Coast Guard announces security zone

KODIAK, Alaska, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard announced the perimeters of a security zone for upcoming ballistic missile testing at the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska.

The security zone, near Alaska's Narrow Cape and Ugak Island in the Kodiak Archipelago, is designed to protect oceangoing vessels from the Missile Defense Agency's rocket testing in the region.

Officials say the Kodiak Launch Complex, operated by the Aerospace Development Corp. for the U.S. Defense Department, is expected to conduct the tests Dec. 5-8, the Coast Guard reported.

The security zone will be monitored during daily working hours when the hazardous rocket impact areas will go live and the rocket stages are predicted to enter the ocean.

Officials say the security zone will be heavily enforced by the Coast Guard during the testing period. "Unauthorized entry into or through this zone is strictly prohibited and may result in civil or criminal penalties including fines," the release said.