SAVANNAH, Ga. (USTCNS) -- Ever vigilant, the silent sentries of the 4249th Port Security Detachment stand ready at various points around the port providing force protection.

One of three PSD units wartraced to the Military Traffic Management Command Deployment Support Command, members of the 4249th find themselves with a higher than average operation tempo.

"On the average, we deploy twice a year on missions," said Capt. Marty Pennock, 4249th commander. "When we deploy, we do so knowing that in most cases we will spend more than two weeks on active duty. We understand the expectations and requirements that comes with supporting port operations."

With more than your average number of missions each year and the longevity of each one, some might think the unit would have a problem with retention. According to Pennock, it's exactly the opposite.

"Right now we are at over-strength," said Pennock who has been with the unit since 1995. "Part of what keeps the unit at strength is the type of active duty training we offer. We don't just gather and give them 'to do' things at the drill hall. We give them a sense of purpose and they know whatever we are doing will come in handy when we deploy."

Recently, a cell from the unit first arrived in Savannah in support of a redeployment mission. After that mission ended, members of the unit stayed behind additional days to provide support for a sealift emergency deployment readiness exercise.

"I have a lot of personnel with military and law enforcement experience in the unit and that makes my job a lot easier," said Pennock a native of Sioux Falls, S.D. "they realize the loading operations provides for excellent training opportunities. Other units are sent anywhere and are expected to fall in on a mission with little information on the location's (security) climate. We are fortunate to be able to train at our deployment site so we're ready if the balloon went up."

According to Pennock, training at the port allows the unit to build up relationships with the local law enforcement units.

"We know the lay of the land and the local law enforcement agencies we would be working with," he said. "We could hit the ground running and fall into place at a moments notice to assist in any real time crisis. That kind of training is invaluable."
(FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)