CRYSTAL CITY, Va. (NNS) – Naval leaders, government officials and members of private industry gathered to discuss the surface navy’s future at the 27th Annual Surface Navy Association Symposium in Crystal City, Va., Jan. 13.
The symposium provides an opportunity for discussions on a broad range of professional and career issues for the surface community. The event also features government-contracted defense companies, suppliers and commands exhibiting the latest in surface warfare technology and the way ahead for future research and development.
“The world has changed and with it so must our assumptions and our preconceptions, that is what we are doing with surface warfare. We are adapting to a changed environment we are responding to national strategic imperatives and we are going on the offensive,” said Rowden.
“By coming together as an association of professionals, we can focus on the future while continuing to reflect upon our strong warfare heritage,” said Vice Adm. (RET) Barry McCullough, President, Surface Navy Association. “We are honored once again to host an extensive list of speakers who have given their time to the surface warfare community in an effort to broaden our perspectives and encourage professional discussion.”
Fleet Master Chief April Beldo, Navy Total Force, Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education, speaks to Sailors during the 27th annual Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium. This year’s SNA Symposium focuses on “Surface Warfare – Distributed Lethality: Going on the Offensive.” U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leonard Adams
Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden addressed some of the challenges facing surface Sailors and the theme of the symposium “Surface Warfare: Distributed Lethality – Going on the Offensive.”
“The world has changed and with it so must our assumptions and our preconceptions, that is what we are doing with surface warfare. We are adapting to a changed environment we are responding to national strategic imperatives and we are going on the offensive,” said Rowden. “The surface force is going to be more lethal across all major warfare areas through distributed lethality.”
Fleet and force Master Chiefs from around the Navy hosted an enlisted round table luncheon. They covered a myriad of topics including enlisted evaluations, tuition assistance and the future of the surface Navy. The luncheon concluded with brief comments from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens.
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