The Marines want to get ashore fast, and then seize control through carefully synchronized air and ground operations.

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If the oil starts to come ashore on the beaches of the four states under threat it could get worse for the company.

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Fowler Black, of the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau, said before 2008 the town used to get some 60 boat visits each year, averaging more than 200 passengers coming ashore each time.

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