The Sector Hampton Roads Reserve Force is comprised of approximately 170 members who are integrated with the active duty component in executing the full continuum of daily Coast Guard missions while training for mobilization. The Commandant’s Reserve Policy Statement requires the Reserve Force to focus specifically on training towards competencies that support Maritime Homeland Security, National Defense and response to natural and man-made disasters.

Fifty percent of Sector Hampton Roads’ reservists are assigned to the Sector staff. Reservists assigned to the Sector Hampton Roads staff successfully respond to pollution cases, conduct transfer monitors, screen and inspect foreign freight vessels, execute facility inspections, conduct vessel security missions, plan and execute Mobilization Exercises, coordinate multi-agency Search and Rescue forums, and provide logistical and administrative mission support.

The other fifty percent of the Sector’s reservists are assigned to Sector sub-units including the Sector Field Office Eastern Shore and five Multi-Mission Stations (STA Cape Charles, STA Little Creek, STA Milford Haven, and STA Portsmouth). Station reservists primarily serve as contingency boat crew members, engineers and coxswains. They also participate in Law Enforcement missions that require qualifications as Boarding Officer and Boarding Team Members.

Many of our reserve force in their civilian capacities work in law enforcement, emergency response, maritime intelligence, environmental compliance and health, boating, and Federal Civil Service - and some are college students. They bring myriad of civilian experience to their jobs, further enhancing our Coast Guard capabilities. These dedicated reservist travel as far as New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia.

With the Coast Guard-wide establishment of the Reserve Force Readiness System (RFRS), Sector Hampton Roads has four RFRS positions. This staff consists of a LT, a BMC, a YN1, and one civilian. The RFRS staff monitors readiness and training requirements, provides reports and guidance/assistance to active duty and reserve leadership to ensure reserve compliance in physical and administrative readiness as well as mandated training and competencies. The RFRS staff also hosts several reserve workshops for both active duty and reserve personnel throughout the year.

During contingencies such as military outloads and Operation DEEPWATER HORIZON, the RFRS staff worked with District FIVE and the SPO to ensure timely processing of orders and smooth mobilization. Generally, 15-20% of our reserve force is continuously deployed, augmenting the Coast Guard in various missions such as Haiti’s earthquake relief effort and military outloads, both stateside and overseas. For Operation DEEPWATER HORIZON alone, over 80 reservists were deployed within 48 hours when the Coast Guard recalled them into action.