L.A. port tests new antiterrorist ship barrier
A Port of Los Angeles antiterrorism exercise on Wednesday featured what port officials describe as the first use of a special floating boom to prevent waterborne small-craft attacks similar to the suicide bombing of the USS Cole in 2000 that killed 17 U.S. sailors.
The two-hour drill incorporated the use of the floating plastic-and-steel boom deployed by tugboats in sections to close off and protect a port channel that is home to the World Cruise Ship Terminal.
The exercise was intended to provide hands-on deployment and in-use training with the boom, called a 'Small Craft Intrusion Barrier” by the port.
In conjunction with the boom deployment, the exercise saw port police officers conduct land- and water-side operations at the cruise terminal, including canine, hazardous materials and tactical teams. Port personnel also carried out an underwater sweep of the cruise terminal pier.
L.A. port tests new antiterrorist ship barrier
