SAIC Conducts Intrusion Detection Tests at USS Midway

(SAN DIEGO) – Science Applications International Corporation’s (SAIC) Naval and Maritime Solutions Business Unit announced today that it will conduct engineering field tests for the Harbor Fence and Underwater Sentry System, deployed around the perimeter of the Carrier Museum, USS Midway, located at the Broadway Pier in San Diego. The Harbor Fence and Underwater Sentry are systems developed to detect the intrusion of divers, swimmers and small craft in the vicinity of high value ships or shore facilities. Both projects are sponsored by the Department of Defense and have been under development since 2003.

The Harbor Fence is designed to provide a visible line of demarcation around a ship-moored pierside. The fence consists of a string of lightweight “smart” buoys incorporating multiple embedded sensors. If the barrier is breached, information is transmitted to a security watchstander control console so forces can take appropriate action.

“The response from the general public touring the USS Midway has been very favorable,” said Dave Weeks, SAIC program manager. “Citizens are well-aware of the necessity for solid port security and homeland defense measures. Many of the volunteers conducting tours are former SAIC employees who have expertise in these areas and they are doing an excellent job explaining the security systems.”

The Harbor Fence was designed for intrusion sensing under zero visibility conditions and does not require constant monitoring. In addition, the security fence restricts access and provides force protection for naval, commercial and cruise ships. The spar buoys extend two feet above the waterline and are spaced approximately 10 feet apart. The design incorporates a counterweight to maintain the posts in vertical positions during high wind conditions and rough seas. Flashing lights on the post tops provide excellent nighttime visibility and enhance visibility during rain, snow, or fog.

The Underwater Sentry is a diver/swimmer detection and barrier system for use in harbors and shallow coastal areas to protect ships and waterside facilities. It consists of a series of small, very low power, active sonar transducers attached to the Harbor Fence or another existing boom. The system provides automated detection, alerting and localization of a subsurface intruder to the security watchstander’s control console. The Underwater Sentry system complements the Harbor Fence, providing protection below the waterline.

The two systems will remain deployed around the USS Midway for the next two months. The next field test will be held June 9, 2005, 10 a.m. at the Broadway Pier, San Diego. Interested parties are invited to attend.

Additional Resources:

• Sea Technology, March 2004 - Integrated Harbor Security System Enhances Port Protection
• Special Operation Technology, September 2005 - Swimmer Detection
• Sea Discovery, November 2005 - Diver Detection System Keeps Ships Safe

Blog Tags: Antiterrorism, Counterterrorism, Force Protection, Homeland Security, Maritime Security, Port Security, Harbor Fence, Under Water Sentry System, SAIC