Surface Navy Association 32nd Annual Symposium Marks Day Three

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class David J Claypool | 200115-N-XU691-0008 ARLINGTON Va. (Jan. 16, 2020) — Rear Adm. William J. Galinis, program executive officer, Ships, speaks during a discussion panel at the Surface Navy Association’s 32 National Symposium at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Virginia. The Symposium brings together members of the military, business, and academic communities to discuss issues and challenges pertaining to naval Surface Warfare. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Claypool/Released).  

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES

01.16.2020

Courtesy Story

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Leaders from across the Navy, business and academia continued into day three of discussions about the future of naval surface warfare at the 32nd Annual Surface Navy Association Symposium in Arlington, Va., Jan. 16.

In fitting with this year’s theme of “Owning Tomorrow’s Fight Today,” today’s speakers spoke on topics related to improved readiness, maintaining the fleet and building a fleet of the future.

Adm. Christopher W. Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command/commander, U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command, gave the keynote address. Grady addressed the importance of constant readiness in every aspect of warfighting and the maintenance of naval supremacy.

“We live in a dangerous world, so we may be called to fight and win on little notice,” said Grady. “It is incumbent upon us to treat every day as though it were the last day of peace, and so we have to own the fight today. That is imperative.”

For those in attendance, Grady gave a hypothetical scenario in which a future U.S. Navy was charged with helping small forces across the globe fight and care for its people. At the conclusion of the story, he urged the need for a shifting mindset - away from short-term preparedness and toward long-term capabilities.

“We need you to own that fight,” said Grady. “We need combat-ready ships and battle-minded crews. Being combat-ready means being relentless on readiness. We must dispense with the mindset where we build material readiness just in time for the next deployment and instead constantly prepare ourselves for the unknown.”

The Surface Navy Association was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among the military, business and academic communities who share a common interest in naval surface warfare and to support the activities of Surface Naval Forces. The SNA is dedicated to recognizing the continuing contributions of the United States Navy and Coast Guard’s surface forces, showcasing professional excellence within the surface naval forces, dealing with the challenges faced by surface naval forces, nurturing communication among military, academic and business communities, enhancing and preserving the heritage of surface naval forces and providing forums on professional matters affecting the surface naval forces.

For updates and live streams from the symposium, visit our blog at https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2020/01/13/surface-navy-association-2020-national-symposium/

• Date Taken: 01.16.2020
• Date Posted: 01.16.2020 14:23
• Story ID: 359420
• Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US