Date: August 22, 2007 

Contact: Chief Petty Officer Robert K. Lanier
(216) 902-6022 office

COAST GUARD TO WITNESS DEMONSTRATION
OF LASER TECHNOLOGY ON LAKE ERIE

CLEVELAND - Ninth Coast Guard District personnel will be witness to a demonstration of a multi-integrated laser engagement system (MILES) on Thursday, August 23, 2007, on Lake Erie.

WHO:  Ninth Coast Guard District personnel.

WHAT:  A demonstration of MILES to evaluate the training system as a method to better prepare Coast Guard personnel in providing security for the critical infrastructure of the Great Lakes and its ports, waterways and coastal areas.

WHEN:  Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE:  Lake Erie, 3-5 miles off the coast of Cleveland.

WHY:  "This demonstration will educate Coast Guard leadership on the capabilities of MILES gear.  This is one of several alternatives I am considering as a way of training our Coast Guard men and women on the Great Lakes for enhanced security of this national treasure," said Rear Adm. John E. Crowley, Jr., commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District.

Pooled still and video imagery will be available upon completion of the demonstration.  A media advisory will be distributed with instructions on how to obtain the imagery.

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

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