SAN DIEGO -- U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific commenced the second annual U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium 2016 (PALS-16) with the gathering of representatives from 22 partner and allied nations from the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in San Diego, July 10.

PALS-16 brings together senior leaders of allied and partner nations to discuss key aspects of amphibious operations, crisis response, sea-basing, capability development and interoperability.

“This symposium is important for all the leaders present because it allows us to talk about amphibious operations throughout the Asian-Pacific region,” said Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

The symposium consists of academic discussions, a scenario-based Table-Top Exercise (TTX), a sea-basing and amphibious landing demonstration, and group discussions. Participants will observe sea-basing logistics concepts and discuss issues ranging from maritime command and control (C2) to amphibious capabilities development. The symposium will be focused on joint force integration in a maritime domain, amphibious coalition interoperability and crisis response.

“What we really want to get out of this is to share ideas and understand what everyone brings to the table and how we can work together as partners and allies,” added Toolan.

The four-day symposium allows senior leaders to share their ideas, provide a better understanding of their own amphibious capabilities and to help set goals for their forces to achieve. Engagements in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region such as PALS and other exercises result in better training and interoperability with our friends and partners throughout the region; they also pave the way for enhanced regional stability and economic ties that are beneficial to all.