Panel Addresses 'Smart Bombs to Smart Power'

By John C. Marcario, Assistant Editor

The Coast Guard has no adequate solution for underwater security, said the service's assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship.

“Are there gaps? Yes," Rear Adm. Brian Salerno said during an afternoon panel discussion on "Smart Bombs to Smart Power" at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., May 4.

Underwater security "remains something that, quite honestly, [the Coast Guard] has not solved to anything near satisfaction,” he said.

Salerno also noted that collaboration between the military and industry has not been this high since World War II. “The Coast Guard brings to the table a blend of military, law enforcement and commercial maritime components that really span the spectrum of global maritime security,” he said.

Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, said there is a need for increased ground forces along with maritime security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“We need adequate resources ... and we need partnership with industry,” Greenert said.

Vice Adm. William Crowder, deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy, said the Navy will limit regional conflict with forward-deployed, decisive maritime power. Crowder also said the Navy will prevent and detain local disruptions before they impact the local system.

“We can only do this by being forward deployed and ready to react and be proactive,” Crowder said.

Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), talked about his three tours in Iraq and how the war has evolved over the past six years in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kelly said ground wars are wars of the future and he stressed that no other country can compete with the technology of the United States.

“We are the future now, the kind of wars we are fighting, and we are much better off, I think, developing capabilities to get into these countries before they go bad and help them out,” Kelly said.

Rear Adm. Nigel S. Greenwood, assistant chief of maritime staff in Canada, talked about the importance of the United States and Canada working together.

“Clearly, there [is] much ... that our two nations can do to create pillars of trust and understanding upon which this larger effort can stand,” Greenwood said.

The two countries have been working together in the run-up to the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver.