DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM During yesterday's commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard's Maritime Safety and Security Team 91107 aboard the USS Missouri, Johnnie Dodge smiled at his mother, Sherry, as he got a better view by standing on her lap. His dad, Johnnie T. Dodge, is one of the MSST team members.

New team joins
terror fight

The Coast Guard unit is the 10th
to be commissioned nationwide

A large group of Coast Guard sailors stood near the stern of the USS Missouri yesterday as they were commissioned to serve in a quick-response team that will help protect Hawaii's ports.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Lt. Cmdr. Thomas MacDonald, commanding officer, accepted and assumed command of the MSST yesterday from Vice Adm. Harvey Johnson, Coast Guard Pacific commander (not shown).

"I'm proud to serve with these fine men and women who have risen to the occasion," said Vice Adm. Harvey Johnson, Coast Guard Pacific commander. "We have great confidence in their abilities."

The Maritime Safety and Security Team 91107 is the 10th anti-terrorism unit to be commissioned nationwide, according to the Coast Guard. Created in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, some of the other teams are in ports in New York; Anchorage, Alaska; Houston; Seattle; San Francisco; and Los AngelesÚLong Beach, Calif.

Honolulu's team is equipped with six 25-foot-long armed boats for security missions.

"The MSST is being commissioned at a very challenging time as we defend our homeland against the potential threats of a terrorist attack," Johnson said.

"To the nation, the commissioning of this unit demonstrates our government's commitment to the strength and safety and security against the threats of terrorism," said Johnson. "Following the horrific events of Sept. 11, not only did we recognize a need to strengthen our aviation's safety and security, but we recognized the threats and vulnerabilities of the maritime environment as well."

Port Security Specialist 3rd Class Keith Ben-Rajab said he was interested in becoming a part of the team because it was similar to his 5 1/2-year position with the Honolulu Police Department's SWAT team.

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye (D-Hawaii), who delivered the keynote address at the commissioning ceremony, spoke about the importance of Hawaii's ports to the state's economy.

"Our ports are our lifeline," he said, noting that about 16 million tons of cargo valued at $2 billion enter Hawaii's ports annually.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona also spoke at the ceremony, stressing the Coast Guard's role in revitalizing the state's tourism industry.

"I firmly believe (that) when we say the resurgence of tourism in the state of Hawaii is a result of people feeling secure and unafraid of world events, the Coast Guard has played a significant role in that achievement," Aiona said.

Since June the Hawaii unit has been training in North Carolina and Hawaii. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Thomas MacDonald will oversee the unit.