FAIRFAX, Va./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 23, 2007 --- The largest state-of-the-art warfare and technologies conference and exposition on the West Coast returns to the San Diego Convention Center, January 31 - February 2, 2007. At West 2007, senior military leaders and defense industry experts will address the theme "Swords and Diplomacy: How Do We Build the Right Military to Fight, Win and Influence" The 16th annual conference, which is expected to draw over 10,000 people, covers hot issues facing the military including lessons learned from Iraq, port security, and retention of enlisted leaders. With over 380 exhibitors showing communications, homeland security, information systems, biometric technologies and more, West 2007 provides everything you need to know about defense transformation. The conference is open to the public and admission is free.Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani kicks off the conference as the Wednesday keynote speaker. During his time as mayor, Mr. Giuliani reduced crime, implemented unique law enforcement strategies, and led the resurgence of New York City. He was recognized as Time Magazine's Person of the Year and received the Ronald Reagan Presidential Freedom Award for leading the recovery of the City as it faced its darkest hour on September 11. Mr. Giuliani will be sharing his leadership principles.
The West Honors Evening reception and dinner will be a unique format this year. ADM Thad Allen, USCG, Commandant of the Coast Guard and Principal Federal Officer who oversaw Hurricane Katrina response and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast, will deliver the keynote address. The event recognizes the prestigious Copernicus award winners, as well as AFCEA, Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer, and the National Institute for Urban Search and Rescue (NIUSR) award winners.
The conference theme and panel session topics are based on input from operating forces. Speakers and panel participants will voice their different points of view and experiences with these issues, allowing attendees to benefit from their knowledge and candid discussion. Featured speakers include ADM James Stavridis, USN, Commander, U.S. Southern Command VADM Mark Edwards, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Communication Networks (N6) Mr. Dave Wennergren, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Information Management and Technology), Deputy Department of Defense Chief Information Officer and LTC John Nagl, USA, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, Fort Riley, Kansas and Author, Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam. LTC Nagl is a recognized authority on counterinsurgency and was cited in The New York Times in October 2006 for his work on ArmyMarine Corps FM 3-24 Counterinsurgency under LTG David Patreus and MajGen James Mattis.
New this year is a special luncheon forum on "Cost and Compromise: What Kind of Fleet Should We Build" Dr. Dov Zakheim, former Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer, will host featured guests The Honorable Delores Etter, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) and VADM John Morgan, Jr., USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information, Plans and Strategy (N3N5).
Six panel sessions will provide West attendees opportunities to question experts one-on-one about the latest policy and technology issues. Topics include: operational lessons learned from Iraq, port security, joint network interoperability, procurement, development and retention of enlisted leaders, and maritime strategy for Asia-Pacific.
West 2007 is open to the public and admission is free. Tickets are required for meals. On-site registration is available beginning Monday, January 29. For details and a complete schedule of events, please visit 'http://www.west2007.org'.
AFCEA International is a non-profit membership association serving the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, IT, intelligence, and global security. For more information, please visit 'http://www.afcea.org'.
The U.S. Naval Institute publishes the highly respected Proceedings and Naval History magazines as well as more than 900 professional books each year. Established in 1873, the professional membership association serves as the only independent forum that advances the understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense. For more information, please visit 'http://www.usni.org'.
AFCEA Media Contact
Tobey Jackson
(703) 631-6189
tjackson@afcea.org
U.S. Naval Institute Media Contact
Mike Collins
(410) 703-4280
mcollins@usni.org
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