Harbor Safety and Security Committees: A Case Study

Session Abstract

Maritime and port partnerships play a critical role in strengthening safety, security, mobility, and environmental protection of a port or waterway. By fostering collaboration among port authorities, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, partnerships serve as a platform for information sharing, coordinated planning, and rapid response to threats.

Session Takeaway

The attendees will gain insights and best-in-class practices for integrating security into organizations and charters, improving situational awareness, and leveraging local knowledge to support national maritime security objectives.

Session Speakers

Heberto Villarreal - Moderator

Institute For Homeland Security - Sam Houston State University

Heberto Villarreal serves as the Project Manager for Training, Learning, and Development at the Institute for Homeland Security (IHS) at Sam Houston State University. In this role, he supports the development and coordination of training programs designed to address critical infrastructure protection needs across the Transportation, Energy, Chemical, Healthcare, and Wastewater sectors. He also assists with professional development initiatives to ensure program objectives are met and aligned with practitioner needs.

Mr. Villarreal additionally serves as a community liaison for critical infrastructure stakeholders in the South Texas region. His professional interests include Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), with a focus on risk management, compliance, and workforce development. He is particularly interested in supporting CIP professionals as they navigate emerging security and resilience challenges.

Mr. Villarreal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and a Master of Science in Security Studies with an emphasis on Critical Infrastructure from Sam Houston State University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies in Risk Management and Compliance at Texas A&M University School of Law.

Michael Aspland

Institute For Homeland Security - Sam Houston State University

William Dietrich

Port of Brownsville

William Dietrich serves as Port Director and CEO of the Port of Brownsville, the largest land-owning public port authority in the United States and a rapidly growing international multimodal transportation hub serving Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Under his leadership, the port has achieved record operational revenue and cargo volumes, rising to the 41st busiest U.S. port for waterborne cargo. The port is nationally recognized as a leader in ship recycling and shipbuilding, a major gateway for steel into Mexico, and a strategic hub supporting Texas’ energy and space industries. Dietrich is advancing major economic development initiatives focused on energy infrastructure, LNG exports, next-generation shipbuilding, offshore services, and critical minerals processing, strengthening the region’s role in global trade and investment.

Capt. Torrey Bertheau

USCG Sector Corpus Christi

Captain Torrey Bertheau assumed command of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi in June 2024, serving simultaneously as Captain of the Port, Officer-in-Charge of Marine Inspection, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, and Federal On-Scene Coordinator. In this role, he oversees maritime safety, security, law enforcement, environmental protection, emergency response, and waterways management across U.S. navigable waters from the Colorado River to the U.S.–Mexico maritime boundary and 200 miles offshore in the Gulf, including the entire Rio Grande River. His area of responsibility includes three major ports, the nation’s largest petroleum export port, more than 400 miles of Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, extensive navigation systems, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lock, and a commercial space launch facility operated by SpaceX.

Captain Bertheau’s operational assignments include Chief of Response Operations at Sector Puget Sound, Chief of Enforcement at Sector Columbia River, Officer-in-Charge of Law Enforcement Detachment 102 at Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, and Deck Watch Officer aboard USCGC Hamilton. He also served as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Laredo, Texas, before returning to active duty in 2010. His staff tours include positions at Coast Guard Headquarters, Atlantic Area Command Center, and Operations Command supporting maritime security and law enforcement operations. A graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana and Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, he later earned a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. A native of Lake Jackson, Texas, Captain Bertheau and his wife, Ginna, have three children.

X. Valverde

G & H Towing

Commander Xavier “X” F. Valverde, Sr., USN (Retired), enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1982 after growing up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Following early assignments aboard USS LUCE and USS NEW JERSEY, including deployment to the Mediterranean in support of peacekeeping operations in Beirut, he was selected for the BOOST program and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Washington. Commissioned as an Ensign in 1990, he served as an exchange officer aboard ARA LIBERTAD and later completed multiple operational tours as a Surface Warfare Officer, holding key leadership roles aboard USS MAHLON S. TISDALE, USS PEARL HARBOR, and USS BONHOMME RICHARD. He earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and went on to command USS WARRIOR and later USS PEARL HARBOR. His career also included joint service as a U.S. Army operational planner with III Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom and a final assignment at the Pentagon as an analyst for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy.

After retiring from naval service, Valverde transitioned to the maritime industry, serving as Senior Human Resources Manager and District Training Coordinator at Kiewit Offshore Services before joining G&H Towing in 2014. Promoted to General Manager in 2019, he oversees harbor tug operations across the Ports of Corpus Christi and Brownsville, managing engineering, safety, regulatory compliance, scheduling, and financial operations. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous campaign and service awards, and he received the U.S. Coast Guard Public Service Commendation for his leadership during Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. He resides in Portland, Texas, with his wife, Maria, and they have two adult children.