About this Unit
**Sea Beach West Loch / MSRON 3 Military History:**
Sea Beach West Loch traces its origins to the pivotal amphibious operations of World War II, notably serving as a critical staging area during the 1944 West Loch disaster at Pearl Harbor. In subsequent decades, its legacy of expeditionary maritime support was carried forward by Military Sealift Command’s Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 (MSRON 3), established to provide force protection and port security for naval and joint operations worldwide. MSRON 3 has participated in numerous deployments supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, ensuring the safety of high-value assets and harbor facilities. The unit remains an integral component of the U.S. Navy’s maritime security posture, combining historical experience with modern capabilities to protect global seaborne logistics.
Historical Facts
•
Origins as a WWII Staging Site: The area known as Sea Beach West Loch, now associated with MSRON 3, was originally developed during World War II as a crucial staging area for amphibious operations in the Pacific theater.
•
West Loch Disaster: On May 21, 1944, a catastrophic series of explosions—now called the West Loch Disaster—destroyed six LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank) and killed 163 personnel, highlighting the dangers faced by military logisticians.
•
Birth of MSRON 3: Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 (MSRON 3) traces its lineage to earlier harbor defense units and was formally redesignated as part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in 2004, focusing on maritime security.
•
Critical Role in Operation Iraqi Freedom: MSRON 3 was among the first Navy security units to deploy to the Persian Gulf, providing port and harbor security for U.S. and coalition ships during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
•
Innovators in Waterside Security: The squadron has pioneered the use of small, fast patrol boats and advanced surveillance systems to protect high-value naval assets in ports around the world.
•
Joint Operations: MSRON 3 frequently works alongside Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and allied nation forces during multinational exercises and real-world contingencies.
•
Participation in RIMPAC: The unit regularly supports the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, held biennially in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
•
Adaptability in Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat duties, MSRON 3 personnel have provided security for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
•
Specialized Training: MSRON 3 members undergo rigorous training in anti-terrorism, force protection, and small boat tactics, making them experts in waterside defense.
•
Emblem and Motto: The squadron’s emblem features a trident and anchor, symbolizing maritime strength and readiness. Their unofficial motto, “Vigilance at the Water’s Edge,” reflects their commitment to 24/7 protection of naval assets.
