L.A. port tests new antiterrorist ship barrier

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.