The complexity of the modern world demands that technology be effectively and efficiently harnessed. Technology is an enabler, force multiplier, and critical link in maintaining awareness, sharing and visualizing information, protecting personnel and equipment, and informing decisions. Its capabilities notwithstanding, however, technology is bound for little more than collecting dust unless it is appropriately matched against requirements and objectives.
CTM maintains extensive subject matter expertise in systems test and evaluations, conducting programs designed to match technological solutions with dynamic operational requirements and gaps in capability. In focused field experiments, technology capabilities are demonstrated in specific scenarios and evaluated for their effectiveness, suitability, and limitations in their intended applications.
Maritime Advanced Systems and Technologies
The Maritime Advanced Systems and Technologies Laboratory is the result of a strategic partnership between the Center for Threat Management and the Port of Hueneme. MAST was designed to apply field experimentation and implementation specifically to the port and maritime domains. MAST leverages a network of regional academic, research, test and evaluation, and in-service engineering centers to facilitate innovation and collaboration, as well as access to facilities, resources, and operational insight.
From its location at the Port of Hueneme, MAST provides ready access to the only deep water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco. As a dual-use port, MAST can also facilitate access to commercial and military vessels and waterside facilities. Its proximity to the Navy’s largest sea test range, offshore oil and gas facilities, and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary supports research in a variety of exclusive venues for military, law enforcement, emergency management, environmental, and commercial technologies.
June 2015 in Oxnard, California
A multi-domain unmanned system comprised of a WAM-V unmanned surface vessel, InstantEye unmanned aircraft system, and ICBRNE networked hazardous materials sensors conducts a standoff inspection of a vessel in Channel Islands Harbor with simulated explosive devices aboard during the Coastal Trident 2015 Regional Port and Maritime Security Program.
Photo Credit: NASA Ames Research Center
August 2015 in Camarillo, California
A Spynel-M wide area surveillance system is evaluated for capabilities to detect, identify, and cue networked sensors and countermeasures systems against remotely piloted aircraft, such as the DJI Phantom Vision 2+ shown, during the Coastal Trident 2015 Regional Port and Maritime Security Program.
Photo Credit: Brian Hill, Naval Surface Warfare Center-Port Hueneme
June 2013 in Port Hueneme, California
A Bluefin 9 autonomous underwater vehicle is prepped for experiments off the coast of Point Mugu to demonstrate capabilities to detect and identify underwater mines and IEDs during the Coastal Trident 2013 Regional Port and Maritime Security Program.
Photo Credit: Quoc Ha, Q Concepts Design and Photography
June 2015 off the coast of Catalina Island, California
Personnel from Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Special Enforcement Bureau engage a simulated vessel target with precision fire from their Air Rescue 5 helicopter during the Coastal Trident 2015 Regional Port and Maritime Security Program.
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Sheriff's Department
“Since FY09, significant funding reductions have increased the emphasis on risk mitigation in Fleet experimentation. This lack of risk tolerance reduces the effectiveness of experimentation in creating innovative outcomes while driving out low-barrier-to-entry and ad hoc initiatives. Re-establishing robust and agile experimentation at appropriate levels is critical to achieving a strategic advantage.”
Secretary of the Navy Memorandum, October 15, 2015
On October 15, 2015, the Secretary of the Navy issued a memorandum entitled “Increasing Resources and Opportunities for Experimentation.” The document described issues with the present culture of risk aversion within technology development and acquisition processes. Overcoming these issues, SECNAV explained, requires a renewed focus on experimentation to increase the rapidity in which new ideas and technologies can be brought to bear on real world problems.
“Increasing Resources and Opportunities for Experimentation,” October 15, 2015