Technical developments being discussed at an international ocean and technology conference here this week are critical to waging war against terrorism, Adm. Thomas B. Fargo, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander in chief, told participants. Top ocean experts
convene in HawaiiBy Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.comFargo and Seiji Naya, state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism director, opened the four-day meeting yesterday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village as co-honorary chairmen.
More than 900 of the world's leading engineers, marine scientists, researchers, consultants, project managers and administrators are presenting papers on technological advances at the Oceans 2001 conference.
"For those of you watching the 'War on Terrorism' closely, assured access (at sea) is the reason our naval forces are front-page news in a landlocked country like Afghanistan," Fargo said.
"From the most challenging undersea warfare mission to complex salvage and recovery operations to our ability to defend our interests forward, it is the technologies and understanding developed by the companies and organizations in this room that have always helped us carry the day."
He said they helped the Navy "every step of the way" with the salvage and recovery of the Japanese training vessel Ehime Maru and nine missing crew members off Pearl Harbor, "one of the most difficult salvage and recovery operations ever -- certainly for the U.S. Navy."
Looking to the future and the need for "better solutions that will keep ahead of the tactics of terrorists," Fargo asked the industries to consider four areas:
>> Sensors and systems to extend Navy firepower, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.
>> Operational sensors to improve understanding of ocean environmental conditions and the ability "to detect the future's ever-stealthier targets in all spectrums."
>> Non-acoustic sensors, technologies and systems to deal with potential adversaries that are "becoming quieter and stealthier each day."
>> Technologies for critical land installations "that will deter, and if necessary, defeat any terrorist threat."
Naya said defense and non-defense technology has a huge impact on Hawaii's economy, totaling $9 billion last year, second to tourism's $11 billion.
"We are looking for ocean technology to play a major role in diversification," he said, noting annual revenues from ocean and science have grown in 15 years from $20 million to $120 million.
The Law of the Sea Convention, ratified by 137 countries and pending approval by the United States, was reviewed by a panel led by Walter L. Brown, of the University of Virginia School of Law and director of the Center for Oceans Law & Policy.
Panelists were John Craven, former director, International Law of the Sea Institute and president, Common Heritage Corp.; Raymond Arnaudo, deputy director, Office of Ocean Affairs, State Department; Paul Kelly, senior vice president, Rowan Cos.; and Simon Frater of Global Marine Systems Ltd.
They stressed the importance of the United States joining the Law of the Sea Convention to resolve legal disputes and protect vital economic and security and environmental interests in the oceans, including freedom of navigation.