On Dec. 14, 2017, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport (NUWC Keyport) hosted representatives from the Port of Seattle's Maritime Innovation Center, a group working to establish a facility promoting economic growth and scientific advancement in the maritime sector.

The representatives were visiting various innovative organizations around the Puget Sound area as they establish and plan a concept for their Center, and wanted to learn more about NUWC Keyport's capabilities, in-water ranges, areas of technical expertise, and network of partners.

At NUWC Keyport, they received an overview briefing by Technical Director Alan Kent and NUWC Keyport's Board of Directors, and explored possibilities for collaboration. They also toured Barb Hall, NUWC Keyport's the unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) support facility, and its additive manufacturing/3D printing facilities. UUVs and additive manufacturing are disruptive technologies with great potential in both the naval and commercial maritime fields.

"The Port of Seattle initiative to create an innovation cell and business incubator on the Seattle waterfront is an exciting opportunity for NUWC Keyport and the Northwest's Defense installations. Their goal of bringing in stakeholders from the Defense and federal laboratory communities, and to sit them at the table with tech industry representatives, offers tremendous potential," said Carrie Bender, NUWC Keyport's Contracting Officer. "For me, it's always exciting to be able to contribute to creating or strengthening the Defense-related business and industrial base."

NUWC Keyport protocol officer Kristin Carver said "Every visit is an opportunity for sharing knowledge and expanding partnerships the ultimately help further NUWC Keyport's mission. It's great when we can make connections and share mutually-beneficial ideas."

The Maritime Innovation Center currently planned to open in 2019 at a renovated former fishing terminal in Seattle's Ballard Neighborhood.

NUWC Keyport provides technical capabilities that support America's dominance in the undersea domain. NUWC Keyport is headquartered in Washington State, and has facilities and operations in California, Guam, Hawaii, British Columbia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, and personnel working in several other states and countries

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