Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:
Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks spoke with senior U.S. Navy officers, master chiefs and civilians today during the 3-4 Star Symposium hosted by Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy Admiral Mike Gilday.
During opening comments, Deputy Secretary Hicks addressed Department of Defense efforts to align department resourcing objectives with the concepts and capabilities required to address 21st century warfighting challenges, including strategic competition with China, Russia and other state and non-state actors.
She also discussed ongoing efforts to build a stronger relationship with Congress, improve Department resiliency, and strengthen the workforce.
Deputy Secretary Hicks also reinforced the importance of strengthening our relationships with Allies and partners, citing those relationships as our top asymmetric advantage for protecting U.S. national interests.
The event held at the Washington Navy Yard, in Washington, D.C., convened Navy senior leaders to discuss the Navy’s mission and global strategic environment, challenges and opportunities, and plan the way ahead for the service.