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Symposium highlights pro development in space

  • Published
  • By Airman Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
This year marks the second year for the growing Air Force Space Professional Development Symposium held here May 23 and 24. 

About 160 space professionals from 11 bases throughout the Air Force attended the symposium, which featured about 15 speakers who covered many space topics. Some topics included education and training, personnel issues, Reserve issues and space policy. 

"Warren is a perfect crossroad for space professionals both geographically and organizationally," said Col. Mike Carey, 90th Space Wing commander. 

"Because Air Force Space Command and space jobs abroad encompass such a large area, it's very beneficial to have a space symposium like this," said 1st Lt. Peter Hefley, 90th Operations Squadron. "It puts everyone on the same page." 

One main focus of the symposium was the technical facet of the Air Force and AFSPC, and where it's progressing. 

"The symposium helps everyone keep up with what's developing in the space world and what's new," Lieutenant Hefley said. "It also gives everyone a chance to all get together in a joint preparation for all jobs dealing with space, whether it's in or out of the Air Force." 

This year's symposium was a larger affair and was a more planned event. 

"This year's symposium was even more successful then last year's and that indicates greater success in the future," Colonel Carey said. "It was better planned; it was more sophisticated and more attended than last year's event. I felt it was a nice cross between Pentagon policy discussions and squadron tactics." 

The keynote speaker for the event was Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe, Twentieth Air Force commander. He spoke about ICBM transformation.