? While the state of New Jersey prepares for a legal battle with the Bush administration over the impending ports deal, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay patrols Port Newark.

The Morro Bay?s 19-member crew inspects bridges, tunnels and strategic points of land where security might be breached. Millions of cargo containers come through U.S. ports each year. Lieutenant Greg Somers says he will continue to focus on safety and leave the controversy to politicians.

At issue is whether a government-run Arab company, Dubai Ports World, can run operations at Port Newark and in other parts of the nation without posing a security risk. Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) says the answer is no. The state and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have filed lawsuits to block the deal.

Meanwhile, Dubai Ports World has agreed to submit to a broader review of security issues and promises to create a U.S. subsidiary to independently run the six ports in question.

Related articles: