“Over the years each of us has had the opportunity to observe developments on the world maritime scene. [Our] points of view—the basic beliefs which have arisen from them—and the pure professional naval competence which each of us can bring into the consideration of these matters—all could provide threads of a cloth which might be woven into a durable and serviceable fabric.”
Vice Adm. Richard G. Colbert
35th president of the U.S. Naval War College, during closing remarks at the first ISS
The 20th International Seapower Symposium (ISS-20) was held at the U.S. Naval War College from October 18-21, 2011, with the theme "Security and Prosperity through Maritime Partnerships."
Three panel discussions focused on how maritime security prevents disruptions that adversely impact national, regional, and global prosperity:
- "Global Perspective: Challenges to Maritime Security"
- "Beyond MDA: Building Responsive Partnerships"
- "Maritime Security: Evolving Demands, Adaptive Partnerships."
Beginning with a common understanding of the most pervasive challenges, ISS-20 exposed attendees to the dependency of maritime security on both national and international partnerships. Discussions throughout the symposium emphasized that a sense of urgency is required to complete ongoing Maritime Domain Awareness initiatives; to develop effective, coordinated response capabilities; and to adapt both to keep pace with changes in the maritime domain so as to prevent disruptions that adversely impact global prosperity.