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 10, returned to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Nov. 15, following a seven-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Approximately 80 of the Sailors returning are assigned to Charleston Based Boat Detachments Bravo and Charlie

Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 10, under the command of Capt. Carl Cusaac, served as Commander, Task Group 56.7 in the U.S. Central Command AOR and was responsible for both port and seaward security operations in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. During the deployment, MSRON 10 conducted more than 1,050 missions, of which approximately 450 were high-value asset escorts.

Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 10 Boat and Security Detachments from Charleston, Orlando and Tampa provided seaward and landward security and surveillance forces in littoral areas, harbors and in militarily significant coastal and inshore areas.

"Our primary mission was to provide escort and static waterside security for designated high value assets in the Gulf of Oman," said Lt. Cmdr. Shane Bosse, Boat Detachment BRAVO, officer in charge and seaward security officer for CTU 56.7.2. "Our role was vital in not only maintaining regional security but also ensuring combat critical cargo, ammunition and fuel reached our warfighters."

As CTG 56.7, MSRON 10 DET Bravo and Charlie provided Sailors and assets to conduct missions in Jebal Ali and Fujairah UAE, and provide oil platform protection in the Northern Arabian Gulf. Additionally, MSRON 10 was able to maintain a strong home guard beach detachment in Jacksonville which provided valuable manpower support.

The deployed Sailors provided escort and static waterside security for U.S. and coalition naval ships and other designated high-value assets. Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 10 also coordinated real-world evolutions and exercises with local port authorities, CTF 53 and CTF 56. Additionally, MSRON 10 conducted operations with their Emirati Coast Guard and United Kingdom Navy counterparts which continued to build on strengthening their capabilities to integrate as coalition partners.

"Being part of an armed small boat detachment and leading some of the best MSRON Sailors in MESF on a day-to-day basis has been an experience that I'll never forget," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Jones, an Engineman who served as patrol leader. "While I am away from the primary aspects of my rate, the command has given me plenty of opportunities to excel professionally and as a leader."

One of the ways MSRON 10 sailors excelled professionally was through the Expeditionary Warfare Qualification (EXW) process. During this deployment, more than 30 Sailors earned their warfare pins.

Sailors were greeted by a tearful reunion with families and friends in Hanger 117 on NAS Jacksonville marking the end of a successful deployment.

"Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 10 flawlessly performed countless escort and deterrence missions for CTF 56 with uncommon dedication and valor," said Master Chief Petty Officer Jerry Hagan. "I couldn't be more proud of our Reserve and active-duty Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. They have truly set the bar for excellence."

Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadrons, formerly known as Mobile Security Squadrons, were established in the wake of terrorist attacks abroad, in particular the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole (DDG 67). These units are Navy hardware-equipped, deployable units that provide point defense security and protection of strategic shipping and naval vessels operating in coastal areas and port facilities to ensure uninterrupted flow of cargo and units to combatant commanders.