The IEEE – Oceanic Engineering Society (IEEEOES) and NAVSEA-Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) will host the IEEE-OES Homeland Security Technology Workshop - Ocean and Maritime Technologies for Infrastructure Protection to be held at the Valley Forge Convention Center at the Radisson, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406 on December 6, 7, and 8, 2004. The theme for this second annual is “Under the Water, On the Water, and Over the Water to Protect the Homeland with Integrated Technologies”. The purpose of the workshop is to bring together small technology companies, and large defense contractors, military, government, academia, and not-for-profit institutes who are developing technologies and products for Ocean and Maritime Technologies for Infrastructure Protection. This IEEE-OES workshop provides an unprecedented opportunity to network with engineers, scientists, maritime legal experts, and local, state, and federal government personnel who all share a common concern and goal in providing advance technologies to protect vital maritime infrastructure and provide for the safety of our ports, harbors, coastal eco-systems and our oceans. Pamela Hurst, IEEE Chair, and Robert Bannon, Fellow of the IEEE and Co-Chair, of this technology forum, along with the Honorable Curt Weldon, U.S. House of Representatives – R-PA 7th District, have chosen
Homeland Security Technology Work shop December 2004 Philadelphia, PA
by Robert Bannon
the venue because of the importance that Valley Forge holds for American freedom. Ms. Hurst is from Westerly, RI and Mr. Bannon is from East Stroudsburg, PA; both have served the underwater community for over 36 years. Congressman Weldon is serving his 9th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The first annual meeting of the IEEE-OES Homeland Security Technology Workshop cohosted by NAVSEA NUWC was held December 10 and 11, 2003 in Warwick, RI. The Warwick homeland security event, emphasized advanced underwater and port and harbor security technologies, hosted 48 exhibitors, 5 tracks featuring 87 technical speakers who are leaders in their fields of expertise, and 3 author book signings. Last years congressional speakers included Hon. Curt Weldon, U.S. Representative (R-PA), Hon. Rob Simmons, U.S. Rep (R-CT), Hon. James Langevin, U.S. Rep (D-RI). The 2003 workshop was recognized as having an extremely strong focus on poignant maritime topics including underwater telecommunications protection, harbor security and container risk, management and unmanned maritime vehicles. Security issues for the Greek Olympics were also featured because of the venue’s easy access by water. The 2004 Workshop will feature a lessons learned review of the actual port and harbor security enacted in Greece. 13