SRI International's Gary Brown Reappointed to the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee
Menlo Park , CA. —May 27 , 2009—SRI International, an independent, nonprofit research and development institute, announced today that Gary Brown, director of the SRI-led Center for Maritime and Port Security, has been reappointed as a member and advisor to the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC). NMSAC is an advisory group that provides consultations and recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security, via the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Brown, a retired brigadier general in the U.S. Marine Corps, was first appointed to NMSAC in May 2008. Over the past year, NMSAC members have focused on establishing policy guidelines to enhance national security by protecting U.S. maritime interests. NMSAC has provided advice on national security strategy and policy, future security threats, and international cooperation on security issues.
Major activities have included providing recommendations to the commercial maritime industry on key issues they are facing, such as security regulations and the Seafarers Access Resolution. The resolution deals with access to shore leave in foreign ports, and whether Americans are denied access abroad as a result of restrictions in the United States.
"I am honored to be reappointed to this important committee and have the opportunity to share SRI’s expertise in technology innovations to meet national defense needs," said Brown. "I look forward to continue working with other NMSAC members as we work together to improve maritime safety and homeland security."
At its next meeting, NMSAC members will discuss reporting and quarantine issues regarding the H1N1 virus. The group will evaluate current reporting requirements and provide recommendations on whether any adjustments are needed.
SRI's Center for Maritime and Port Security and Marine Technology Program are both located in St. Petersburg, Florida. They address national maritime security needs through research, development, deployment, and commercialization of technologies related to ocean science, the maritime industry, and maritime port security.
About SRI International
Silicon Valley-based SRI International is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. SRI, which was founded by Stanford University as Stanford Research Institute in 1946 and became independent in 1970, has been meeting the strategic needs of clients and partners for more than 60 years. Perhaps best known for its invention of the computer mouse and interactive computing, SRI has also been responsible for major advances in networking and communications, robotics, drug discovery and development, advanced materials, atmospheric research, education research, economic development, national security, and more. The nonprofit institute performs sponsored research and development for government agencies, businesses, and foundations. SRI also licenses its technologies, forms strategic alliances, and creates spin-off companies. In 2008, SRI's consolidated revenues, including its wholly owned for-profit subsidiary, Sarnoff Corporation, were approximately $490 million.
