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increase the effectiveness of port protection. Given the enor- mous personnel costs associated with monitoring cameras and patrolling with manned vehicles, this innovative solution designed to supplement current capabilities will drive down life cycle costs.

This POLA demonstration and subsequent Port of Tampa validation certi? ed that commercial-off-the-shelf unmanned surface vehicles can ably conduct a comprehensive security inspection of a mega-port. As the world continues to come to grips with the human and economic impact of the Beirut harbor disaster, all nations would be well-served to leverage emerging technology to enhance the security of the ports and harbors that make the global economy hum.

About the Author

George Galdorisi is Director of Strategic Assessments for the Naval Information Warfare Center Paci? c. He enjoys writing, especially speculative ? ction about the future of warfare. He is the author of ? fteen books, including four New

York Times bestsellers.

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