Successful port mission requires security.

Ever vigilant, the silent sentries of the 4249th Port Security Detachment provide an often unseen presence at dockside.

One of three port security units which support the Deployment Support Command, members of the 4249th find themselves with a higher-than-average operation tempo.

The unit was supporting a Sealift Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise in Savannah, Ga., in late April.

"On the average, we deploy twice a year on missions," said Capt. Marty Pennock, Commander.

"When we deploy, we do so knowing that in most cases we will spend more than two weeks on active duty."

There are no longer port security companies found in the active Army--all are in the Army Reserve.

With long, multiple missions each year, some might think the unit would have a problem with retention.

The opposite is true.

"Right now we are at over-strength," said Pennock, a member since 1995. Part of what keeps the unit at strength is the type of active duty training we offer.

"We give (unit members) a sense of purpose and they know whatever we're doing will come in handy when we deploy."

The Savannah exercise was an example. The unit was assigned to Savannah in support of a redeployment mission. When that mission ended, unit members stayed behind to support the 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. "They realize the loading operations provide for excellent training opportunities."

The unit is fortunate to train at deployment sites where they might be assigned in a contingency mission, he added.

"Port training allows units to build relationships with local law enforcement units," said Pennock.

"We know the lay of the land and the local law enforcement agencies we'd be working with. We could hit the ground running and fall into place at a moment's notice to assist in any real-time crisis. That kind of training is invaluable."