The purpose of the symposium is to foster open discussions between AEGIS equipped ships with AEGIS technical experts to help educated supervisors and operators in order to maximize combat system effectiveness. Captain Joe Ring, Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, mentioned the symposium being all about the participants and the challenges they are facing regarding combat systems equipment. Captain John Bowman, Major Program Manager, PEO IWS 1.0F (AEGIS Fleet Readiness), stressed the importance of providing ships with enough equipment to be self-sufficient before leaving the pier.
“This symposium provides participants a forum to discuss the challenges they are facing regarding combat systems equipment,” said Ring. “It’s a great opportunity to bring perspectives, expertise, and knowledge from across the Fleet together with the Program Office and Industry.”
As a result of these technical readiness presentations and Capt. Ring’s statement of “equal voice, equal value”, the fleet was able to spur conversations and receive feedback from Sailors to Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet and connect local experts to maximize fleet operations and supporting activities. With the floor being open to discussion, combat systems petty officers and chiefs expressed their personal experiences with AEGIS and their ability to work these systems. The conversations that were held were aligned with Kitchener’s focus on self-sufficiency and staying ready to fight.
The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific is to manage the overall warfighting capability of the Surface Combatant Force homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), HI; to coordinate through the Fleet Response Plan (FRP) cycle the manning, operations, combat systems, engineering, maintenance, training, logistics, administration, and support of assigned units to achieve the highest levels of combat readiness.
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