FASTCENT Debuts C-UAS, Alert Platoon Activated
by U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Michelle Lin
November 6, 2026

U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Central Command (FASTCENT) recently executed the first direct, land-based counter-drone campaign in U.S. Marine Corps history and activated the first emergency embassy alert mission in 15 years while operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Operating under Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) ... FASTCENT consistently maintains a platoon-sized alert force in a ready state on a rapid response timeline to provide expeditionary, scalable offensive and defensive capability to the fleet in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.

Additionally, FASTCENT provides direct support to U.S. Embassy Bahrain and Department of State (DOS) diplomatic facilities and personnel throughout the region, coordinating directly with their respective Regional Security Offices (RSOs).

Historically, FAST companies were established to provide rapid-response, short-notice security to protect vital naval and national assets from terrorist threats. This recent operational tempo marks a significant evolution in that mandate.

While the unit activated its first rapid-response embassy alert mission since deploying to Sana’a, Yemen, 15 years ago, the integration of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) represents a shift from traditional perimeter defense to modern, multi-domain force protection.

During recent heightened regional instability, FASTCENT maintained a high-readiness posture, sustaining continuous battlespace observation. Operating alongside Navy, Army, National Guard, Bahrain Defense Force, and British forces, FASTCENT Marines bolstered Naval Support Activity Bahrain’s layered air defense.

To meet both historical anti-terrorism mandates and these emerging technological threats, FASTCENT Marines complete a specialized training pipeline before deployment.

Marines attend the 33-day Basic Security Guard Course at Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex in Chesapeake, Virginia, where they train in precision fires, machine guns, shotguns, non-lethal munitions, and riot formations to earn the 8152 Military Occupational Specialty.

Following certification by the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment in Norfolk, Virginia, the Marines join their platoons and conduct regular training with partner nation militaries, including the Bahrain Defense Force and Saudi Armed Forces. This training focuses on live-fire exercises, platoon-level attacks, close quarters battle, and quick reaction force (QRF) rehearsals.

“The strength of a FAST platoon is our absolute adaptability,” said Capt. James M. Winston, a FASTCENT platoon commander from Kansas City, Missouri. “That combat mindset enables us to integrate seamlessly with joint and partner forces, whether we are reinforcing an embassy, countering UAS threats, or securing vital transit hubs.”

This adaptability was utilized during a series of escalating regional operations beginning in 2023.

FASTCENT initially provided pier-side force protection for submarines in Oman before escorting a NAVCENT vessel through the Red Sea to South Sudan. During this mission, the team conducted biometric vetting and provided enroute security, medical monitoring, and humanitarian aid for evacuees transiting to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Later that year, FASTCENT conducted expeditionary site security in Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a U.S.-led maritime operation launched in response to attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Following these operations, direct threats against facilities in Bahrain escalated. When the first drone strikes occurred, FASTCENT shifted into real-world force protection.

Serving as an acting platoon commander, Staff Sgt. Nathan A. Gibson led a QRF to protect the U.S. Embassy and the ambassador.

“When the drone threat emerged,” said Gibson, a native of Meridian, Mississippi, “that preparation allowed us to deploy the DRAKE and secure the perimeter as a matter of second nature, ensuring the protection of non-combatants, ammunition, and mission-essential assets.”

FASTCENT supported Base Air Defense Center operations by utilizing the Drone Restricted Access Using Known Electromagnetic Warfare (DRAKE) system.

The DRAKE is a portable, single-operator system that detects, tracks, and disrupts unauthorized drones in real time by repelling them based on their frequency. Concurrently, Marines maintained and reloaded Coyote interceptors at the installation to neutralize incoming threats.

"Our Marines shifted into real-world force protection under highly compressed timelines and evolving threats without hesitation,” Winston said.

As the security situation evolved, FASTCENT shifted to support evacuation operations. Following the Department of State’s Ordered Departure mandate for non-emergency government personnel and family members in Bahrain, FASTCENT Marines conducted daily armed patrols to secure vital infrastructure, assisting with the security and evacuation processes.

Additionally, supported by a dedicated cadre of 20 permanent Marines, the unit conducted three airfield security missions to reposition Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 61 (VR-61) aircraft from Bahrain International Airport, securing transit hubs during the movements.

“Watching my Marines conduct themselves with absolute professionalism,” said Gibson, “while providing security during those evacuations was a proud moment for me as a leader.”

Following the evacuations in Bahrain, FASTCENT projected a rapid-response squad into Lebanon for an alert mission in direct support of U.S. Embassy Beirut. The Marines secured U.S. interests, developed contingency plans, and reinforced defensive positions for the diplomatic facility.

During these multi-domain engagements, FASTCENT Marines not only secured vital installations but stood in solidarity with the joint forces fighting beside them.

Following an adversary missile strike in the region, FASTCENT Marines recovered a battle-damaged U.S. Army flag from the blast radius. In a demonstration of joint-force camaraderie under fire, the Marines presented the recovered flag to the National Guard’s 121st Field Artillery Regiment, which operates the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in the region.

For the Marines of FASTCENT, navigating these emerging regional threats served as the ultimate test of their preparation.

“While I trained for conventional combat and felt prepared, the unique obstacles of fifth-generation warfare were a new experience for all of us," said Cpl. Bennett Burke Pennington, a FASTCENT fire team leader from Provo, Utah. "Navigating those challenges was demanding, but it ultimately sharpened my leadership and enhanced my ability to apply our training in real-world scenarios."

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