Multiple Countries Gather for Maritime Symposium

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) kicked off a three-day Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS), Feb. 26 in Manama with speakers addressing threats to maritime infrastructure and ways to detect attacks in the Persian Gulf. MIPS is designed to improve the defense and crisis response of partner, coalition and infrastructure-related organizations. The symposium brings together industry professionals, security personnel and maritime corporations with regional and coalition partners. "NAVCENT and the coalition believe maritime security is the essential condition for regional stability, and stability is that environment where countries, businesses and ordinary people can interact peaceably," said Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "In this part of the world especially, stability is essential to local prosperity, not to mention global economic well-being.

"It's no surprise an extremist would use just about any tactic to destroy, disrupt, or damage these facilities," said Cosgriff. Over the next two days, western and regional speakers from the military, government and private sectors will address challenges in four general areas: Threats, operations, security and consequence management, and will work together to bring understanding, information and peace to the region.