Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron THREE (CRS 3), based out of Navy Outlying Field Imperial Beach, California, returned home Aug. 3 following a seven-month deployment supporting U.S. Africa Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Pacific Command.

Arriving in the hot afternoon, the Sailors were greeted by friends, family, and shipmates at Naval Air Station North Island with support provided by USO San Diego and the CRS 3 Family Readiness Group.

"Serving alongside these patriots has been a privilege and I'm extremely proud of their professionalism and perseverance. " said Cmdr. Mark Postill, CRS 3 Commanding Officer.

While deployed, the 420 Sailors provided force protection and security escort for over 300 U.S. vessel port visits to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as organic security and intelligence support for U.S. Navy support ships underway in the Mediterranean Sea.

Additionally, CRS 3 MK VI units participated in inter-operations missions with Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal units located throughout the FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleets.

"Around the clock in multiple Fleets, the men and women of this Squadron kept our Naval facilities, ships and aircraft safe. They operationally raised the bar with the MK VI Patrol Boat program, they led and they have served," said Postill.

CRS 3 is an active duty component of the Coastal Riverine Force (CRF) that provides forces for the protection of designated assets and infrastructure against Level I and II threats in coastal areas outside the U.S. in support of national policy, and within the U.S. as part of the Nation's Homeland Defense. The CRF is capable of conducting 24-hour operations in all weather conditions and climates anywhere around the world.

For more news from Coastal Riverine Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/crg1/.

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For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/.