June 19, 2009
CENTCOM Hosts Chiefs of Defense Conference June 21-23 in Washington
MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. – U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. David Petraeus will host the second annual Gulf States Chiefs of Defense Conference from June 21-23 in Washington, D.C. at the Fairfax Hotel. Senior defense officials from participating countries will be in attendance to foster regional military-to-military cooperation and increase high-level dialogue.
Among the keynote speakers is Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates on June 23. Speakers and discussions will examine current challenges to maintaining and strengthening security and stability in the Gulf states region. Some specific issues on the agenda include methods to enhance interoperability and military modernization, combating transnational terrorism and regional cooperative measures to enhance security.
*** Media are invited to attend Secretary Gates’ speech at the CHOD conference on June 23 at 1215 (media showtime at 1145). Media space is limited and will be facilitated on a first-come, first-served basis. Media should be prepared to provide valid media credentials issued by their media organizations as well as government issued identification. Contact Maj. John Redfield, CENTCOM public affairs representative – on cell phone: 813-966-8843 or email: redfiejh@centcom.mil – no later than June 22 at 10 a.m. to indicate attendance. Media who do not RSVP or who show up without valid credentials will be turned away.