International Seapower Symposium

The International Seapower Symposium (ISS) is a biennial meeting of the world's chiefs of navy that has met at the United States Naval War College since 1969.

[1] With the objective of promoting mutual understanding among the several leaders of the world's maritime nations, the First International Seapower Symposium (ISS I) was convened at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island on 17–20 November 1969.

This four-day symposium was conceived by the President of the Naval War College, Vice Admiral Richard G. Colbert, U.S. Navy, who served as host for the ISS I.

[2] As a result of the success of this symposium, plans were made to continue these discussions as a biennial event.

Early fall dates have been selected to take advantage of both the normally good weather and also the relaxed atmosphere in Newport.

Commandant of the United States Marine Corps James T. Conway speaking during the 18th International Seapower Symposium in 2007
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus speaking at the 22nd International Seapower Symposium in 2016
International delegates, including the U.S Secretary of the Navy and heads of navies and coast guards pose for a photo during the 24th International Seapower Symposium in 2021.