Early command opportunities are disappearing in the surface force, but not in the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s Maritime Expeditionary Security Force.
Maritime expeditionary security forces conduct antiterrorism and force protection operations in ports, harbors, and waterways around the world, supporting Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, for Africa and European Command missions; CTF-75 in the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility; and CTF-56 for Central Command. Under each of these task forces is a task group led by a lieutenant from one of the maritime expeditionary security squadrons (MSRons).
MSRon 2 was the first active-duty squadron to certify and deploy these task groups, demonstrating their combat readiness during a final evaluation problem and their ability to command and control forces during a Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Integrated Exercise.
In January 2024, Lieutenant Isabelle Larson assumed command of Task Group 56.7, supporting maritime high-value asset protection in the ports of Jebel Ali and Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Lieutenant Andrew Yerrell assumed command of Task Group 75.4, to support CTF-75 integration with Navy and Marine Corps forces and deter aggression in the Pacific. Task Force 68 is supported by Lieutenant Mitch Allen, Commander, Task Group 68.4, who provides security platoons capable of conducting embarked, land-side, and aircraft security missions. In addition, MSRon lieutenants routinely support high-value-asset transits through the Panama Canal and exercises and subject matter expert exchanges in South America, Europe, and Asia.
These post-division-tour officers carry authorities and responsibilities normally reserved for more-senior officers. On the traditional surface warfare officer career path, they generally would not be eligible for command until they completed at least one department head tour. Being assigned as boat company officer-in-charge means overseeing operational forces while working directly for the Echelon IV operational commander on deployment.
At home at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story, Virginia, and Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California, MSRon lieutenants are responsible for the training, operations, and maintenance of boat companies that include more than 60 chief petty officers and sailors preparing for and maintaining various mission certifications. Once on deployment, these lieutenants are issued the charge of command and report directly to the task force commander in conducting harbor security and high-value-asset protection missions, while simultaneously managing a maintenance support component, armory operations, and C2 equipment, including both encrypted “green gear” radios and expeditionary networks.
Juggling training, day-to-day administrative requirements, and stateside operational support is a challenge, but these officers hone their management and small-unit leadership skills during the training cycle to prepare for dynamic deployment opportunities. Officers selected for MSRon tours are continually challenged to lead operations outside their designated specialties to broaden their leadership skills. Small-unit leadership skills are at a premium in the maritime expeditionary security community, and these officers are recognized by the small-craft insignia device they wear proudly on their left pocket.
While these billets do not require signing up for the department head retention bonus, they do require physically fit and mentally tough officers with an exceptional ability to lead, communicate effectively, and understand and act on commander’s intent for a geographically separated task force. Young surface warfare officers eager for the challenges and excitement of early command will find it in the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force.
