PHOTO AND VIDEO RELEASE: Maritime Security Response Team demonstrates capabilities

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano visited the Coast Guard Integrated Support Command in Portsmouth for a demonstration of the capabilities of the Coast Guard's Maritime Security Response Team Monday.

During Napolitano's visit, the MSRT demonstrated their underway boarding techniques, including a vertical insertion from a helicopter and a hook-and-climb boarding from a 25-foot Defender Class response boat, on the Coast Guard Cutter Frank Drew.

After the demonstration, Napolitano gave a press briefing on the Coast Guard's role in national port security and counterterrorism, pledging her support for the Coast Guard's missions.

"These capabilities and assets are all assets that work together to keep this port and other ports of the United States safe," said Napolitano. "I am very grateful for the tremendous work that the Coast Guard does here and across the country to protect against terrorists and other threats."

Video of the demonstration.

Members of the Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team, based in Chesapeake, Va., perform a hook-and-climb boarding demonstration onto the Coast Guard Cutter Frank Drew during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to the Integrated Support Command in Portsmouth, Monday, July 13, 2009. This visit was the first opportunity for Napolitano to witness the MSRT's anti-terrorism operations since taking office in January. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones)

Members of the Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team, based in Chesapeake, Va., perform a vertical insertion demonstration onto the Coast Guard Cutter Frank Drew during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to the Integrated Support Command in Portsmouth, Monday, July 13, 2009. This visit was the first opportunity for Napolitano to witness the MSRT's anti-terrorism operations since taking office in January. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones)

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano speaks to members of the media at a press briefing during her visit to the Integrated Support Command in Portsmouth, Va., Monday, July 13, 2009. During the brief, Napolitano spoke about the Coast GuardÕs ongoing role in maintaining port security and pledged her support to ensuring the Coast Guard has the assets to complete its missions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark Jones)

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