GMISS 08 Symposium

Tab 8: U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command MARLU Conference 2008 Materials

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U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Letter of Introduction

Dear Maritime Industry Colleague,

I am pleased to announce the establishment of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command's Commercial Maritime Liaison Unit-Latin America (MARLU-0LATAM). Inaugurated in November 2007, MARLU-LATAM is an integral part of U.S. Navy's commitment to forging stronger partnerships with the shipping industry on a global scale.

The unit is modeled after the Maritime Liaison Office (MARLO) Bahrain, which has, together with regional commercial and government maritime partners, successfully addressed maritime safety and security issues in the Middle East for over 20 years. Based on the proven importance of such cooperation, the U.S. Navy will offer the same capability in each of its worldwide areas of operations, starting with MARLU-LATAM covering Latin America and the Caribbean.

Naval Service traces its origin to the defense of maritime commerce. The mission has never changed but the increasingly unpredictable and diverse nature of maritime threats today requires new approaches and greater synergy amongst those who ply the seas. MARLU-LATAM gives me a resource dedicated to building trust and cooperation with industry, something we cannot surge in time of crisis. In coordination with the U.s. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy's Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) organization, MARLU-LATAM will pursue the following objectives:

• Ascertain industry perspectives on the challenges and threats facing maritime commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Facilitate industry awareness of and participation in U.S. Navy and regional security partner initiatives, exercises, and operations in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Promote the exchange of information and ideas focused on improving maritime safety and security through routine dialogue with industry partners, hosting regional conferences and forums, and facilitating U.S. Navy office calls and port visit events for the industry.

Commander David Edwards is my first Officer-in-Charge of MARLU-LATAM. He and his staff of experienced U.S. Navy officers, sailors, and civilians are based in Miami, Florida. As a follow-up to this letter of introduction, I encourage your company to contact Commander Edwards to discuss additional details about MARLU-LATAM's establishment and to identify areas of cooperation that best serve your organization's interests. Commander Edwards can be contacted at (305) 437-3400/3395 or via email: david.edwareds@hq.southcom.mil.

J.W. STEVENSON JR.

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Maritime Security Conference Brochure

United States Southern Command

COMMERCIAL MARITIME LIAISON UNIT - LATIN AMERICA (MARLU-LATAM)

MARITIME SECURITY CONFERENCE

17-18 September 2008

Intercontinental Hotel, Miami, Florida

Mission Statement

Serve as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command's liaison to the commercial maritime industry, facilitating cooperation and exchange of information between the U.S. Navy, its regional security partners, and the commercial shipping community throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

MARLU -LATAM Duties/Responsibilities

• Keep COMUSNAVSO informed about commercial shipping developments in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Ascertain industry perspectives on the challenges and threats facing maritime commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Facilitate shipping industry awareness of and participation in U.S. Navy and regional security partner initiatives, programs, and operations in Latin America and the Caribbean
• Promote exchange of information and ideas focused on improving maritime safety and security
• Establish close relationships and routine dialogue with regional maritime security and shipping industry partners
• Provide maritime threat updates/advisories to industry colleagues
• Host regional conferences and forums
• Facilitate U.S. Navy office calls and port visit events for industry

MARLU -LATAM CONTACT INFORMATION:

CDR David Edwards, Officer in Charge

• 305-437-3395

Mr. R. Will Anderson, Senior Liaison Officer

• 305-437-3394

BMCS Brad Winegard, Liaison Officer

• 305-437-3399

PO2 Brad Cadle, Operations Coordinator

• 305-437-3400

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-- ChadHolmes - 27 Jan 2009