Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

SAN DIEGO – Naval Surface Forces (SURFOR) hosted a Retired Flag Officer Conference for 18 retired flag officers at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Oct. 9.

SURFOR organized the conference in order to provide the retired admirals, who are all active members of their communities and regularly provide information to opinion leaders, on current Surface Navy initiatives to improve warfighting readiness, and its role in the Maritime Strategy. Attendees also discussed strategic communications and the importance of maintaining open channels so that the retired community can serve as a bridge between uniformed and civilian leadership.

Vice Admiral D.C. Curtis, opening the conference, said “The briefs that you will see today clearly demonstrate Warfighting Readiness is our top priority. I value your open dialogue and frank discussion as it is important to us all that we maintain our ties to the past which ensures we don't forget hard won lessons.”

During the day-long event, SURFOR staff members provided briefs on surface operations, the state of the Surface Warfare Enterprise, surface community updates, class squadrons, and littoral combat ships.

“I believe the retired Admirals that are here, including myself, are called upon to help with the mission of the Navy and the more knowledge you have the better outcome of the mission,” said retired Rear Adm. Russ Gorman. “I like the information I’ve received. And as to the questions I had, SURFOR’s staff has answered them and answered them well.”