Port Canaveral opens new security operations center

The newly opened facility houses the operations of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Center, and consolidates the Canaveral Port Authority TSA and Badging Office with the Brevard County Sheriff’s office port security operations.    Port Canaveral officially opened its new Port Security Operations Center during a Nov. 29 ribbon cutting ceremony.
   The new facility, located on the port’s north side, is adjacent to Canaveral Fire Rescue Station 54 and the port’s Interagency Maritime Operations Center. The center houses the operations of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Center, and consolidates the Canaveral Port Authority TSA and Badging Office with the Brevard County Sheriff’s office port security operations.
   Port Canaveral CEO Capt. John Murray led the ribbon cutting ceremony, joined by Port Canaveral Commissioner Wayne Justice, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Todd Wiemers and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Commander Linda Moros.
   The 20,135-square-foot complex consists of emergency operations, training facilities, operations center, fire training and response, badging and TSA offices.
   “As a strategic gateway, our seaport is a vital entry point for commerce and trade,” Capt. Murray said in a statement. “The safety and security of our port is not happenstance; it takes a tremendous amount of training and teamwork among and between all the professionals dedicated to the safety of our facilities, our employees, partners and guests.”
   The need for a new operations center arose last year after damage caused during Hurricane Matthew resulted in the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment becoming in need of a new work location.
   “This facility assists the Coast Guard to further our missions as we provide national security, border security and economic security,” the USCG’s Capt. Wiemers said.
   “It’s a team effort to assure we keep our port the safest port in the country,” Moros said. “We are blessed to have our partners right beside us.”