Coast Guard PSU 309 Returns from CJLOTS 26 Exercise in South Korea

8 September 2026
Edited By: Haley McQueen

US Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 309 crew members recently returned to Port Clinton, Ohio, after demonstrating waterside security capabilities during US Transportation Command's Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJLOTS) exercise held July 10–20 in Pohang.

A US Army temporary pier system enables shiptoshore offloading and provides a mooring point for US Coast Guard Port Security Unit 309’s 32foot Transportable Port Security Boats at Yeongil Bay, Pohang, South Korea, during Combined Joint Logistics OvertheShore (CJLOTS) 26, July 13, 2026. Conducted under the 1953 ROKUS Mutual Defense Treaty, CJLOTS 26 strengthens the Alliance’s commitment to regional peace and security. (Image credit: Lt. Ashlee Stephens, US Coast Guard)

The Pacific is home to five of the seven US security alliances: Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). This was the first time in nine years that the ROK and the United States conducted this complex, combined training event.

The international logistics exercise tests the ability of US forces to mobilize and transport personnel and materiel, and establish logistics lines in a simulated contested environment.

More than 1,900 service members from the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, ROK Navy, and ROK Coast Guard participated in the exercise.

The training focused on the process of discharging military cargo from ships at sea to an undeveloped shoreline. ROK and US service members worked together to establish temporary port facilities to deliver equipment, vehicles, and supplies, ensuring combined forces can sustain operations in any environment or degraded port scenario.

“During CJLOTS 26, PSU 309 exemplified the US Coast Guard’s hallmark agility and operational flexibility, proving our ability to seamlessly integrate into the joint and combined command structure and demonstrate our outstanding value to the Joint Force and steadfast commitment to the US Pacific Command area of responsibility,” said Cmdr. Kristopher Nolan, PSU 309’s commanding officer.

PSU 309’s participation highlighted the Coast Guard’s adaptability within a combatant command, providing waterside security to US and ROK forces in a 24-hour operational environment and deterring 70 recreational vessels from entering the security zone.

Conducted in the spirit of the October 1, 1953, ROK–US Mutual Defense Treaty, CJLOTS 26 reinforces the alliance’s role as the linchpin of regional peace and security and reaffirms the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea.

PSU missions include providing waterborne and land-based protection for shipping and critical port facilities. PSU 309 is one of eight units capable of global deployment within 96 hours of recall. PSUs also support domestic missions, including humanitarian assistance, and can operate independently or alongside other Department of War units.