being placed on the port security advisory, which would have significantly increased U.S. Coast Guard security boardings as well as induced economic hardships to Guyana. Now, Guyana is not only effectively meeting the ISPS code, it’s leading the way for the rest of the region. This was especially inspiring, as I’m taking over in his footsteps.” How did your reserve experience prior to IPS prepare you for working here? “I was one of the many reservists brought on to augment the active duty to ensure port facilities were effectively implementing the newly promulgated MTSA 2002 regulations. In 2004, I qualified as a safety and security facility inspector, and I had the exciting opportunity to train and lead reservists and active duty members to inspect facilities in the Hampton Roads area. This assignment opened the door for many other active duty opportunities, including becoming a Reserve Program Administrator (RPA) and working in the IPS Program.” ASSESSMENTS LCDR John Garr Lt. Cmdr. Garr joined the IPS Program in 2018. As an IPS assessor and a head of delegation, he travels throughout the world and oversees IPS Program delegations to ensure the success of country assessments. He leads team discussions with each country’s designated authority and U.S. Embassy representatives to ascertain security vulnerabilities and share best practices in enhancing security measures. What was your most salient experience in the last year? “My most meaningful experience has been the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with U.S. embassy and foreign partners, to help implement effective anti-terrorism measures throughout the world.” How did your reserve experience prior to IPS prepare you for working here? “My 10 years of prior reserve experience definitely helped pave the way for the opportunity to serve in the IPS Program. These different reserve mobilization experiences helped me to learn skillsets such as maritime security, effective communication and collaboration, training and instruction, crisis management, interagency cooperation, international affairs, and team leadership. Each assignment at MSU Savannah, Deepwater Horizon Oil spill, U.S. Northern Command, CG-8, Special Missions Training Center, and Sector North Carolina played an important role in my development. Without these varied reserve experiences, I would not have gained the foundation or confidence needed to work on the international stage.” CAPACITY BUILDING LCDR Edward “Tom” Ayoub Lt. Cmdr. Tom Ayoub originally joined the IPS program as an active duty member in 2016 and returned to the program in 2019 as a drilling reservist. As a member of the Capacity Building team, he traverses the globe from the South Pacific to the Middle East, working towards improving port security and foreign relations by conducting capacity building seminars on various port security related topics. 16 RESERVIST � Issue 2 • 2020 What was your most salient experience in the last year? “My most memorable experience was being hosted by the Qatari leadership at their "cottage" in the desert outside of Doha the last evening we were in Qatar. It was a posh mansion complete with an outdoor pool and a zoo. Our team was able to discuss the ongoing cooperation between our countries in the realm of port security while enjoying Middle Eastern cuisine and seeing animals unique to the area, such as camels, and birds, such as falcons. During our meal I tried out my fledgling Arabic with the family elders who spoke no English, and I was awarded the honorary strip of goat meat for my efforts! It was an awesome experience that blended our mission with cultural appreciation and further ingratiated our program to the leadership of Qatar.” How did your reserve experience prior to IPS prepare you for working here? “While this is my first tour as a reservist, I am able to carry over my previous prevention and IPS experience to members of my team. Being a reservist has opened my eyes to the fact I can bring things I learn in my civilian job to help strengthen Coast Guard missions. Building friendships, partnerships, and relationships between agencies and departments is integral to our success, and the Coast Guard Reserve is the perfect tool to foster such cooperation.” LT Alisa Richardson Lt. Alisa Richardson joined the IPS Program in 2019. As a Capacity Building team member, she facilitates port collaboration by security guiding discussions related to port security, emphasizing the importance of ISPS code implementation, security awareness, training, drills and exercises to government and industrial stakeholders. What was your most salient experience in the last year? “Bringing my family with me to St. Vincent for a Capacity Building engagement with IPS. It was an experience we’ll never forget. It took a little extra effort and coordination to have my young daughter join us, but it was worth the memories. The Vincentians left such a positive impression on us: the hospitality we experienced at the hotel, the friendly people we met while transiting to a neighboring island, and the support we received from the local Coast Guard and maritime industry. Not only did I get to share my training and exercise skills with them, they provided me insight into Caribbean culture, tourism, and the importance of security in the cruise industry. It was a wonderful trip that left us wanting to return, but only on a yacht next time!”
