International Seapower Symposium

First held in Newport in 1969, International Seapower Symposium (ISS) offers a unique opportunity for the world’s maritime leaders to discuss and promote international maritime security cooperation. These discussions offer opportunities for future voluntary regional and international collaboration in seeking solutions to challenges facing the global network of maritime nations.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrives at Naval Station Newport in preparation for the Chief of Naval Operations' 23rd International Seapower Symposium (ISS) at U.S. Naval War College.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrives at Naval Station Newport in preparation for the Chief of Naval Operations' 23rd International Seapower Symposium (ISS) at U.S. Naval War College. More than 180 senior officers and civilians from more than 100 countries including many of the senior-most officers from those countries' navies and coast guards, are attending the biennial event Sept. 18-21. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jess Lewis/released)

About The International Seapower Symposium

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) hosts The International Seapower Symposium (ISS) at the U.S. Naval War College, which occurs in every second year. Attendees include chiefs of the navies and coast guards from nations around the globe. The CNO seeks individual thoughts and proposals for enhancing regional and global maritime security.

ISS is unique as it is the only forum in the world that brings together the heads of so many navies at the same time to enhance maritime security and collaborative operations. Discussions at ISS have resulted in many successful efforts to enhance cooperation in countering piracy, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, coordinating search and rescue at sea including submarine rescue, planning and conducting coalition military operations and joint law enforcement to counter arms, drug and human trafficking as well as fisheries and pollution violations.

Upcoming Event

The purpose of ISS is to provide a forum for senior international naval leaders to discuss common maritime challenges and opportunities to enhance international maritime security cooperation. These officers spend three days discussing these issues and listening to a selection of distinguished speakers.

Most Recent Events

25th International Seapower Symposium event banner

25th International Seapower Symposium: "Security Through Partnership"

Tuesday, September 19-22, 2023
Newport, Rhode Island

The purpose of the International Seapower Symposium (ISS) is to provide a forum for senior international naval leaders to discuss common maritime challenges and opportunities to enhance international maritime security cooperation.

24th International Seapower Symposium event banner

24th International Seapower Symposium: "Strength in Unity"

Tuesday, September 14-17, 2021
Newport, Rhode Island

The purpose of the International Seapower Symposium is to provide a forum for senior international naval leaders to discuss common maritime challenges and opportunities to enhance international maritime security cooperation.

23rd International Sea Power Symposium Banner

23rd International Seapower Symposium

Tuesday, September 18-21, 2018
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The International Seapower Symposium (ISS) is co-hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations and the President, U.S. Naval War College. It occurs in every second year. Attendees include chiefs of the navies and coast guards from nations around the globe.