WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today praised an announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Navy that they have signed a new agreement to expand the development and operations of unmanned maritime systems. The document formalizes Wicker’s Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology (CENOTE) Act of 2018, which directs NOAA to coordinate with the Navy on a wide range of functions including research of emerging unmanned technologies, protocols for acquisition of these systems, and sharing facilities for testing and evaluation.

“Today’s announcement from NOAA and the Navy is the culmination of years of efforts to encourage greater collaboration among government agencies to develop unmanned systems,” Wicker said. “The advancements that come from this partnership can revolutionize the way we explore the world’s oceans.”

See the full release on the announcement from NOAA and the U.S. Navy here.