FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM U.S. Coast Guard crews, armed with weaponry loaded with blank rounds, held an anti-terrorism drill yesterday in Honolulu Harbor.

Guns blaze and spray flies as Guard runs harbor drill

With the crack of automatic weapons fire, three 25-foot Coast Guard boats surrounded an inflatable raft in Honolulu Harbor yesterday to the astonishment of by-standers at Aloha Tower.

Chicago resident Art Urdiales initially thought the action was part of a "drug raid or something."

Though only blank rounds were used, the realistic demonstration gave service members a chance to hone their anti-terrorism skills, officials said.

It also showed off the prowess of Marine Safety and Security Team 91107 -- created in response to the 2001 terrorist attacks, said Coast Guard Lt. John Titchen. MSST boats have a top speed of 54 mph and can fire at the engine of a boat threatening the harbor, he said.