72 Coast Guard reservists end dutyGroup's mission was as security for military cargoBy Fanny S. Chirinos
September 30, 2008
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX. - Today is the last day at the Port of Corpus Christi for 72 Coast Guard reservists who have been providing water security for military cargo.
One reservist went into active duty to help with administrative duties and the other 71 went back to regular reserve status, said Capt. Robert Paulison, Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi commander.
"We're being asked to do the same work with less people," said Paulison, who added he was notified of the change at the end of July. "In the past year, we have become one of the least active ports in the country. That's why (the Coast Guard) picked us."
Since the unit first was mobilized in 2003, the military seaport has averaged about 12 cargo movements per year, but those have dropped to about four in the past year, Paulison said.
The demobilization allows the Coast Guard to use those operational funds to fund a mission of higher priority, he added.
"I don't know what mission that is, but I was told it was a port security unit," he said. "Most likely it's at an overseas port."
Paulison said he hopes the funds are made available to the sector next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, 2009. Until then, he plans on requesting supplemental forces from other parts of the sector.
The 71 personnel who have been demobilized will go to back to regular reservist status, training one weekend a month and two full weeks a year. Some will have the opportunity to become active, based on qualifications, Paulison added.
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