Top Leaders Meet, Share Ideas at West 2008 Conference
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jennifer S. Top leaders from the military, government and industry gathered at the San Diego Convention Center Feb. 5-7, for the West 2008 conference, co-sponsored by The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the U.S. Naval Institute. The conference themed "U.S. at a Crossroads: Where to - and How - After Iraq?" featured discussions on pressing issues in the military services and how industry can help solve them. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace gave the opening remarks and spoke of protecting the Internet and the importance of military, government and industry to work together.
Former Navy Chief Joins Austal
The former Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral (Rtd) David Shackleton AO, has joined Australian shipbuilder Austal as an advisor. Austal Executive Chairman Mr John Rothwell AO said Vice Admiral Shackleton will provide general strategic advice to Austal on Australian and international naval and defence industry opportunities including those expected to arise from the Australian Government’s recently announced A$10 billion naval shipbuilding program. “Vice Admiral Shackleton’s extensive knowledge and experience and contacts in relation to the Australian and foreign navies will significantly help Austal’s strategy to build on our defense shipbuilding success to date,” Mr Rothwell said. Vice Admiral Shackleton was Chief of Navy from July 1999 to July 2002.
CNO Announces Newest DDG
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Michael G. Mullen, announced the construction of USS Stockdale (DDG 106) at the Western Conference and Exposition (West 2006) at the San Diego Conference Center January 12 in the presence of Mrs. Sybil Stockdale, widow of Navy and Vietnam War hero, Vice Adm. James B. Stockdale. “You and James are examples to all of us,” said Mullen to Stockdale. “Vice Adm. Mullen went on to say that it was the first ship he’s named as CNO and that it was only fitting to name it after James Stockdale. “I can’t even put it into words what this means to me,” said Dr. James B. Stockdale, Jr., son of the vice admiral. “I feel very proud. Stockdale is considered by many to be one of the greatest heroes in U.S. history. He was the highest-ranking POW in the Vietnam War.
