| PORT HUENEME — Geopolitical tensions led to increased maritime security threats in 2024. Attacks, cyberthreats, extreme weather events, and other potential dangers underscore the critical importance of robust security training and strong emergency preparedness programs to safeguard global trade and ensure community safety.
It was against this backdrop that officials from the Port of Hueneme recently conducted the organization’s Coastal Trident Security Exercise. Port tenants, vessels, labor, Port partners, local business leaders, tech developers, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), and numerous public safety agencies met at the FATHOMWERX site at the Port of Hueneme. There, the Port’s operations team led a two-day event designed to evaluate the impact that a Maritime Security (MARSEC) level increase would have on port operations and to explore Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programs and capabilities.
Day one featured a live MARSEC Change Exercise focused on the security issues and threats raised by drones used to conduct surveillance and attacks on the port, vessels, and maritime infrastructure. Participants were then invited to get hands-on experience during a workshop held on the second day of the event.
“Port operations are critical, and we have to stay prepared for whatever may come our way. These exercises help us prepare for real-world events that could threaten our cargo, our infrastructure, and our community,” said Jess J. Ramirez, President – Oxnard Harbor District.
 A participant takes aim at a drone during Day 2 of the Coastal Trident Exercise and UAS Workshop hosted by the Port of Hueneme. This year’s Coastal Trident exercise helped public safety agencies leverage their UAS program capabilities to assist other organizations during emergency responses and conditions at the Port of Hueneme.
“It takes a village to ensure safety, and the unique Coastal Trident/ANTX exercise program that brings maritime industry, innovative tech leaders, response agencies, and other entities together creates the opportunity to explore new capabilities and enhance existing ones to keep our Port operations safe, secure, and efficient,” said Mike Morrison, Director of Operations, Port of Hueneme.
It additionally raised awareness regarding potential threats while giving regional public safety and emergency response partners increased knowledge of the port, port operations, and maritime facilities.
“The UAS Workshop brought together representatives for over twenty different public safety and emergency management agencies to explore and share their current UAS programs and capabilities and to examine the future of unmanned systems in security, emergency response, and emergency management,” explained Scott Brewer, Mgr. Project Management 2 for defense provider HII.
The annual event features a timely and relevant drill. “The Port of Hueneme is proud to once again support and host the 2025 Coastal Trident Exercise and associated UAS Workshop,” said Kristin Decas, CEO, Port of Hueneme. “With the increasing sophistication and accessibility of drone technology, identifying vulnerabilities and testing response strategies is more important than ever. Coastal Trident offers our port partners, first responders, and national security stakeholders an invaluable opportunity to innovate and stay ahead of emerging threats. We are grateful to all who participated and remain committed to ensuring the Port of Hueneme remains one of the most secure and resilient seaports in the nation.”
| About “Coastal Trident” – “Coastal Trident” is the Port’s annual security exercise conducted as part of the Port’s Facilities Security Plan required by the US Coast Guard. The exercise builds upon quarterly drills and other training endeavors that happen throughout the year. |
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About the Port of Hueneme:
The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port, which consistently ranks among the top ten US ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit. www.portofh.org. |
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