The 21st International Seapower Symposium (ISS), scheduled for Oct. 22-25 in Newport, R.I., was cancelled today as a result of the government shutdown.
“Despite our best intentions, the absence of funding associated with the Federal Government shutdown precludes us from hosting this important event,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert.
ISS is conducted every two years and brings together Naval and Coast Guard leaders from across the globe. This year’s event was expected to include representatives from 111 nations.
The Symposium provides a forum where nations can have open and candid discussions and share perspectives on common interests.
“International partnerships remain a high priority and ISS in addition to our joint exercises build trust and confidence with our maritime partners,” said Greenert. “We will assuredly look at opportunities to host the event in 2014.”
Previous symposia have improved regional information sharing, disaster relief, submarine rescue, coalition military operations, and joint law enforcement efforts to counter smuggling, illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing and piracy.
[mappress] Press Release, October 16, 2013; Image: US Navy