This included response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, in support of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and more recently deploying specialized counter piracy boarding teams to the Middle East, such as Operation Ocean Shield, where TACLET and MSST teams part of Combined Task Force 151 were an integral role in Somali counterpiracy.

Deployable Specialized Forces manages Coast Guard personnel assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).

Teams of around 12 operators typically augment U.S. Navy vessels to conduct high-level Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), training, and assistance.

The MSRT is trained to be the first response unit to potential terrorist threats, deny preemptive terrorist actions, execute security actions against armed hostiles and/or non-compliant threats, participate in port level counter-terrorism exercises, execute tactical facility entry, and educate other forces on Coast Guard's counter-terrorism procedures.

Although the MSRT's focus is primarily on the safety and security of homeland defense, it is capable of rapidly deploying worldwide in response to incidents.

The eleven MSSTs provide both waterborne and shore-side counter-terrorism and force protection for strategic shipping, high interest vessels, and critical infrastructure.

MSST special capabilities include: The National Strike Force (NSF) was established in 1973 as a direct result of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972.

[13] The NSF provides highly trained, experienced personnel and specialized equipment to Coast Guard and other federal agencies to facilitate preparedness for and response to oil discharges, hazardous materials releases, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents.

Similar to PSU's they provide anti-terrorism / force protection for forward deployed base camps and ports around the world where needed.

Other units that PSUs train and integrate with are Navy Expeditionary Combat Command or abroad in support of various Department of Defense operations.

[16] Port Security units are trained and equipped to provide: The DSF has two Regional Dive Lockers that provide full-time diving capability for three primary missions: Ports and Waterways Coastal Security (PWCS); Aids to Navigation (ATON); and ship husbandry and repair in remote polar regions.