San Diego Partners with US Marine Corps Installations Command on Smart Cities Technology

The city of San Diego, California is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) to collaborate on researching and installing smart cities technology – including applications using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), renewable energy, smart street lights, and the City’s “Get It Done” application.  Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last month to form the partnership.

The partnership will include working groups which will review issues and develop action plans to carry out pilot programs looking at the application of smart city technology in areas including protection and security, mobility, and public works.

Last year, San Diego was one of the cities picked to participate in a UAS testing program run by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Marine Corps will now become one of 20 partners involved in the San Diego region’s consortium for the pilot program. Officials will also conduct monthly conference calls, as well as semi-annual meetings to discuss the progress of various projects.

“San Diego and the Marine Corps have a long history working together and this agreement is a testament to our partnership,” maj. gen. Coglianese said in a statement. Both partners “see opportunities to partner in developing innovative solutions on resilience, improved services, and transportation,” he stated.

MCICOM has established a representative in San Diego focused on innovation in West Coast installations – including two San Diego-based installations at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

“We’re building on the long tradition of collaboration between the U.S. military and the city of San Diego and taking that partnership to the next level for the betterment of the San Diego region,” Mayor Faulconer said in a statement.