Kelly: Security at US ports a top priority

According to ABC, Mr Kelly observed a nuclear-detection drill while onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, which cruised near the Port of Los Angeles in Southern California.

Members of the Coast Guard’s new California-based Maritime Safety and Security Team conducted the short-notice maritime response drill, boarding the cutter and undertaking a sweep for radiation.

While some members of the team came down onto the ship from helicopters, others climbed up ladders from a smaller boat that pulled alongside the vessels.

According to ABC, Mr Kelly commented: “What they do, they do for you. The threat always changes, so we always have to be on top of that.”

During the visit, Mr Kelly said law enforcement and Coast Guard personnel must constantly train and be prepared for any threats, ABC reported.

The Homeland Security Secretary also said that while he believes there are currently adequate security levels at US ports, his agency needs to continue researching new technology to keep abreast of changing threats.

Mr Kelly said his biggest concern was contraband, including illegal drugs being shipped in from foreign countries.

“It is all about protecting the nation and doing it as fast as we can so normal legal commerce, normal legal people can come in and out of the country and be inconvenienced at the minimum,” Mr Kelly said.