NATO FORACS Latest Strategy Session Held at NPS
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NATO FORACS Latest Strategy Session Held at NPS
By MC2 Michael Ehrlich
Representatives for the eight nations of the NATO Forces Sensor and Weapon Accuracy Check Sites (FORACS) Steering Committee gathered at NPS to discuss their 2018 Strategic Plan, as well as key administrative and budgetary decisions, Oct. 16.
The group also toured several labs, including those that develop unmanned systems, which ties closely into their mission of providing NATO maritime and naval forces with the “opportunity to undergo regular comprehensive calibration of sensor, weapon and navigation systems.”
Dawn Rhodes, Deputy U.S. representative to NATO FORACS, sees their gathering at NPS as an opportunity for mutual gains between both institutions.
“We picked to host this meeting at NPS because of the naval connections and the international relations that are both so closely tied with this institution,” Rhodes said. “We look at it as an opportunity, as a chance to expand our presence at the school.”
NPS alumni, Hellenic Navy Capt. Theofanis Polychronos and Cmdr. Christos Kalogrias, are both members of the visiting NATO FORACS Steering Committee. They were glad to return to their alma mater and continue their work on this joint partnership.
“We are here to attend the NATO FORACS Steering Committee to work on revising several key issues, discuss the budget, and the schedule of implementation,” said Kalogrias.
“It is a fairly routine meeting that meets twice a year to discuss any problems and how to solve them,” added Polychronos. “And it is wonderful to be back in Monterey after 20 years!”