Anchored by safety: Port of Hueneme holds maritime security and emergency response exercise

Port tenants, staff, partners, vessel crews, and members of numerous public safety and emergency response agencies gathered at the Port of Hueneme to evaluate the impact that a Maritime Security (MARSEC) level increase would have on the Port’s operations, placing an emphasis on safety, security, and community partnerships.

The training, known as Coastal Trident, opened with presentations on response and recovery issues following large-scale emergency incidents. An afternoon tabletop exercise helped participants explore how a similar incident could unfold at the Port of Hueneme and focused on unified command roles and the complex decision-making process in a dynamic logistics ecosystem.

“Our region has great subject matter experts, and we need to ensure we harness that expertise and funnel all information during an emergency,” said Port of Hueneme Director of Operations Mike Morrison. “Today’s exercise strengthened our communication and collaboration so we will be best prepared to respond if and when the unexpected occurs. I’m grateful to port staff and leadership for prioritizing safe and efficient operations, and I’m thankful to the internal operators and many partners who took part in our annual Coastal Trident exercise.”

The California Office of Emergency Services, Customs and Border Protections, ILWU Local 46, Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme, and the US Coast Guard joined other invited agencies to hear presentations from Michael Goldschmidt (Assistant Director of Security, Port of Long Beach), George Cummings (Director of Homeland Security, Los Angeles Port Police), and John Albrough (Emergency Manager / Port Recovery Specialist, United States Coast Guard, LA / Long Beach). Coastal Trident exercises are held every June at the Port of Hueneme.