SAN DIEGO and VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – As part of ongoing force design efforts, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command held two establishment ceremonies this past week for Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 5 onboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in San Diego and MSRON 6 onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach.
The establishment of the two MSRONs adds additional Navy Reserve capacity within the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force for providing port, harbor, and high value asset security inland, on coastal waterways and ashore.
Rear Adm. Reginald Hendrix, deputy commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, presided over the establishment ceremony for MSRON 5 on Dec. 6 that was held at the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument on NAB Coronado. The memorial pays homage to the 2,564 Sailors who died in the Vietnam theater of operations and includes displays of a Patrol Boat River, a Command and Communications Boat, and a Patrol Craft Fast—all platforms that were used by the riverine and swift boat communities that preceded the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force.
“The decision to re-establish MSRON-5 marks a significant milestone in our Navy's history, as it opens up new opportunities for our Reserve teammates to take on greater responsibilities and contribute their expertise to the operational readiness of our Fleet” said Hendrix. “It is a testament to the invaluable contributions made by our total Reserve force and underscores the importance of our Reserve forces in maintaining our Navy's readiness and operational capabilities around the globe. Our Reserve teammates bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their civilian careers, which enhances our overall readiness and strengthens our ability to respond to any challenge that may arise.”
MSRON 5’s history dates back to the early 2000s when they were previously established as Navy Coastal Warfare Squadron Five. The unit deployed in support of high-value asset security operations, primarily gas and oil platform defense operations, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After being re-designated as MSRON 5, the unit deployed in 2010 to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of operations before ultimately being disestablished in 2011.
Today’s MSRON-5 unit was formed from Sailors and authorities formerly assigned to one of MSRON 1’s security boat companies. The unit will continue to grow in capability and capacity over the next few years to meet the challenges of a future high-end conflict.
Capt. George Dickens will serve as MSRON 5’s commanding officer and will lead approximately 430 personnel from the active duty, Training and Administration of the Reserve, and Reserve components.
“Rear Admiral Hendrix, thank you for your leadership, guidance and direction as we build the MSRON 5 team and get after force design and force generation requirements of Rear Adm. Andros’ North Star of the NECF Response Plan,” said Dickens. “To the troops, we will make this organization strong and resilient, ready for the next challenge and help us stand ready to face the threats our Nation defends against.”
Rear Adm. Brad Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, presided over the establishment ceremony for MSRON 6 on Dec. 14 in Virginia Beach.
“As we navigate an ever-changing world, it is imperative that we remain vigilant, adaptable, and prepared to face the challenges that lie ahead,” said Andros. “To prepare for this future, we must embrace innovation, invest in technology, and adapt our strategies and force structure to meet emerging threats and maintain our competitive edge.”
Similar to MSRON 5’s history, MSRON 6 also pre-existed as a commissioned unit before being disestablished. While active throughout the 2000s and 2010s, MSRON-6 supported global operations, including participation Operation Unified Response in 2010, providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, and in Continuing Promise 2011. Today’s MSRON-6 unit was formed from the Sailors and authorities previously aligned to MSRON 10’s Security Boat Company Delta.
Capt. Cameron Rountree will serve as MSRON 6’s commanding officer. During the ceremony, he signified the transition and renaming of the unit by hauling down the Special Boat Company Delta pennant and breaking the new MSRON 6 pennant.
Two additional Reserve MSRONs will be established within the next year, bringing the total number of Reserve MSRONs to eight, complementing the three active duty MSRONs.
The force design changes to the MESF were driven by the National Defense Strategy and the need for more units capable of supporting major combat operations with peer strategic competitors. The establishment of additional MSRONs will better prepare the Navy for sustained high-end joint and combined conflict in line with the Chief of Naval Operation’s Navigation Plan and put more ready players on the field from the strategic bench-depth of the Navy Reserves.
The MESF deploys globally and operates throughout the sea-to-shore and inland operating environment protecting maritime infrastructure, providing insertion and extraction capabilities and supporting Fleet assets in support of maritime operations. Learn more about NECC and the MESF by visiting our website.
| Date Taken: | 12.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2025 14:58 |
| Story ID: | 488010 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
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