Armed Coast Guard vessels are continuing to enforce unprecedented security in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.
New measures this week include expanded protection zones around all Navy vessels and restrictions on vessels entering the region’s waterways.
Lt. Scott Casad of the Seattle Coast Guard center said 17 Coast Guard vessels have been activated to enforce security.
“That’s quite a bit more than normal,” he said.
“Our actions are in response to a heightened sense of security around the nation” in the wake of last week’s terrorist attacks.
Officials would not disclose exactly where the vessels have been stationed, but Coast Guard cutters have been observed by local residents patrolling off Ediz Hook and monitoring vessel traffic as it enters the Strait from the ocean.
Local Coast Guard reservists were called up for duty earlier this week.
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