In October the Long Island Sound (LIS) Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) was named the recipient of the 2018 AMSC of the Year Award. Area Maritime Security Committees continue to provide the framework for communication and collaboration necessary to ensure our nation’s ports remain secure and resilient.

Submitted by Dr. Robyn Kapperman, Office of Port and Facility Compliance

Capt. Bradley Clare, chief of the Office of Port and Facility Compliance, presented members of the Long Island Sound Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) with the 2018 AMSC of the year award during a recognition ceremony Dec. 10, 2019, in Niantic, Connecticut.

The Long Island Sound AMSC distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the security of the nation’s Marine Transportation System. Extensive cooperation in intelligence and information sharing advanced mutual public safety and security goals, fostered new partnerships, and increased operational efficiency sharing across the Captain of the Port and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator Zone. The proactive leadership of AMSC subcommittees in the region resulted in facilitation of 70 activities/events and 19 exercises/real time operations, two of which are highlighted below.

• A diverse array of law enforcement and military members used the AMSC framework to devise measures to harden ferries against potential Active Threat/Active Shooter incidents in the Long Island Sound COTP Zone. The unity of effort of these members, whom are part of the Connecticut Operation by Response Agencies coalition, resulted in coordinated joint inter-state maritime security operations during high risk exposure periods, which led to further collaboration and use of resources.

• AMSC members partnered together to conduct Operation SHIELD, the Suffolk Homeland Security Interdiction and Education for Long Island Defense. Operation SHIELD was a multi-faceted training and surge operation focused on small vessel security and preventive radiological/nuclear detection operations. The partnerships and best practices built during this operation added extraordinary value to each members’ internal training and security programs, and directly tied to risk reduction efforts in relation to security incidents and active threat responses. The operation garnered national recognition from the Dept. of Homeland Security and was one of the main topics presented at the 2018 National Homeland Security Conference in New York City.

A strong AMSC requires hard work and long hours by many parties. The patriotism, professionalism, and impact of the Long Island Sound AMSC is a model for others to follow.

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