The Navy League of the United States has officially opened registration for Sea-Air-Space 2025, the largest global maritime expo in North America. The event will once again take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD, from April 7-9, 2025, with the co-located STEM Expo kicking off on April 6.
For event information, click HERE.
Sea-Air-Space remains the foremost gathering for maritime and defense professionals in the United States, bringing together government, military, industry, and academic leaders to share cutting-edge insights, discuss meaningful solutions, and showcase the latest advancements in defense technology. The three-day conference showcases more than 400 prominent businesses, ranging from innovative startups to global Fortune 500 companies, all of which play a vital role in the maritime domain.
“Sea-Air-Space 2025, hosted by the Navy League of the United States, stands at the forefront of maritime innovation and collaboration. This premier exposition unites industry pioneers, government leaders, academia, and defense experts to explore the cutting-edge technologies and strategies that will shape the future of our maritime domain. Together, we will engage in critical discussions that address our most pressing challenges and opportunities, ensuring our maritime forces remain agile, capable, and ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s security landscape,” said Navy League CEO Mike Stevens, 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
In addition to a robust exhibitor presence and keynote speakers from top military and industry leaders, Sea-Air-Space 2025 will feature new and thought-provoking panels discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and networking opportunities designed to drive meaningful engagement and knowledge sharing.
- High-Road Leadership Luncheon: Join John C. Maxwell, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, speaker, coach and leadership expert, for an exclusive keynote luncheon at Sea-Air-Space. Discover how high-road leadership can unite people and help you become the leader you were meant to be in a divided world.
- Project 33: Sea-Air-Space 2025 will feature an exciting new addition to its lineup with the “Project 33” panel, a forward-looking discussion centered on the Chief of Naval Operations’ plan to ensure the U.S. Naval fleet is prepared for a potential conflict with China by 2027.
- Navigating Safety in Sea Services: Understanding the SHIPS Act: Through expert insights and discussion, this session will examine the critical impact the landmark SHIPS Act legislation could have on strengthening the U.S. merchant marine and revitalizing the shipbuilding industrial base.
- 2027 – Will We Be Ready? This high-profile panel will bring together key members of Congress to discuss the pressing issues and strategic imperatives needed to ensure readiness for a potential war with China by 2027. Topics will include immediate actions Congress must take, prioritizing resources for the next two years, and balancing short-term preparedness with long-term strategic planning for a more secure maritime future.
Sea-Air-Space 2025 will also feature Transition Connection, a hiring fair for transitioning service members, military spouses, and members of the defense community.
Sea-Air-Space is open to active-duty military, federal government employees, defense contractors, and maritime professionals. To learn more and register, visit www.seaairspace.org.
About the Navy League of the United States
The Navy League of the United States, founded in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt, is a nonprofit civilian, educational, and advocacy organization that supports America’s sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. Through national and local programs, the Navy League of the United States provides a powerful voice to educate the public and Congress on the importance of our sea services to our nation’s defense, well-being, and economic prosperity. The Navy League provides support to our sea services personnel and their families and youth programs, such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines, that expose young people to the values of our sea services. For more information, go to www.navyleague.org.
The History of Sea-Air-Space
In the mid-1950s, the Navy League embarked on an ambitious project to establish an annual naval and maritime exposition showcasing cutting-edge Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard platforms, communications, sensors, and combat systems. This one-day event was initially named the “Seapower Symposium.”
The very first Seapower Symposium took place on November 16, 1956, at the Hilton Hotel in Farragut Square. It was hosted by the Navy League’s National Capital Council, with strong encouragement from Chief of Naval Operations Arleigh Burke and his aide, Captain John S. McCain Jr. The highlight of this inaugural symposium was a compelling luncheon speech by Rear Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, who emphasized the critical need for funding a nuclear Navy to an audience of about 1,000 attendees.
In 1961, due to shifting political conditions, the Navy League National Capital Council made the decision to discontinue the Seapower Symposium. However, in 1965, the exposition was revitalized and renamed Sea Air Space. Following this re-establishment, a resolution was passed to make Sea Air Space an annual event, transferring its management and execution to Navy League National Headquarters.
Addressing Threats & Operations From Seabed to Space
Modern maritime security requires an integrated approach that accounts for threats and operations across all warfighting domains – from underwater environments to outer space. Sea-Air-Space brings together military leaders, government officials, industry executives, and academic experts to advance integrated defense strategies that address the full spectrum of maritime challenges.
The Admiral Vern Clark and General James L. Jones Safety Awards for fiscal year 2024 will be presented to recipients at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland.
Admiral Vern Clark and General James L. Jones Safety Awards
Each year at Sea-Air-Space, the Navy League presents a minimum of two awards, one Navy and one Marine Corps, to Department of Navy organizations and/or personnel whose innovative actions, examples or suggestions have reduced fatalities and/or mishaps among Sailors, Marines or civilians within the department.
These awards provide special recognition to individuals, units or organizations that, through their example, advance a culture of safety. The purpose of the awards is to further stimulate safety ideas, suggestions, programs, and other actions that will reduce mishaps and fatalities.
More than one winner of each award may be selected at the discretion of the Navy League awards selection board based on the number and quality of nominations received.
Albert A. Michelson and Fleet Adm. Chester A. Nimitz Awards
The Albert A. Michelson Award honors a civilian scientist, technical innovator or group or organization that has demonstrated scientific or technical achievement that has resulted in a significant improvement in the strength of our maritime forces or to the enhancement of our industrial-technology base.
The Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award honors a leader of industry who has made a major contribution to our nation’s maritime strength and/or enhanced our national security. The award is for the person that best exemplifies the leadership, statesmanship and dedication to our country that was exhibited by the award’s namesake, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
