In a key display of regional cooperation, U.S. Naval War College (NWC) President Rear Admiral Darryl Walker discussed deterrence, warfighting, and how military education can improve outcomes on the battlefield during a visit to Lima, Peru for the 7th Annual International Symposium on Security and Defense, September 16-18. The event was hosted by the Peruvian Naval War College, which celebrated its 95th anniversary.
Then-U.S. Navy Rear Admiral William S. Pye was the chief of the U.S. Naval Mission to Peru at the time of the school’s founding, and would go on to serve as a president of the NWC, setting the foundation for shared curricula and a longstanding relationship between the two institutions.
During the visit, Rear Adm. Walker met with Admiral Javier Bravo de Rueda Delgado, commander of the Peruvian Navy, as well as NWC alumni Rear Admiral Luis del Carpio Azalgara, commander of the Peruvian Submarine Force, and Rear Admiral Kurt Ludwig Bottger Garfias, president of the Peruvian Naval War College, among other military leaders. Representatives from naval forces and industry leaders from the Americas, Italy, Spain, and South Korea were among those attending the event.
In addition, Rear Adm. Walker and Rear Adm. Bottger shared a panel discussion with Vice Admiral D. Juan Carlos Romay, director of education for the Argentine Navy. Presentations at the symposium focused on advanced shipbuilding, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and wargaming. Other discussions focused on the role of military education in building shared security goals, improving interoperability between naval forces, and using naval power to respond to crisis and deter aggression.
“It’s an honor to be here at this symposium alongside our Peruvian hosts and so many other allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Walker. “This event reinforces our shared values, our mutually beneficial interests in democracy and security across the region, and the already strong bonds we have between our people and forces.
“Building off the historical connection between our military education institutions, we’re able to maintain current relationships and relevant communications about any challenges we may face, as well as set the foundation to improve interoperability between our forces across multiple domains,” he continued.
Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research, and outreach, informing today’s decision makers, educating tomorrow’s leaders, and engaging partners and allies on all matters of naval power in order to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war.
