U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain on June 28, 2018.
Vice Adm. Scott A. Buschman, Coast Guard Atlantic Area commander, presided over the ceremony where Capt. J. Paul Gregg relieved Capt. Clinton S. Carlson as PATFORSWA commodore.
As Gregg takes on the challenge as the new commander, Task Group 55.1, the expertise provided by PATFORSWA continues to evolve with the changing dynamics of the Middle East, emphasizing the flexibility of our crews and our steadfast service motto, Semper Paratus, “Always Ready.”
PATFORSWA is the Coast Guard’s largest unit outside of the United States and plays a key role in maritime security, maritime infrastructure protection, theater security cooperation and counter-smuggling operations with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. PATFORSWA is composed of six 110-foot Coast Guard cutters, shore-side support personnel, a Maritime Engagement Team and supports other Coast Guard deployable specialized forces operating throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Since the establishment of PATFORSWA in 2002, Coast Guard capabilities have been in high demand within the CENTCOM area of responsibility, which continues to increase as their expertise is sought to combat counter-smuggling operations through the Combined Maritime Forces and Visit Board Search and Seizure subject matter exchanges.
Leveraging the Coast Guard’s status as a worldwide leader in maritime counter-smuggling, PATFORSWA has shared expertise annually with over 1,500 personnel from over 35 partner countries. Additionally, PATFORSWA has provided subject matter expert exchanges in other Coast Guard areas of expertise such as Small Boat Operations, Search and Rescue, Damage Control, and Engineering.
