Date posted: 01/19/2010*

This year’s Surface Navy Association’s National Symposium drew attendees from around the globe, including representatives from domestic and international armed services, government, industry, and the media. The annual conference, held Jan. 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Washington, D.C., brought together a diverse audience from the naval community to discuss and learn about the latest issues and technologies pertaining to surface warfare.

The theme of the 2010 symposium was “Surface Navy: A Balanced Force for the Hybrid War,” which served as the primary topic of discussion for the various luncheons, panels and seminars offered throughout the week. During the symposium, attendees perused the variety of exhibitor booths and displays on the tradeshow floor, interacting with Raytheon and other members of industry to learn more about the latest innovations in naval technology.

Missile Systems and Integrated Defense Systems Take the Lead

Raytheon Missile Systems (MS) and Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) once again spearheaded the symposium this year, showcasing a number of the company’s programs and solutions. Members of Raytheon leadership and Business Development organization were in attendance to meet with key customers and political constituents while the Communications and Trade Show teams worked to develop a consistent theme and voice for the company.

MS spotlighted an array of some of the world’s most widely used weapons systems along with weapons of the future. The Standard Missile Family – SM-2, SM-3, SM-6 – is the world’s “standard” for long-range area air defense. The Evolved SeaSparrow Missile continues its international performance along with the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher. SeaRAM is now aboard the USS Independence (LCS 2), which will be commissioned in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday following the symposium. The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System, Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System, Multi-mission Tactical Tomahawk and Killer Bee were also featured in the Raytheon display.

IDS Shows Wide Array of Naval Programs

IDS showcased its breadth of naval programs, including combat management systems, naval radars, countermine technologies, torpedoes, and antisubmarine warfare systems. The Zumwalt-class destroyer, Ship Self Defense System, GENES?S combat management system, as well as the MK 54 and MK 48 torpedoes, were just several of IDS’ naval programs on display. On a related note, IDS employee Kevin Eyer, who works at Raytheon’s Expeditionary Warfare Center in San Diego, Calif., received the Surface Navy Association’s Literary Award for the second year in a row for an article he wrote for U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings magazine last January.

Overall, the Surface Navy Association annual symposium provided an excellent venue for Raytheon to demonstrate its innovative range of products and capabilities in the naval arena and to establish new relationships and strengthen existing ones with important customers and decision makers.