Safety Zone Patrol in front of the USS Kidd.

Port Security Operations

On July 4th, 2004, Flotilla 4-10 members, CeCe Bundick, Cleve Chandler, Charles Dupuy, John Evans, Bob Hazey, Jim Harris, Cheryl McKinstry, Tom McKinstry and Dale Tate joined with Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit - Baton Rouge (MSU-BR) in port security operations at the Independence Day Celebration on the Mississippi River at the Port of Baton Rouge.

The 24' Coast Guard Facility of Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge was manned by PO1 James Wood (Coxswain and port security coordinator), LTJG Dennis Ryan, FTN Phillip Wattigney, PO2 Daryl Lirette, and PO Mike McCain.

The Mississippi River was closed to all traffic and a safety zone was put into effect between the I-10 Bridge and the Old Mississippi River Bridge from 1800 to 1845 for the re-enactment of air attack of the USS Kidd of World War II. A second safety zone was enforced during the firework display from 2100 to 2145.

Also involved in the port security operations was the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Flotilla with our own John Buie at the helm. During the secured periods, only a couple of minor breaches of the secured area occurred but was quickly resolved. Despite the early evening thundershowers, the July 4th event was a success both to Baton Rouge and Team Coast Guard!