U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Trenton Schmidt, senior enlisted leader for the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, speaks with a Sailor during an Ask-a-Chief session at the Surface Navy Association’s (SNA) Waterfront Symposium West at Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 2, 2026. Surface Force leaders, Sailors, Marines, veterans and defense industry representatives gathered during the SNA West Coast Waterfront Symposium at Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 2–3. Held under the theme “80% Combat Surge Ready – Excellence in Execution,” the two-day professional-development event brought stakeholders together to examine the personnel, materiel and training required to generate combat-ready ships. The first day featured operational updates and insights from Warfare Tactics Instructors on advanced watch team training, while day two covered Navy-Marine Corps requirements, career management, unmanned platforms, fleet integration, the Military Sealift Command and Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity’s efforts to rebuild enlisted technical expertise. Ultimately, the symposium reinforced that Surface Force readiness depends on schoolhouse training, waterfront maintenance, tactical development, disciplined team cohesion and execution at sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zadi Watkins)
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2026 15:14 |
| Photo ID: | 9914487 |
| VIRIN: | 260902-N-CO617-2523 |
| Resolution: | 4643x3316 |
| Size: | 1.35 MB |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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