American Technology Corporation (ATC) (NASDAQ: ATCO), the innovator and distributor of the Long Range Acoustic Device(TM) (LRAD?) product line, announced today that the M/V Maersk Alabama deployed its complement of LRAD-X? acoustic hailing devices (AHDs) in concert with other defensive measures to successfully deter a pirate attack off the northeast coast of Somalia yesterday.

“Due to Maersk Alabama following maritime industry’s best anti-piracy
practices such as embarking security teams, the ship was able to
prevent being successfully attacked by pirates,” said Navy Vice Admiral
William E. Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and
U.S. 5th Fleet. “This is a great example of how merchant mariners can
take proactive action to prevent being attacked, and why we recommend
that ships follow industry best practices if they’re in high-risk
areas.”

Captain Richard Phillips called for LRADs as an element in a
“…comprehensive, multi-faceted plan to combat…” international
piracy during his May 5, 2009 testimony before a U.S. Senate
subcommittee hearing on piracy. Captain Phillips was taken hostage for
five days after Somali pirates briefly seized the Maersk Alabama in an
attack last April.

ATC’s proprietary LRAD directed sound systems enable commercial
maritime security and international naval forces to communicate clearly
and determine the intent of potential piracy threats at distances in
excess of 3,000 meters, providing time and distance to employ a
measured response to a threat’s actions. Through the use of focused
multi-lingual voice commands and powerful deterrent tones, LRAD creates
increased standoff and safety zones, supports conflict resolution, and
potentially saves lives on both sides of the device.

LRADs are currently deployed in a variety of government, military and
commercial applications around the world, including installations on
international naval vessels, maritime shipping lines and luxury cruise
ships.

“Beginning with the attack on the Seabourn Spirit four years ago this
month, Somali pirates have become increasingly brazen in their attempts
to seize ships, crew and cargo for ransom,” said Tom Brown, president
and CEO of American Technology. “With piracy attacks continuing to
escalate, we believe LRAD is an essential part of an overall capability
for maritime security and international naval forces in their fight
against 21st century pirates.”

Source: American Technology Corporation

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