Navy to cut two security squadrons

NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- To cut costs, the U.S. Navy will disband two of its 13 security squadrons, one on each coast, officials said.

The Navy maintains the squadrons to provide protection, both on water and ashore, for high-value Navy assets such as supply ships, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Monday.

Half of the squadrons are based Hampton Roads, Va., and half in San Diego.

One 300-member squadron will be cut from each coast effective October 2011, with their boats and equipment distributed among the remaining squadrons, the Navy said.

The squadron to be cut on the East coast is based at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.

The squadrons routinely deploy around the globe, the Virginian-Pilot said.