Surface Navy Association to Meet at Annual Symposium

By Edward H. Lundquist - December 31, 2012

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63), front, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) transit in formation in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes

The Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium will be held Jan. 15-17, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Crystal City, Va.

The 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. SNA provides for its members support, programs, and activities that enable professional growth, personal satisfaction and camaraderie.

“This symposium brings together military, government and industry to highlight our surface navy warriors currently serving in the past and future,” says SNA President Vice Adm. Ron Route, USN (Ret.). “Each year the symposium gets bigger and better. With the impending budget decisions, this is an important time to hear from the highest levels of Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps leadership.”

Speakers at the 2013 symposium include Secretary of the Navy Raymond E. Mabus, Jr.; Commandant of the United States Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, USMC; U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr., USCG; Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark E. Ferguson, III, USN; Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. William E. Gortney, USN; Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Tom Copeman, USN; Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command Vice Adm. Kevin M. McCoy, USN; Director, Surface Warfare Division, N96, OPNAV Rear Adm. Thomas S. Rowden, USN; Director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, N95, OPNAV Maj. Gen Timothy C. Hanifen, USMC; Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr., USN; and Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Sean J. Stackley; as well as other speakers and panelists. The latest agenda can be seen at http://www.navysna.org/2013Symposium/Index.htm.

The annual Naval Heritage Program will examine the events surrounding “Operation Praying Mantis.” The symposium will feature the annual SNA banquet, awards recognition luncheon and the International Navies Luncheon, featuring a panel of distinguished naval attaches assigned to Washington. A number of exhibits will be featured in the Hyatt Exposition Hall.

Register for the symposium at http://www.navysna.org/2013Symposium/Registration/20RegistrationIndex13.htm. Pre-Registration Closes at 1200 on Jan. 9, 2013.

SNA has more than 6,000 members and 26 chapters around the world.

For information – Contact Debbie Garry at navysna@aol.com.