Source: United States Navy
The Navy’s outgoing Chief Information Officer (CHINFO) Rear Adm. Charlie Brown kicked off the symposium by underscoring three main points: alignment, professionalism, and leading the fight.
“We are far past due to get together, share our experiences and strengthen the professional relationships that make our team uniquely effective,” noted Brown in his welcome message.
Rear Adm. (select) Ryan Perry, who will take on the role as the Navy’s next CHINFO, defined public affairs as “telling the truth with a purpose.” He also noted that disinformation is lessened when the truth is out there first.
“The vision is to be the most respected communicators in the world and the mission is to lead effective communication at every echelon of command,” Perry said. “Being able to write opens opportunities.”
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro joined the event virtually and shared how his public affairs officer (PAO) helped him through his best and worst moments. He also asked the audience to communicate the importance of the South China Sea — the commerce flowing through Taiwan, the Navy’s protection of the sea lines of communication, the physical cables on the seabed, freedom of navigation, and how the Navy serves as a first responder for the Department of Defense in that area.
When speaking about the balance needed for discussing capabilities, SECNAV said that public affairs representatives must communicate to compete. In order to get the most from every event, speakers and attendees should be thoughtful and deliberate in their discussions. Selective discussion of future concepts, operations, and capabilities can encourage our partners in industry and help deter potential adversaries. Yet sharing too much detail can allow adversaries to gain a competitive advantage. All communication should demonstrate how the Navy contributes to national defense without revealing information that could adversely affect security.
Also making a virtual appearance was Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday who summarized public affairs as “relationships.” Gilday noted the importance of positive relationships and transparency with the media, adding that both the Navy and the media share a responsibility to the American people; he underscored his point with cautionary tales of mishandling narratives and being held accountable by the media. Gilday also asked for focused messages, powerful visuals, loyalty, honesty, consistency, and credibility.
NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.
NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.