Port of Gulfport: Oceans In Action Workshop/ Port Security Summit

Oceans In Action Workshop/ Port Security Summit

August 30, 2021 – September 2, 2021

Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, Biloxi, MS

Since 2010, the Oceans In Action Workshop has featured the critical missions of locally-based federal, state, and private organizations as they integrate new technologies to improve their effectiveness.  Two years ago, Oceans In Action integrated demonstrations associated with the Advanced Navy Technology Exercise (ANTX) to the agenda and featured a keynote from Mississippi-based Admiral John Okon, who presented Navy plans for the test of new unmanned maritime systems along our state’s coast. Last year, the event also featured senior NOAA leadership, with Admiral Tim Gallaudet (US Navy, ret) speaking for the first time on the agency’s plan for the expanded use of unmanned systems.  This effort, combining Navy and NOAA objectives, is the first initiative to reflect the intentions of the CENOTE legislation and led to even more collaboration between the agencies.

In 2021, Oceans In Action is planned for August 30 – September 2, 2021.  This year, through a grant secured by the University of Southern Mississippi, the Port of Gulfport will host a one-day Port Security Summit on the final day of the event. This addition will not only highlight the port as a Strategic Seaport designated by the Commander, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, but will feature new technologies as our nation strives for more efficient, secure, and smart operations.

Oceans In Action has grown to secure an audience just under 300 top-quality attendees, comprised of military and federal government leaders, scientist and engineers at the cutting edge of technology development, hi-tech companies looking for business opportunities, and others with a keen interest in the development of our state’s technology capacity.  With the addition of the Port Security Summit, we expect the attendance to increase.

It is an exciting time for the Mississippi coast as our work supporting the projects and programs in state agencies and universities, important federal missions, and as we contribute to advancing technology in Blue Economy sectors such as local Navy and NOAA efforts, marine transportation and ports, fisheries and aquaculture, unmanned systems, and a number of others. For additional information, please visit our website, www.mtsociety.org/oceans-in-action.