Cork appointed to Ocean Task Force

June 2, 2017

Hancock County, MS – The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission’s chief executive officer will play a key leadership role in a new statewide maritime technologies initiative.

Gov. Phil Bryant announced the formation of his Ocean Task Force yesterday [June 1] in Gulfport.

The governor has charged the group with developing a master plan to identify and meet critical needs for economic development around maritime technologies, including unmanned maritime systems (UMS).

“With its unique ability to recruit across all platforms – air, land, space and maritime – the opportunity for unmanned maritime systems growth in Hancock County is significant. Stennis Space Center coupled, strong military and defense presence combined with a wealth of natural resources positions the region at the forefront of recognized leaders in industry,” Cork said.

According to the Governor’s Office, several existing factors provide a solid foundation to attract the unmanned maritime systems industry to the state. Among them:

▪ Extensive U.S. Naval Oceanography operations at Stennis Space Center.
▪ Strong university engagement in both unmanned maritime and unmanned aerial research.
▪ Development of a new unmanned systems testing and training range in the Gulf of Mexico offering an “unprecedented concentration” of operational environments across seafloor, ocean interior, air and space.

The task force will examine UMS research, development and operations, technical workforce development, private sector investment, technology transfer and other industry needs.

The Governor’s Ocean Task Force includes members with diverse backgrounds in research, industry, academia, non-governmental organizations and economic development. They will work to complete their report in 120 days.

The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission was established in 1963 to lead the county’s economic development activities. Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park are home to more than 30 companies with 1,000 employees. For more information visit www.portairspace.com.