CLEVELAND - The U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team will conduct a boarding exercise Friday on Lake Erie with the 225-foot Coast Guard Cutter Hollyhock from Port Huron, Mich.

This will be an exercise to test the MSRT's response capabilities on the Great Lakes. This is not a live-fire exercise, but will include the use of simulated munitions.

The MSRT is the Coast Guard's only counter-terrorism force with advance interdiction capabilities.  The MSRT concept was advanced from the Maritime Safety and Security Teams which were directed to be established by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.

The MSRT was officially established in May 2006, though training for the unit began in November 2004. The MSRT was realigned under the U.S. Deployable Operations Group in July 2007.

The MSRT enhances the Coast Guard's capability to respond to maritime disaster and national threats.  The members are trained in maritime security, law enforcement boarding procedures, force protection and environmental hazards response within a tactical law enforcement operation.

"The Coast Guard strives to ensure the safety and security of the American public and its personnel across a wide spectrum of diverse missions in unique environments," said Rear Adm. Peter V. Neffenger, Commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District.  "The role of this exercise is to assure the Great Lakes community that we are always ready to provide security for the critical infrastructure of the Great Lakes and its ports, waterways and coastal areas."

For media inquiries or questions, contact Chief Petty Officer Robert K. Lanier, Asst. Public Affairs Officer, Ninth Coast Guard District, at (216) 902-6022.

CLICK HERE for video of MSRT training.