WEST 2014 Kicks Off in San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Derek Stroop, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Western Conference and Exposition kicked off at the San Diego Convention Center with this year's theme, "Shaping Maritime Strategy: How Do We Make It Work?" highlighting a multitude of diverse exhibits from military, government, industrial and academic organizations, Feb. 11.

The three-day event, co-sponsored by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and the U.S. Naval Institute, facilitates forum and panel discussions between leaders in the armed forces and government contractors.

Adm. Harry Harris, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, introduced the maritime strategy theme during his keynote address.

"Forward presence matters," said Harris. "Enemies are trying to close the technology gap on us, while we provide a significant amount of peace and stability via the seas."

Sailors attending the first day of the conference found Harris' address relevant to what they have been hearing in the fleet.

"I keep seeing China in the news," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Annika Roberts, a Galveston, Texas native. "I think it's awesome that they will be participating in RIMPAC this year. It's also a great feeling to know that I have a hand in world events with the shift of naval forces to the Pacific."

Harris also emphasized continued technological advancement, stepped-up integration of the armed forces and the re-balancing of forces to the Pacific region.

"The re-balance is real," said Harris. "The newest platforms that the Navy has are going to the Pacific. That's the E-18 Growler, the Zumwalt-class destroyers and the littoral combat ships."

The conference continues Feb. 12 with discussions on cyber innovation and security, and improvement of interoperability.