Coastal Trident 2013 Exercise focuses on a Port mining scenario to initiate operational response plans, processes, and systems, June 18 through June 20, 2013.

The commercial Port of Hueneme, California, along with representatives from over ninety local, state, federal, and private sector emergency response, management and high-tech organizations launch the Coastal Trident 2013 regional exercise in an effort to address the potential threats of terrorist activities to regional maritime security.  Today’s event showcases the goals and objectives of the three day program to leading officials and media via hands on displays of technology and offshore assets.

This year’s Coastal Trident exercise is the latest in an annual, multiple phased training and exercise program established by the Port of Hueneme in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Asymmetric Warfare, headquartered at Point Mugu, to improve the response capabilities of regional emergency response organizations to potential emergencies at the Port of Hueneme, protecting the economic viability of the Port and ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding communities.

While the exercise scenario is not based on any known threats to the Port or the region, it has been designed to address the increasing frequency of seaborne criminal activity including the smuggling of hazardous materials, narcotics and illegal aliens along the southern California coastline.

Coastal Trident 2013 will provide valuable opportunities for participants to validate tactics, techniques, and procedures to counter these threats in the port and maritime environments, as well as evaluate the role of developing military and law enforcement technologies to support intelligence-driven operations to deny opportunities for identified criminals and terrorists.