SNA West Coast Symposium Highlights Maritime Strategy

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Paula Ludwick, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces and Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, kicked off the 10th annual Surface Navy Association (SNA) West Coast 2008 Symposium Aug. 28 at Naval Base San Diego.
'Executing the Maritime Strategy' was the theme of this year's symposium for which Curtis provided opening remarks. The event provided members of the surface warfare community an opportunity to discuss maritime strategy issues critical to the future success of the Navy.
"Our surface Navy continues to do great work around the globe on a daily basis supporting the maritime strategy," Curtis said." We must continue to lead the fight at sea but be flexible as we are called upon to provide humanitarian relief to various nations worldwide."
Some topics of discussion at the day-long symposium included international programs in support of Maritime Strategy, Maritime Strategy in Africa, Maritime Strategy in the Pacific, Maritime Strategy in the and Resourcing the Maritime Strategy.
"We must also continue the fight in the global struggle against violent extremism both ashore and at sea as surface force Sailors continue to fill critical individual augmentee (IA) billets," Curtis added.
Guest speakers at the symposium included Vice Adm. Bernard McCullough, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8); Rear Adm. Nevin Carr, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, International Programs Director, Navy International Program Office; Rear Adm. Philip Greene Jr., Commander, Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa; Rear Adm. Charles Martoglio, Director for Operations, J3, U.S. Pacific Command; and Rear Adm. Scott Swift, prospective Commander, Carrier Group 9.
"I appreciate all of your hard work and dedication that you provide to the waterfront every day. Continue doing amazing things for the surface Navy and getting back to basics," said Curtis during his opening remarks.