Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, The Honorable Sean J. Stackley, brought the 2016 Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition to a close May 18 with a speech during the SECNAV Luncheon held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor.

Stackley spoke about the importance of innovation and moving quickly to get new technology to the fleet.

"We've launched two broad campaign centers, centered on rapid prototyping and advanced capabilities to get at that speed," said Stackley. "We've put our best and brightest in charge of delivering results and we have significantly increased our research and development investments, particularly in those game changing technologies that provide the greatest promise for maintaining our technological superiority. "

Stackley also spoke about the challenges of the Navy and the importance of partnership.

"The partnership that CNO highlights in his design, inside the Navy and Marine Corps with other services, and with international partners; the partnerships we form increase our warfighting capability."

Stackley continued to speak about the importance of partnerships between sea services, government industry, and our allies.

"What makes this partnership strong is our common objectives to protect the nation and to take care of our men and women stationed around the world, at war and on watch, safeguarding our liberties," said Stackley.

Throughout the three-day event, Navy leadership and industry leaders spoke about the future of Navy innovation and capabilities, the importance of working closely with our partners and allies, and equipping and sustaining the sea services.

"It's almost a cliche, but I think this is the best expo we've had," said Jim Offutt, chairman of the Navy League Foundation and former president of the Navy League. "Several exhibitors mentioned this was the most traffic on the expo floor they have ever seen. This is also the best line-up of speakers we have had, each having something meaningful and new to say. Not only are we a trade show; I have heard more and more about the professional development panels and the range of topics that were discussed. Both the trade show side and the professional development sides were great successes."

More than 12,000 attendees had the opportunity to browse more than 300 exhibits from industry leaders and naval commands.

"I was here primarily to see what our defense industry has to offer, what new toys we have out there, what things they're trying to present, and just basically, the latest technology," said Lt. Cmdr. Kemi Elebute, PMS-505, Littoral Combat Ship Office. "I actually enjoyed the expo. This is my first time attending. There was a lot of good information put out. I learned a lot from the contractors that were here, from the exhibits, and from the panels that were given."

Next year's Navy League Sea-Air-Space expo will be held April 3-5 at the same location.

For more information on Navy League's Sea-Air-Space Exposition visit http://www.SeaAirSpace.org.