The Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO) will host its annual Eastern Region Symposium, Sept. 7.

This year's theme is "Taking Charge of Your Career and Your Future," and the event will be held at Fort Belvoir Officers' Club.

The symposium is designed to bring officers, enlisted personnel, civilian executives, and other leaders in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and maritime industry through educational and professional development training sessions that focus on this year's theme.

ANSO's mission is to assist recruitment and retention efforts in the Hispanic community by fostering the personal growth and professional development of officers, enlisted and civilian personnel. The mission also includes providing support with mentoring, networking, training and educational opportunities, and engaging junior personnel through outreach initiatives.

Pending funding approval, the Navy will sponsor registrations for 70 local and 30 non-local area Sailors. All Navy-funded registrations must be coordinated and approved through the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel, and requires participation in pre- and post-event surveys. Travel for non-local area attendees must be funded through individual commands; the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel will provide their registrations. Additional attendance is not authorized.

Lunch will be provided the day of the event for those in attendance. Non-provided meals must be purchased by the attendee. The uniform will be service khaki for E-7 and above and service uniform for E-6 and below.

ANSO is an organization which focuses on the mentorship and professional development of Hispanic service members. It was formally established February 1981 to address Hispanic recruiting and retention issues, and to serve as a link between the Hispanic community and the sea services.

To register for the symposium contact Lt. Kalen Kropa at (703) 604-5075, or at kalen.kropa@navy.mil. You may also contact Lt. Jessica Powell at (703) 604-5406, or at jessica.powell@navy.mil.

More information can be found at www.ansomil.org.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/.