Charleston, W.Va. –
April 11, 2025, marked a milestone for the West Virginia National Guard’s Army Interagency Training and Education Center U.S. Coast Guard Port Security and Resiliency Assessment Team when it joined the U.S. Army Reserve Civil Affairs unit based out of Syracuse, New York, to provide Soldiers with foundational maritime security knowledge, familiarization with port infrastructure, and assessment methodology, all essential for future mission success in coastal environments.
“This marks the first time the U.S. Coast Guard’s PSA-2 division has received and fulfilled a request specifically focused on maritime critical infrastructure training for a Civil Affairs unit,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Mackey, who represented the WVNG alongside 1st Sgt. Jason Skidmore. “Being part of this collaboration not only enhanced the training value for the Soldiers but also strengthened interagency partnerships.”
The training was requested by U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Josh Feldmann, who leads a team of 21 Soldiers preparing to work at logistical nodes in European port areas. The training was part of a scheduled drill weekend and focused on providing hands-on experience in port and maritime security operations.
WVNG USCG PSRA created a tailored program including classroom instruction and a practical assessment exercise conducted on-site at the Port of Oswego, New York, a U.S. port of call and deepwater port on the Great Lakes.
Led by USCG Lieutenant Commander James Berry and supported by the AITEC team under USCG PSA-2, introduced the Army Reserve Soldiers to basic maritime security awareness, port operations, and infrastructure assessment methodology. The Port of Oswego volunteered its facilities for the training, adding real-world relevance and access to logistics infrastructure.
Feldmann expressed appreciation for the joint support, calling the experience a creative and meaningful opportunity to prepare his team for missions within the European area of responsibility.
The event emphasises the growing need for collaboration between military branches and federal partners, particularly in areas related to critical infrastructure and security. For the WVNG and AITEC, it was a unique opportunity to bring its expertise into a new operational space, one that has the potential to shape future training and partnerships.