Reservist

ISS1 2017

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

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Secure From The Start The New York City Marathon brings over 50,000 runners to New York City every year from over 120 countries. Coast Guard Sector New York, at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, N.Y., marks the start of the race. It is easy to see this many people preparing for the long run ahead of them, but it's what you can't see that ensures the safety of all of the runners. On Monday, November 7, 2016, a large team consisting of 56 Coast Guard Auxilarists, nine active duty and Reserve Coast Guard personnel, 10 Maritime Safety and Security Team members and two Coast Guard K-9 units ensured the safety of the runners by keeping a close watch on activity on and around the base. All of these people were critical to a successful security operation the day of the race. "The New York City Marathon is a great operation to showcase the spirit of volunteerism that we all as Coast Guard members share," said Capt. Michael H. Day, Sector New York. captain of the port. "What people do not see is all of the work that goes on behind the scenes, such as protecting the bridges, extra ferry patrols and all the operational law enforcement support here on base." The day begins at 4:45 a.m. with a security briefing where all security members are instructed on topics ranging from the weather to what time every wave of runners will be leaving the base to begin the marathon. They also assemble strike teams mixed with Auxiliarists and Coast Guard personnel and place them in strategic locations throughout the base, keeping in contact through radio communication. "To make this security mission successful we are very aware of three watch words. Safety, awareness and teamwork," said Michael Di Trani, the command security officer of Sector New York. "These three words go hand in hand today. Awareness and teamwork ensure safety. Safety and teamwork create awareness. Awareness and safety requires teamwork." The runners are bused to Fort Wadsworth from multiple pick-up locations around New York. Prior to their 5 a.m. arrival, runners are screened when they board the bus and New York City police officers screen them before they are permitted on base. The process has been refined over the years to be more efficient, and more importantly, safer and more secure. The marathon was very successful this year in terms of securing Fort Wadsworth. There were no incidents and radio communication was very quiet throughout the day which meant everything went seamlessly. The day concluded with a follow-up meeting led by Di Trani to ask all of the participating security personnel what could be improved for the next year. "Things have changed for the better since last year, there are extra fences and better security measures put in place for the runners" said Auxiliarist Jim Humphrey, crewmember at Flotilla 24 based in Keyport, N.J. "I enjoy watching the people from all over the world, and we help to keep them safe." Two members of the Coast Guard Police Department stationed at Sector n ew York, patrol the start of the n ew York City Marathon in Staten Island. Lt.j.g. Brooklyn Andreasen, a member of Coast Guard Sector n ew York, reviews the n ew York City Marathon schedule with another shipmate. 16 RESERVIST � Issue 1 • 2017

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