The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) hosted the 11th Annual International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition at Naval Base Point Loma in , July 28-Aug. 3. The event was co-sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). The competition challenged young engineers to design and build autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). It also encouraged contestants to consider a career in developing AUV technologies for the Navy. "Competitions such as this are a huge benefit to the Navy," said Capt. Mark Kohlheim, commanding officer, SSC San Diego. "There is a large interest in unmanned vehicles, and these competitions serve to put the theoretical into practical applications for the students involved.