February 9, 2016 – CTTSO
“… We stand united with people around the world who have been targeted by terrorists — from a school in Pakistan to the streets of Paris. We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their networks…” — President Barrack Obama, State of the Union Address, Jan 20, 2015
 |
 |
 |
Next Generation Port Security Barrier
Waterside security is one of the Chief of Naval Operations’ priorities for force protection. The current Port Security Barrier (PSB) is part of a class of barriers referred to as net-capture or Type I barriers. Fleet experience with this PSB design has yielded recommendations for a next generation Type II barrier. Through CTTSO, the Navy is testing and evaluating a commercial-off-the-shelf water barrier system manufactured by HALO Maritime Defense Systems that provides increased protection against small boat attacks in a reduced footprint and at a lower lifecycle cost.
HALO system configurations and mooring plans can be tailored to the force protection goals of the customer. Configurations typically include a combination of a static double-wall barrier and a remotely operated gate and barrier.
A HALO system consisting of a 300-foot Guardian(tm) gate attached to two Sentry(tm) support platforms is undergoing a long-term, operational and environmental test and evaluation at Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia. Over an eight-month period spanning fall and winter weather conditions, testing will include monthly evaluations of: semi-automated gate opening and closing capability; system resilience, structural integrity, and connection strength; and, effects of the natural environment, waves, and currents on HALO system components. Data collection from this test will inform a major Navy acquisition decision on Type II barriers for maritime force protection of critical assets at domestic and overseas bases.
