The 2012 Sea-Air-Space Exposition, held at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort and Convention Center, concluded April 18.
During the three-day event Navy leadership and industry leaders spoke about topics ranging from the current and future Navy vessels to the future of Navy capabilities. More than 10,000 attendees had the opportunity to browse more than 180 booths from industry leaders and naval commands.
“I think this expo is wonderful,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class James Williams , Naval Medical Logistics Command, Fort Detrick . “ My favorite exhibit was the Raytheon exhibit because they were showing the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and different types of sea-based technologies.”
Williams said he hopes to return for the 2013 Sea-Air-Space Expo.
“I would love to come back next year because I’ve really enjoyed this experience,” said Williams. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to come out here and see all the different technology that we’re going to be able to use to help us do our jobs.”
One officer said that events such as this one help both military and civilians have a better understanding of the relationship between industry leaders and the military.
“Events like this one give the public as well as the military an idea of the involvement of the technical and engineering companies,” said Lt. Alexander Allen , Military Sealift Command. “You don’t have a true understanding until you come to an event like this one and see what it takes to build a destroyer, or an aircraft carrier, it’s a real eye opener.”
Allen said he encourages all Sailors to come to future Sea-Air-Space Expos if given the opportunity.
“I recommend anyone if they have the time and if their command can support it to come out here,” said Allen. “ I especially recommend our Sailors to come out and see all the equipment that they will be working with and talk to the people who design and build it.”
The 2013 Sea-Air-Space Expo is scheduled to be held at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center April 8th through April 10th.
The Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition is three days of seminars and demonstrations highlighting the latest maritime-related technologies and solutions. The symposium provides an excellent opportunity for Navy policy and operational leadership to interact with industry representatives to discuss and debate common interests and concerns.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , April 20, 2012; Image: navy