Surface Navy Association Kicks Off Symposium

From Defense Media Activity - Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Surface Navy Association kicked off its annual three-day National Symposium in Arlington, Va., Jan. 11.

The theme of this year's symposium is "Surface Naval Forces: Relevant Capabilities for a Challenging Future."

The symposium provides an opportunity for discussions on a broad range of professional and career issues for the surface community. The event also featured government-contracted defense companies, suppliers and commands who exhibited the latest in surface warfare technology and shared future projects and technologies.

The event's first keynote speaker was Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. He addressed some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for surface Sailors.

"We've got to sustain the fleet. We've had a decade of higher op tempo than we anticipated and we planned for and that has taken its toll. We have got to get to the expected service life of our units," said Greenert.

Other speakers on the first day included Vice Adm. Derwood C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Forces/commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Rear Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, director, Surface Warfare Division.

"The Surface Navy is the foundation of the 'Global Force for Good,' operating in the maritime domain with capabilities that span the range of military operations. The pride and professionalism of our Sailors and the dedication of their families makes it possible for us to expertly carry out our Maritime Strategy," said Curtis.

One of the highlights of this year's symposium was an enlisted roundtable that provided junior enlisted Sailors an opportunity to ask questions of senior enlisted Navy personnel.

"There's a lot of things that our enlisted Sailors may not know, in particular with the surface Navy," said Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Force Master Chief (SW/AW) James Williams. "Sometimes that information doesn't always get down to the lowest person, so that's a great opportunity to address us straight on one-on-one."

The symposium also featured a junior officer roundtable.

"So it really gives the opportunity for people, regardless of pay grade or whether they're civilian or military to come talk about things that are surface warfare related outside of their normal daily work routine," Capt. Mary Jackson, Naval Station Norfolk commanding officer.

The Surface Navy Association was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business and academic communities who share a common interest in naval surface warfare and to support the activities of Surface Naval Forces.