From September 21–25, 2026, the Perry Center hosted the Maritime Security Policy Course in Norfolk, Virginia, bringing together more than 40 participants representing 19 countries from across the Western Hemisphere. The five-day course examined a range of challenges in the maritime domain and provided participants with opportunities to exchange perspectives on hemispheric maritime security.

Participants heard from subject matter experts from the private sector, Latin American think tanks, U.S. government agencies, and current and former military officers. Discussions explored maritime security challenges and U.S. policies relevant to the Western Hemisphere, with an emphasis on strengthening strategic alignment and interoperability, territorial and maritime security, countering transnational threats, and building collaborative relationships across the region.

The course, led by Professor of Practice Eric Driggs, also provided participants with firsthand exposure to U.S. maritime capabilities. The delegation toured Naval Base Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, visited the USS Truxton and Iwo Jima. Additionally, they toured U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, receiving a command briefing from US Coast Guard Sector Virginia, and visited the USCGC Seneca. These engagements familiarized participants with the platforms and personnel that carry out maritime missions on behalf of the U.S. government around the world.

The program supported U.S. national security and defense priorities by fostering regional understanding, strengthening professional relationships, and providing participants with insights into U.S. maritime policies and capabilities that promote security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.