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2008 Sea-Air-Space Exposition Highlights 'Global Maritime Security'

By MATT HILBURN, Associate Editor

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is scheduled to head a lineup of top national security speakers during the Navy League’s 2008 Sea-Air-Space (SAS) Exposition, March 18-20, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. SAS will offer a unique opportunity for key decision-makers in the U.S. military and government to meet and mingle with defense contractors, research and development specialists, and foreign military attachés.

“As the largest maritime exposition in the world, the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition facilitates dialogue and partnerships between industry and the military customer,” said Navy League National President J. Michael McGrath.

“This year’s theme, ‘Global Maritime Security,’ is intended to complement the new Cooperative Maritime Strategy and advance public understanding of the critical importance of sea power for America’s security and prosperity. In addition to more than 150 exhibits demonstrating the latest in naval, aerospace, communications and systems technologies, the Exposition’s professional seminar panels provide our audience of military and civilian leaders — from DoD, Homeland Security and the defense industry — timely insights into policy and programs,” he said, “which we hope will lead to new collaborative and constructive solutions to provide our military services with the weapons, platforms and systems they need to safeguard America.”

Other invited SAS speakers include Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter and Navy Adm. William J. Fallon, commander, U.S. Central Command. The three-day exposition, comprising panel presentations on defense issues and exhibits by dozens of defense contractors, will open with a discussion of the importance of sea power to national security by invited speakers Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations; Adm. Thad W. Allen, the commandant of the Coast Guard; Gen. Robert Magnus, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps; and Sean T. Connaughton, maritime administrator. Seminar topics will include: “Capability vs. Affordability,” “Defending the Home Front,” “Engagement and Maritime Diplomacy” and “Acquisition Outlook and Priorities.”

Participants in the panel discussions include high-level representatives from the sea services, industry and think tanks. This year, Seapower will introduce a new digital product, Expo Online, with up-to-the-minute news from the SAS floor. Updates will provide the opportunity for military, government and industry leaders to review significant events, panel discussions, keynote speakers and other news as it unfolds. Complete editorial coverage will remain online up to two months after the show.