U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta to Commission Anti-Terror Unit

Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta presented 18 Transportation 9-11 Medals to government security officials and commission the Coast Guard’s newest anti-terror team at the Coast Guard base on Terminal Island, 2 p.m. Sunday, September 8. The new medal is awarded to employees of the Department of Transportation and private citizens for meritorious service resulting from the unique and outstanding achievement in response to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The commissioning ceremony for Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) 91103 is a military ceremony that marks the operational status of the unit. The MSST is a specialized fast-response unit created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. The unit completed weapons and special boat tactics training at the Marine Corps’ Camp Lejeune during August. The 100-member team is modeled after existing Coast Guard Port Security Units and Law Enforcement Detachments and will provide a fast-deployment response to enhance the Coast Guard’s homeland security efforts along the West Coast. Like most Coast Guard units, MSST 91103 will be multi-mission capable, and can be called upon if necessary to conduct search and rescue and law enforcement activities.