Ocean Aero, a company that develops unmanned underwater drones, has recently relocated from San Diego to Gulfport, Mississippi. The move was supported by the state’s leaders, including Governor Tate Reeves and both Senators, who believe that Mississippi is an ideal location for companies to thrive. The company, which has created 50 new jobs, plans to move into new headquarters at the Port of Gulfport later this year.
Ocean Aero’s drones are equipped to operate both above and below water, collecting intelligence for the U.S. Navy, studying marine life, mapping seafloors, and observing oil fields. The company’s CEO, Keith Blystone, believes that Mississippi, with its proximity to the Gulf Coast and neighboring institutions such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Southern Mississippi, is the perfect location for their operations.
One of the main questions surrounding this move is whether it will contribute to the state’s economy. Mississippi has struggled with low education rates, poor infrastructure, and a weak economy. However, Governor Reeves has been focusing on improving the economy and attracting high-paying jobs to the state. He sees Ocean Aero as an example of a successful company and hopes that it will attract other top companies to Mississippi.
Economics professor Edward Sayre acknowledges that any new jobs, especially high-tech roles, are positive for the state. However, he questions whether 50 jobs will have a substantial impact and whether other companies will follow Ocean Aero’s lead. Sayre believes that there is still work to be done to make Mississippi truly business-friendly.
Ocean Aero’s drones, known as “TRITON” vessels, are solar-powered and unmanned. They are considered safer than traditional ocean exploration because they do not require people on board. The U.S. Navy and their allies use these drones in various locations around the world to collect data and protect American interests. They are the only vessels in the world that can operate automatically above and below water.
Gulfport, Mississippi, is an ideal location for the underwater drone industry due to its existing infrastructure and institutions. The region is home to the Stennis Space Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Unmanned Systems Operations Program. The University of Southern Mississippi also collaborates with NOAA and Ocean Aero on their own unmanned vessel programs. Additionally, the “blue economy,” which includes marine industries such as shipbuilding and seafood processing, employs a significant number of people in the region.
While the move is seen as a positive development for Mississippi, there are still challenges ahead. One fundamental question is whether the region can attract and retain a skilled workforce. Despite progress, the Gulf Coast lacks the momentum of fast-growing suburbs in other parts of the country that are more attractive to businesses on a larger scale. Nevertheless, Ocean Aero is proud to hire local staff and contribute to the state’s economy by providing job opportunities in the region.
Overall, the relocation of Ocean Aero to Gulfport, Mississippi, is seen as a step towards economic growth for the state. The presence of a high-tech company in the area is viewed as positive, although there are still obstacles to overcome in order to make Mississippi more business-friendly and attract further investment.
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