By Lt Col Saiful-Akhmar
RHODE ISLAND USA, Monday 24 October 2011
- The 20th International Seapower Symposium (ISS) held at the US Naval
War College in Newport, Rhode Island from 18 to 21 Oct 2011, was
co-hosted by Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert, US Chief of Naval Operations
and Rear Admiral John N. Christenson, President of the Naval War
College.
First held in 1969, ISS has become the
largest gathering of the world’s maritime leaders in history and
provides a forum to discuss common challenges and promote international
maritime security cooperation. This year’s event saw a gathering of more
than 170 senior officers from over 100 countries around the globe, the
largest in its history, most of who were senior-most officers that
represented their nation’s navy or coast guard.
This year’s theme
was “Security and Prosperity through Maritime Partnerships”. As part of
the event, three panel discussions led by international navy leaders
focused on maritime security challenges, responsive partnerships, and
evolving demands. Speaking to participants from 111 nations in
attendance, Admiral Jonathan Greenert closed the symposium on 21 Oct and
reflected on the insights he received from regional breakout
discussions at the symposium -- interoperability is the key to the
success of global maritime operations; maritime security, including
anti-piracy measures, can be enhanced by sharing technology and
information; and assets devoted to an operation should match the mission
requirements. Greenert also focused on three takeaways from the
symposium: economic interdependency, the importance of people to
interoperability and the value of personal relationships. Additionally,
he highlighted relationships and partnerships and how they can impact
future operations. In closing, he reiterated the importance he places on
developing cooperative efforts that can help share capabilities,
technology, and approaches to working together.
The RBAF were
represented by Col Hj Aznan bin Hj Julaihi - Deputy Commander RBN, and
Lt Col Saiful-Akhmar bin Hj Mohd Shariff - Senior Directing Staff at the
RBAF Staff College. Lt Col Saiful-Akhmar was also given the privilege
of representing the Pacific Ocean Group in delivering a report of the
breakout discussion to the CNO and the whole symposium on the second day
held at Spruance Auditorium in the Naval War College.
