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SOUTHCOM Area Navy Section Chiefs Meet to Address 2008 Issues

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080204-12
Release Date: 2/4/2008 3:11:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alan Gragg, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy section chiefs of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus gathered in Mayport Jan. 28-31 for the 2008 Navy Section Chiefs' Conference.

Navy section chiefs are U.S. Navy representatives working with the Military Group at U.S. Embassies worldwide to coordinate a variety of maritime programs within their host country.

The conference allows Navy section chiefs, supporting command and agencies in the area of focus the opportunity to meet and align their activities in support of the U.S. Navy and SOUTHCOM mission, goals and objectives for 2008.

SOUTHCOM's naval component command U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) hosted the event this year.

On the first day of the conference, the Navy section chiefs met for a "round-table" discussion with NAVSO Commander, Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr.

Participants expressed to Stevenson their concerns and upcoming issues in their respective host countries. Discussions ranged from planning future training evolutions, community relations projects, and other ways to build better relationships with the host countries as Stevenson listened and responded to each representative's main issue for 2008.

"The meeting provides us great synergy with NAVSO and everyone else in attendance," said Capt. Mark F. Morris, chief of the naval mission in Colombia. "We have common issues, and can work together to solve them."

Morris also said one solution they came up with was for training to be combined for countries with similar needs so the military can work together and save money, while still accomplishing their objectives.

After hearing from each representative, Stevenson addressed the group about the importance of their meeting.

"I think these conferences have been very beneficial in the past," said Stevenson. "What we're trying to focus on throughout the region is presence, humanitarian assistance, building relations and training."

The conference also discussed the new U.S. Maritime Strategy and how to use it to accomplish objectives in their respective host countries.

"For us downrange in Latin America, (the new Maritime Strategy) helps immensely," said Cmdr. Dom Dixon, Navy section chief, Peru. "Whether the situation deals with the Navy, Coast Guard or Marine Corps, it puts us all on the same sheet of music as far as maritime activity goes."

The remainder of the conference consisted of various briefs on topics such as Force Protection issues, SOUTHCOM strategy and policy, the importance of the foreign affairs officer program, and laying groundwork for future events like Partnership of the Americas 2008.

The conference concluded with a summary of discussions, and planning for the 2009 Navy Section Chiefs' Conference.