Arctic Ocean will be a focus of homeland security conference

More than 365 homeland security experts, government workers and defense contractors will gather in Colorado Springs today for the start of a three-day conference aimed at making America safer.

The National Symposium on Homeland Defense and Security, which traces its origins to 2002, is focused this year on getting agencies and contractors to work together amid federal belt-tightening.

“What we’re trying to do is hone in on this concept that everyone has a role to play,” said Retired Air Force General Gene Renuart, chairman of the board at the National Homeland Defense Foundation in Colorado Springs, which runs the event.

With Congress pondering massive cuts to defense and homeland security spending, this year’s show won’t focus on multi-million dollar computer, intelligence and weapons systems, Renuart said. It will look at how agencies can be more efficient with the resources they have while convincing government leaders that homeland security must remain a top priority.

“We want to make sure we don’t downplay the threats when we look at the budget challenges,” Renuart said.

Renuart is a former commander of U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base. The command’s role in protecting America from terrorist attacks while providing Pentagon resources to assist in natural disasters is the primary reason the symposium comes to town each fall.

The sour economy hasn’t led to lowered attendance at the symposium so far, said Don Addy, the foundation’s president.

And the event is drawing top-tier military and government leaders.

On tap this year are top Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Defense and industry officials.

The keynote speaker Monday is retired Marine Gen. James Jones, who served as President Obama’s national security advisor.

The hottest topic at the symposium comes from the coldest of places. American and Canadian leaders will talk about security in the Arctic Ocean, where melting ice has created new sea lanes and security concerns.

Renuart said the Arctic is drawing attention around the globe as a place to speed ship transport along a new version of the fabled northwest passage and as a treasure trove of natural resources, including gold and oil.

He said symposium-goers will help craft plans to defend the region and protect mariners there.

“The Arctic is a rapidly growing security issue,” Addy said.