Our country’s maritime environment has played a critical role in commercial trade and national security since the earliest days of our young nation, as recognized by the founding in 1790 of the Revenue Cutter Service (now the Coast Guard) by Alexander Hamilton. Federal and local security initiatives have continued to support maritime security ever since, recognizing its status as a national asset fundamental to our economic prosperity and global presence.  Providing comprehensive security throughout our nation’s waters is no small undertaking. Thanks to the dedication of the public and private sectors, the nature of our protective efforts has evolved in step with technology, legislation, and public/private awareness. The sheer breadth and depth of components comprising U.S. waterways is noteworthy. The U.S. Maritime System includes more than 3,700 cargo and passenger terminals and over 1,000 harbor channels along thousands of miles of coastline. In addition, ports’ varying degrees of concentrated usage by commercial ships, cargo container ships and cruise ships provide another set of challenges.  These myriad factors can make effective port and maritime security seem like an overwhelming undertaking. However, the October 12, 2000 attack against Navy destroyer U.S.S. Cole and the attack of 9/11 made clear our need for protection, particularly against unconventional threats, and generated an immediate call for enhanced protective measures.  Read the monograph.