MARITIME BORDER SECURITY: THE ROLE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Presented at Port of the Future Conference 2026
Session Overview
Moderator: Rob Crane, Program Executive for Public Sector Engagements Energy Security and PNT, Institute for Homeland Security
Speakers: COL Randy Pugh, USMC (ret) and Dean, Naval Postgraduate School; Dr. Ken Christopher, The National University; CAPT (ret) Keith Donahue, Executive Vice President, G&H Towing
The maritime coastal security of the United States presents a major challenge because of the vastness of its coastline and the complexity of its maritime borders. With approximately 95,000 miles of coastline, 360 ports, and 3.4 million square miles of Exclusive Economic Zone, securing the country’s maritime borders is a formidable task.
This panel explores how highly relevant and rapid research and development can help close capability gaps in maritime domain awareness, law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection.