CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A port security effort in South Carolina is being absorbed by the Department of Homeland Security.
The federal Department of Justice was the lead agency on Project Seahawk when it was created. But, starting Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard says it's taking over the day-to-day operations.
During a July visit to the headquarters at the old Charleston Navy base, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said Seahawk is vital to waging the war on terrorism and a model for ports around the nation.
Seahawk was created in 2003 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
It brings together representatives of state, federal and local law enforcement agencies who meet each day in a command center to share and compare information on harbor activity.
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