Advisory
Immediate Release

Secretary Esper Travels to California; Meets With Local Defense Industry Companies and Visits Indo-Pacific Power Projection Platforms

Sept. 16, 2020

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper embarks Wednesday, Sept. 16, on a three-day trip to the West Coast. During his trip, the Secretary will deliver remarks on National Defense Strategy Implementation at the RAND Corporation and meet with West Coast-based defense industry partners critical to the defense industrial base to discuss the impacts of COVID on their workforce and highlight efforts to prepare for future near-peer competition. 

Secretary Esper will also tour Navy and Marine bases and platforms critical to maintaining naval power across the Indo-Pacific region, to include a visit to USS Carl Vinson and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Finally, he will gain a firsthand assessment of survey efforts aboard USS Bonhomme Richard and meet with California National Guard service members helping to fight the wildfires impacting the region. 

Wednesday's remarks at the RAND Corporation will be live-streamed on Defense.gov and at https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1601280892. Those wishing to dial-in should call (669) 254-5252 or (646) 828-7666. For more information please visit the RAND Corporation website.