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Finally,
conference participants strongly agreed about the need to continue regional
rescue exercises, and to expand them in scope and complexity, as well
as to open participation to other regional nations. ROKN Lt. Cmdr. Jeong
captured the group’s inclinations by suggesting, "We should
conduct regularly scheduled combined rescue exercises, and share experience
and lessons learned from local training, international exercises, and
actual rescue operations. I am sure it will save time, cost, and man-hour
requirements. Best of all, it will save lives."
The first Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference was successful in establishing a forum for engagement for Pacific submarine operators. It provided an opportunity for participants to educate one another on their capabilities and concerns, identify weaknesses in regional cooperative efforts, and most importantly, to develop relationships and provide a means for continued interaction between the participants.
Ambassador Twining said, "As you work together, you form a network of relations that can address common problems. You develop habits of cooperation and a shared sense of responsibility. Not only does it result in benefiting all those involved, but I can think of no better way to help assure peace in the region."
Conference participants uniformly agreed that the conference was a valuable first step toward improved cooperation. "I must say that the conference was very timely. I look forward to further enhancing this relationship that I believe can only augur well for submarine safety in the region," said First Admiral Kamal bin Darus, Commander, Naval Area 1 of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
It was agreed that the Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference will be held on an annual basis, with host duties rotating among participating nations. Planning is also underway for the next PACIFIC REACH exercise to be hosted by Japan in April 2002 near Sasebo.
Adm. Fargo summed up the accomplishments of this first multinational conference of submariners, saying, "Collectively, the seeds you plant today may one day blossom into relationships that save lives in our future."
The first Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference was successful in establishing a forum for engagement for Pacific submarine operators. It provided an opportunity for participants to educate one another on their capabilities and concerns, identify weaknesses in regional cooperative efforts, and most importantly, to develop relationships and provide a means for continued interaction between the participants.
Ambassador Twining said, "As you work together, you form a network of relations that can address common problems. You develop habits of cooperation and a shared sense of responsibility. Not only does it result in benefiting all those involved, but I can think of no better way to help assure peace in the region."
Conference participants uniformly agreed that the conference was a valuable first step toward improved cooperation. "I must say that the conference was very timely. I look forward to further enhancing this relationship that I believe can only augur well for submarine safety in the region," said First Admiral Kamal bin Darus, Commander, Naval Area 1 of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
It was agreed that the Asia-Pacific Submarine Conference will be held on an annual basis, with host duties rotating among participating nations. Planning is also underway for the next PACIFIC REACH exercise to be hosted by Japan in April 2002 near Sasebo.
Adm. Fargo summed up the accomplishments of this first multinational conference of submariners, saying, "Collectively, the seeds you plant today may one day blossom into relationships that save lives in our future."
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