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NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308 (PSU 308) held a change of command ceremony, Saturday, at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center.
Cmdr. Jeffery Yoder relieved Cmdr. Paul Green as the commanding officer of PSU 308. Capt. Danielle Shupe, Deputy Chief for Operations, Pacific Area, presided over the ceremony.
Cmdr. Green served as PSU 308’s commanding officer from September 2021 to Sept. 4, 2024, and led the unit through post-COVID-19 pandemic protocols, utilizing best practices to ensure unit readiness and maintenance of member qualifications after the unit returned from deployment to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. With Cmdr. Green’s vision, PSU 308 engaged in five separate Coast Guard and Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Exercises and Operations showcasing PSU's abilities. “As Sentinels, we proudly serve to make a real difference in the security, safety and prosperity of our Nation," said Cmdr. Green. "We serve to care for one another, our families and our profession.”
Cmdr. Yoder served as executive officer of PSU 312 in San Francisco, California, from August 2020 to November 2023. During that time, he deployed to Bowen, Australia with PSU 312 in support of US Army Pacific and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command during the execution of Operation Talisman Saber 2023. Cmdr. Yoder was assigned to Coast Guard Sector Columbia River as the Response Department Head before taking command of PSU 308. “I am honored to be a part of PSU 308 and look forward to working with every member of this unit," said Cmdr. Yoder. "As we pursue new opportunities to work with our DoD partners and participate in future training exercises, we remain ready to answer the call to ensure freedom of movement and maritime security.”
Port Security Units are deployable specialized forces that are primarily comprised of reservists and are utilized for expeditionary operations. PSUs provide land and waterborne security for shipping lanes, critical port facilities and infrastructure in support of the United States along with humanitarian operations. They are designed to be ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 96 hours to support maritime security missions. In its history, PSU 308 has deployed to Bahrain, Port of Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
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