NORFOLK -- It was only a test, but it was an important one on the Norfolk waterfront Wednesday morning.
Federal, state and local authorities practiced reacting to a terrorist attack aimed at mass transit. Specifically, the drill tested reaction to hijackers with bombs on the Elizabeth River ferry.
Norfolk police boats carrying SWAT officers went into action and within seconds, they were alongside the ferry. Quickly, the team boarded the vessel and took control.
"These exercises are invaluable. They help us coordinate with local law enforcement on how to respond to security threats," said Tom Holden with Hampton Roads Transit. "The more often we cooperate on exercises to learn how to respond to events, the better off the traveling public will be."
The three-hour drill was part of a larger U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant awarded to HRT to conduct security training.
