The team was formed in 1990 when Base St. Louis determined that several offices needed to be relocated to another building at the base. The active duty side of the house did not have the personnel to do the work in addition to their regular workload, so they called on the Coast Guard Reserve for help. Soon thereafter, Coast Guard units around the area began to request the skills of the RIAT for construction assistance. Since then, CWO Terry Adams, a master electrician, has served as the RIAT's team leader and they have built an impressive record of accomplishments. The trailers have been custom-designed by the RIAT and carry virtually every tool for any job.
Members voluntarily provide their own hand tools and even some power tools.
Tenn. One job, required the installation of two above-ceiling heating units, complete with wiring and ductwork. The job took three full night shifts to complete, and so invisible was the work that the staff had to call the Industrial Department Head to verify that anyone had even been in the spaces. Most RIAT members donate a certain amount of time outside of drill to help overcome ongoing administrative and logistical challenges. But we love to see the customer dazzled. Official recognition has come in the form of CG Commendation Medals, Achievement Medals, Letters of Commendation and a Meritorious Team Commendation.