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Naval Base San Diego Hosts Annual Surface Navy Symposium

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090812-31
Release Date: 8/12/2009 9:24:00 PM

By Maile Y. Baca, Naval Base San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Members of the San Diego chapter of the Surface Navy Association (SNA) and SNA National hosted the 11th annual West Coast Symposium at Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) Aug. 6.

The theme of the symposium, "The Adaptive Surface Warrior - Responding to Emerging Threats," was covered by four flag officers and two naval historians discussing various topics ranging from the specific history of the surface Navy in World War II to current strike group operations in 2009.

In conjunction with the speakers, 21 government-contracted defense companies, suppliers and commands exhibited the latest in surface warfare technology and shared future projects and technologies with the 800 military and civilian personnel who attended. The symposium also gave non-SNA members a chance to see what the association has to offer and a chance to join.

Capt. Rick Williamson, commanding officer of NBSD and the SNA San Diego chapter president found the event to be a great success.

"We provided an avenue for senior leadership to connect and talk with up and coming surface warriors," said Williamson. "This was a great event to educate the fighter, inform the fleet and share with families in a unique environment."

Adm. John Harvey, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), the final speaker for the symposium used the event as his first official public gathering since becoming USFF to speak on the importance of the future of the surface Navy. Throughout his presentation, Harvey focused on Sailor and family support, the Fleet Readiness Enterprise and continuing to make the Navy a ready, relevant and responsive force.

The Executive Director of SNA, retired Capt. Bill Erickson, was pleased with the attendance and list of speakers.

"The Surface Navy Association is pleased to see how much this program has grown since the first conference. This year's event broke an attendance record and provided a great opportunity to hear from Navy leadership," said Erickson.

The SNA was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater communication among those in the military, business and academic communities who share a common interest in naval surface warfare and to promote activities of surface naval forces.

For more news from Naval Base San Diego, visit www.navy.mil/local/NBSD/.