By Chris Rawley

One of the goals of CIMSEC is to bring new perspectives into the discussion on maritime security and to break down traditional barriers in the conversation between younger and older voices, military and civilians, and across international partners.  Along these lines, we recently hosted our first annual Maritime Security Scholarship Essay Contest.  We are pleased to announce the three contest winners and publish their essays here this week.  They are:

1st Place, and the winner of a $500 cash scholarship is Steel Templin, from Groveland, Florida.

2nd Place, receiving a $250 scholarship is Griffin Cannon, from South Burlington, Vermont.

Honorable mention goes to Nolan McEleney, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, who will receive $150.

The challenges piracy poses to freedom on the seas is a timeless topic, so it’s no wonder that two of our winning essayists decided to cover this topic.  Perhaps as a sign of trends to come, they both suggest a role for unmanned systems in fighting piracy.  Our honorable mention winner outlines the importance the space domain to maritime security.  Well done to our participants and winners!  We look forward to seeing many more fine essays next year.