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NECC Participates in NAVEXFOR 2010

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100308-08
Release Date: 3/8/2010 4:14:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), along with two subordinate commands, participated in the Naval Expeditionary Forces (NAVEXFOR) Symposium & Expo held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center March 1-3.

The annual symposium is dedicated to discuss the expansion of the traditional domain of naval forces from the shores into far inland areas, and to share information that addresses new requirements to engage the increasing threat spectrum effectively.

Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, the commander of NECC, gave the opening remarks to the audience of guests and exhibitors, focusing on NECC's strategic goals and capability requirements.

Pottenger also answered questions from the audience about the future of NECC and its subordinate commands, saying NECC will continue to work closely with the systems commands, warfare centers, industry and academia, to review the priorities of the science and technology objectives and update those plans.

Along with a display by NECC, Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command and First Naval Construction Division displayed their capabilities to vendors and guests.

"We are here to spread the awareness of MCAST and its mission, Maritime Civil Affairs assistance and Security Force Assistance," said Chief Electronics Technician(EXW/SW) Brian Sloan, MCAST leading chief petty officer of communications. "NAVEXFOR is a great way for people to witness the capabilities that we have available."

MCAST displayed the different elements used during their missions, including the Civil-Military Operations Center, where civil affairs activities take place. From there, civil affairs personnel can coordinate information between local governments, non-government officials and military operating commanders.

The display also included a weapons simulator, which MCAST Sailors use to help partnering countries with weapons training.

"MCAST is here at NAVEXFOR to display the capabilities that we can bring to the fight," said Lt. Cmdr. Darrin Woods, MCAST civil information management analyst. "And this expo allows us to take a look at the capabilities of the vendors and to see how they can help MCAST reach its end goal."

Events like NAVEXFOR inform military operators, law enforcement officers and homeland defense workers of what is available and how industry can offer potential solutions to their problems.

"We are looking forward to partnering with Marine Corps and with the Army," said Pottenger. "Conferences like these are great catalysts to building those kinds of outreach and partnerships which we so desperately need."