Coast Guard, Homeland Security Open Joint R&D Facility

 

The Coast Guard Research and Development Center, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, officially opened a joint research facility in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the R&D Center’s offices located at Fort Trumbull.

 

The Science and Technology Innovation Center is a collaborative effort between DHS Science and Technology and the Coast Guard R&D Center dedicated to leveraging innovation, prototyping and rapid integration of high technology solutions to answer the operational challenges of the Coast Guard and DHS. It was conceived as a response to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson’s “unity of effort” initiative.

 

Capt. Dennis Evans, commanding officer of the R&D Center, touched on the cooperative spirit of the Innovation Center in his welcoming remarks. “We recognize our collaboration is critical in transitioning technology and innovation to meet the needs of the department, the Coast Guard, and the American public at strong value to the taxpayer.”

 

Anh Duong, director of Borders and Maritime Security for DHS Science and Technology, echoed those sentiments, saying, “By formalizing our partnership, we will work closely together to speed-up the transition of knowledge to the field.”

 

Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Mission Support Adm. Thomas Jones said that the Innovation Center “supports the strategic goal of offering technology alternatives through innovation,” noting that it is “important to transition programs to our operators.”

 

Dr. Robert Griffin, deputy under secretary for DHS Science & Technology, underscored the necessity for an institute such as the Innovation Center. “The technology we can bring to the Arctic, the quicker we can get technology to the area, the stronger and safer it will be.”

 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy proclaimed today as Coast Guard Science and Technology Innovation Center Day in Connecticut, saying in an official statement the Innovation Center would “quickly solve rapidly evolving technological challenges” and “promote a culture of innovation … to adapt available technologies into viable solutions to operational challenges.” The statement conveyed the essence of the Innovation Center’s mission, stating that it will “ensure maritime safety and security, and promote environmental stewardship by taking the lead role in improving the delivery of impactful, operationally relevant, and affordable solutions … in a timely manner.”

 

New London Mayor Michael E. Passero also declared today as Coast Guard Science and Technology Innovation Center Day. Passero noted that the Innovation Center would “work to develop risk-reducing prototypes and conduct demonstrations of sea, land and air technology systems … to counter emerging threats to the homeland and provide a hedge against technical uncertainty.”

 

The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Congressman Courtney, with the assistance of Mayor Passero, Adm. Jones, Capt. Evans, Dr. Griffin, and Duong.

 

Tours the R&D Center and the Science and Technology Innovation Center followed the ceremony. Demonstrations of R&D projects including LED alternatives to pyrotechnic distress flares, nonlethal methods for stopping fleeing vessels, a remotely operated vessel, and the night vision device evaluation lab were provided. Guests were also able to examine an early prototype of the Innovation Center’s first project, the Maritime Object Tracking Technology, designed to merge existing technologies to track derelict crafts or objects thrown from fleeing vessels. Operational testing will be held later this year.