COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 27, 2008) – The command chiefs will once again bring their unique perspectives to the Strategic Space and Defense conference in an important panel discussion about the on-the-ground reality in the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other theaters around the globe, conference organizers confirmed today. The panel, “Frontline Views of the Chiefs,” will take place on Wednesday, 8 October at 1430 hrs. This signature panel is a key component of the conference, which addresses the most pressing issues facing the space and defense industries.
Presented by the Space Foundation and Space News, Strategic Space and Defense 2008 is the global security conference for space and defense professionals. Featuring the foremost military, defense industry, and government leaders, the conference is set to take place at the Qwest Omaha Convention Center and Arena in Omaha, Neb., 6-8 October.
“With current global security conditions, the situation on the ground and the role space technology plays in theater is constantly and rapidly evolving,” said Space Foundation Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications, Steve Eisenhart. “As leaders working directly with the troops deployed around the world, the chiefs offer a unique perspective regarding operations, space activities, and cyberspace.”
Chief Master Sgt. Thomas S. Narofsky, USAF, command chief master sergeant, United States Strategic Command, will lead the panel, serving as moderator. Participants include Chief Master Sgt. Ken McQuiston, USAF, command senior enlisted leader, United States Transportation Command; Command Sgt. Maj. David Roper, USA, command sergeant major, National Security Agency & JFCC-Network Warfare; and Chief Master Sgt. Todd Small, USAF, command chief, Air Force Space Command. This panel will precede the featured remarks from Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, USAF, commander, United States Strategic Command, who will speak at 1515 hours. The Reception in Honor of the Men and Women of U.S. Strategic Command will follow at 1600 hrs. The afternoon provides a unique opportunity for professional development to enlisted personnel at U.S. STRATCOM.
The Strategic Space and Defense program will incorporate two full days of featured speeches and panel sessions, Congressional Keynote Luncheon, the Strategic Space and Defense Dinner, and various networking opportunities with key decision makers at receptions, breakfasts, and an exhibit center luncheon. More than 2,000 participants attended last year’s conference.
Other confirmed speakers and panelists include U.S. Congresswoman The Honorable Ellen O. Tauscher, Chairwoman, Strategic Forces Subcommittee, House Armed Services Committee; Mr. Gary E. Payton, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for Space Programs; Vice Adm. Carl V. Mauney, USN, deputy commander, United States Strategic Command; Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell, USA, commander, Space and Missile Defense Command/ ARSTRAT and commander, FCC-IMD; Lt. Gen. William L. Shelton, USAF, commander, 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Air Force Space Command and commander, JFCC-Space, United States Strategic Command.
Co-sponsors for Strategic Space and Defense 2008 include Analytical Graphics, Inc., ATK, Booz Allen Hamilton, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Computer Sciences Corporation, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, ITT, Northrop Grumman, Orbital, and Raytheon.
Online registration and more information are available at www.StratSpace.org.
About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Space Foundation is an international nonprofit organization advancing space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity. A leader in space awareness activities, major industry events, and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom, the Space Foundation is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo. It conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office, and has field representatives in Houston, Texas, and Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Space Foundation also conducts the National Space Symposium, the premier gathering of the global space community. The 25th National Space Symposium will take place March 30 – April 2, 2009, at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.
About Space News
Space News International, a division of Imaginova Corp., is the premier business-to-business media company dedicated entirely to the commercial, civil, and military space and satellite communications’ businesses. The company’s products include Space News, a weekly business-to-business newspaper; SpaceNews.com; Space News TV; and Space News Early Bird Newsletter. For more information, visit www.space.com/spacenews.
