I arrived at the station in time to join the crew getting outfitted with body armor, helmets and, for those who would be armed, weapons for direct intervention and warning. The rule, established by the captain of the port for the Maryland-National Capital Region under 33 CFR Part 165, “prohibits vessels and persons from entering the security zone and requires vessels and persons in the security zone to depart the security zone.” Basically, that means we will kick you out and prevent anyone from coming inside the restricted area.

We all gathered in the training room for a mission brief, enforcing a security zone on the Severn River near McCain’s final resting place at the historic U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery. We went down to the boat, mounted the M240 machine gun, started the engines and cast off lines.