Turkish Navy Commander Bülent BOSTANOĞLU
Defence Turkey
Turkish Naval Forces have Set Sail Towards Becoming a Medium Global Force Projection Navy
The Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Bülent Bostanoğlu informed Defence Turkey Magazine about Turkish Naval Forces’ vision, planned strategies, priorities, field of training activities and capabilities of Navy as well as the restructuring plans to be implemented in his term
Defence Turkey: Dear Admiral, first of all we would like to thank you for your time. What are your priorities regarding the surrounding seas as the Turkish Naval Forces? What are your projections for the future Naval Forces?
Main responsibility of Turkish Naval Forces is to protect Turkey’s legitimate rights and vital interests in its sphere of influence namely Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
Delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas in our surrounding seas should be determined by the agreements on the basis of international law.
In this context, the continuation of the balance in the Aegean Sea, which was established with the Peace Treaty of Lausanne and confirmed with the declaration of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1995, is of vital importance.
The principle of freedom of navigation, which is directly related to the security of maritime nations and widely accepted by them, became an international customary law. In this regard, the implementation of freedom of navigation is a vital issue. To this end, preservation of the existing boundaries of the high seas is also one of our priorities.
Once we look at the historical disputes and recent developments around Turkey; Turkey’s priority is to protect maritime rights and her interests in the region besides minimizing the negative repercussions of long term disputes such as Cyprus issue and recent social and political developments in the Middle East and North African since 2010.
Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have an understanding to solve disputes in Eastern Med with full participation of all littorals based on respecting all parties’ rights. However, in contrary to Turkish attitude for solving long standing issues, since 2003, Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) has been following a path disregarding the international law, and the rights of Turkey and TRNC.
Greek Cypriot Administration’s unilateral undertakings increase the concerns regarding the security environment in the region and also undermine the comprehensive settlement negotiations on Cyprus.
In addition to GCA, Turkey has been closely monitoring the undertakings of littorals, especially of Greece and Egypt that would affect the maritime rights of Turkey in the Med, and Turkish Navy also takes every precautionary measure to protect Turkey’s rights in her continental shelf and TRNC’s concession blocks in close coordination with relevant bodies including Operation Mediterranean Shield in Turkish and TRNC Jurisdiction Areas.
Regarding the Black Sea, in the post the Cold War era, the development of regional maritime initiatives such as BLACKSEAFOR and Operation Black Sea Harmony among the Black Sea littoral states on the basis of mutual confidence and the positive impact of Montreux Convention have created a sea of peace and stability for the littorals and a safe haven for all.
Thus, Turkey’s main policy towards Black Sea in this period has been based on the “regional ownership” from the beginning.
Although the recent developments took place in Ukraine and especially in Crimea have negatively impacted this positive atmosphere of cooperation among some Black Sea littorals, Turkey’s main stance, “maritime security in the Black Sea should be sustained by the Black Sea littorals”, still continues. I believe there is no better way to maintain peace and security in the maritime domain of Black Sea in this regard.
To sum, long time gained experiences, recent developments in surrounding seas and responsibilities stemming from our alliance commitments necessitate having a powerful Naval Force.
In order to maintain peace and security; while effectively delivering its mission for the contemporary challenges and risks, Turkish Naval Forces is continuously transforming itself. The bedrock philosophy in this transformation is to create a modern, versatile, interoperable and deployable navy through exploiting local defence infrastructure and also facilitating international cooperation.
The Turkish Navy is also evolving itself in the fields of manpower and material on the pillar of technology to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. Modernization programs in surface and subsurface platforms have been accomplished successfully. I can proudly say that a majority of our assets now operate on national command and control systems and we can integrate various weapon systems to our platforms by national means.
Today, Turkish Naval Forces, with its 158 naval platforms, nearly 50 air assets, amphibious brigade and special operations teams, is a formidable navy in the world stage. For what I see it; the Turkish Navy, with its ambitious procurement and modernization programs has set sail to be a “Medium Global Force Projection Navy” in the near future.
In a nutshell, reflecting on the past and looking ahead to the future, Turkish Naval Forces is proud of its many achievements under the task imposed upon her. In the environment of future uncertainties, the Turkish Navy will remain a trusted power with its well-planned force structure and educated personnel. Working alongside with allies to underpin the international security will remain a key priority, while our deterrent posture to protect Turkey’s maritime rights and interests will sustain with an increasing momentum.
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us on the activities of Turkish Maritime Task Group established with the aim of making presence at the world seas while supporting Turkish foreign policy and ensuring Turkish merchant ships’ safe navigation?
Comprised of 2 frigates, 1 corvette and 1 oiler, “Barbaros” Turkish Maritime Task Group during its activation between 17 March-27 June 2014;
Made 25 port calls to 24 different countries in a single activation and each component of the group navigated around 15.000 nautical miles during this activation,
19 of these countries were visited for the very first time by the Turkish Naval units,
In the Gulf of Guinea, the Turkish Naval Units participated in the Maritime Security Exercise named Obangame Express with other participants, consisting of 33 warships from 22 different countries which include West African countries and invited countries executed this exercise,
Our units conducted guided missile and gunnery firings in Denel Overberg test range in South Africa between the 13th and 14th of May. In this context we conducted SM-1, ESSM, Sea Sparrow, RAM missile firings and CIWS/gunnery firings,
Contributed to the ongoing Counter Piracy efforts in Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin,
During planned port calls the Task Group also delivered medical, food and educational aid and equipment that were provided by government agencies of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and Ministry of Health,
During port visits, common trainings were conducted with the host nation’s naval personnel and in addition Turkish Maritime Security Center of Excellence mobile teams provided maritime security training to related parties during selected port visits.
SSM also used selected port calls as a showcase opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the Turkish Defence Industry.
During port calls;
High-level interviews were conducted at the level of Presidential, Ministerial and Chief of Staff Levels. By this way, Republic of Turkey and Turkish Armed Forces’ visibility were increased and the capability of contribution to the solution of possible crises demonstrated.
The most important part of the African deployment which was implied in the blue waters where ancient Turkish sailors waved the Turkish Flag centuries before, was the gunnery and guided missile exercises conducted in the test area of “Denel Overberg” in South Africa.
Our national pride TCG “Heybeliada” Corvette, which was designed and constructed by Turkish engineers and workers, TCG “Oruçreis” Frigate, which was constructed by Turkish national shipyards, TCG “Gediz” Frigate, whose combat management systems, 3D search radar and “ESSM” integration were implemented in Turkey performed the missions of live firings with a great success.
Defence Turkey: How do you train your naval personnel and your trainers at the Naval Forces Command? Could you please enlighten us about your educational/training infrastructure?
Turkish Naval Forces Command established its training and education system in parallel with its mission requirements in order to have mission and combat ready units in peace time. The system has been designed in two sub-systems, supportive of each other; individual training/education system and operational training system.
All individual training of the Turkish Naval Forces is provided, evaluated and developed by the Naval Training and Education Command.
In individual training, first aim is to train every personnel with the principle of “train as you fight”.
In that regard, officers and petty officers are to go through formal education in navy schools and follow task oriented education in training centers.
The officers after attending a four-year education of engineering and international relation programs in the Naval Academy graduate with bachelor’s degree.
Upon graduation, officers are posted to shipboard duties. During onboard assignments, an officer has to fulfill branch officer, department head and executive officer duties to be qualified for commanding officer post.
Officers are given chances to attend Naval War College and Turkish Joint Command and Staff College respectively.
Besides onboard duties, some officers can further develop their career in Naval Aviation, Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), First Class Diver; or can be reclassified as an engineer or an intelligence officer after taking relevant trainings.
Petty Officers, on the other hand, go through a two-year education program in Petty Officer Vocational School Command and graduate with associate’s degree.
Onboard duties constitute the main career line for petty officers. After one year onboard duty, some petty officers can select UDTs, EOD, First Class Diver, Flight Crew (Sensor Operator) or Intelligence lines as an area of expertise for further career.
Instructors in naval schools are outsourced among graduates from universities or officers graduated from the naval academy with master degree.
After graduation from navy schools, personnel are trained in relevant national and international training centers through courses which are designed in accordance with mission analysis and requirements for their upcoming positions.
As to speak about the other component of training and education system, the aim of operational training system is to integrate material and personnel as ship/unit to get mission and combat ready respectively.
For this purpose; Naval Shore Training Establishments help ships/units to attain the combat readiness level, whereas task group training centers and ship/unit training organizations help to sustain readiness level.
Distinguished officers and petty officers who are highly experienced and specialized on their branches are assigned as instructors in naval training centers. According to their specializations, these instructors are also being sent to several courses in national and international training centers, NATO schools in allied countries to follow-up changes and improvements.
Defence Turkey: What are the national/international tasks and exercises you assumed and/or participated in as the Naval Forces Command in 2014?
The Turkish Navy participates in various national, NATO and invitational exercises (INVITEX) in order to maintain warfare readiness and contribute to maritime security in world seas.
The Turkish Navy annually plans and conducts one joint exercise, one major exercise, minimum of four task group level tactical exercises with three months intervals as part of its national operational training requirements and individual unit training activities. “Efes” (Joint Exercise), “Deniz Yıldızı” and “Beyaz Fırtına” are planned in 2014.
“Noble Mariner”, “Dynamic Move” and “Dynamic Monarch” are NATO Exercises that we participated/will participate in 2014.
As for the INVITEX; Turkish Naval Forces participated in Joint Warrior (hosted by UK), “Breeze” (hosted by Bulgaria) and “Sea Breeze” (hosted by Ukraine) in 2014. On the other hand, annual Turkish Navy “Invitex Nusret” and “Mavi Balina” exercises have been conducted with the participation of friendly and allied navies and Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMG-2 and SNMCMG-2) in 2014.
Turkey participates in many national and international operations and initiatives in order to contribute to maritime security. In this context, the Turkish Navy conducts patrol and surveillance missions in the surrounding seas in regular terms. Additionally, the Turkish Navy participates and supports;
Operation Blacksea Harmony (OBSH) in order to promote maritime security contributions of the Black Sea littoral states,
Operation Mediterranean Shield (OMS) in order to protect our rights and high interests in maritime jurisdiction areas and trade routes in the Eastern Mediterranean,
UN’s UNIFIL Operation,
Standing NATO Maritime Groups, Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Groups and NATO Operation Active Endeavour,
Peace Support Operations in Bosnia, Kosova and Afghanistan,
Counter Piracy Operations in Gulf of Aden and Somalia Basin.
Defence Turkey: First corvettes of the MILGEM Project, TCG “Heybeliada” and TCG “Büyükada” are servicing within the inventory of Turkish Naval Forces Command. Which tasks have been conducted by these corvettes during 2014? Could you also inform us on the capabilities of these MILGEM corvettes gained to the navy?
ADA Class Corvettes which were constructed in the context of MİLGEM concept, has gained effective Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) capabilities with the embarkation of ASW/ASUW helicopters and integration of Harpoon Missiles and 76 mm gun. With their CODAG propulsion configurations, they have flexible and efficient operational capability and can achieve a speed of 29 knots..
First ship of ADA Class Corvettes TCG “Heybeliada” (F-511) was commissioned on 27 September 2011 while the second TCG “Büyükada” (F-512) was commissioned on 27 September 2013.
TCG “Heybeliada” (F-511) conducted port visits to some of the North African and European countries between 10 June -12 July 2013 in Mediterranean and also participated in “BARBAROS” Turkish Maritime Task Group Activation between 17 March - 27 June 2014, and visited 24 different countries in Africa.
It is the first time in Turkey that the design, system integration and analysis work; including the integration of the indigenously developed combat management system (GENESİS), for a warship of this size is realized nationally. With MILGEM project, Turkish Naval Forces Command intends to combine its unique naval ship design and construction capabilities with the local know-how, experience and infrastructure scattered throughout the country. With the aim of developing and maturing an in-country capability for design and construction of corvettes/frigates, many local companies, universities and scientific institutions are guided towards the success of this Project.
MILGEM concept enabled domestic production and development of critical technological systems, such as; hull mounted sonar, gun fire control system, LPI radar, stabilized gun system, degaussing system, IR signature management system and laser warning system.
The know-how and experience gained through the realization of MILGEM concept and the careful examination of its results will enlighten our path, heading towards the development of modern surface and sub-surface platforms of the Turkish Navy.
Besides, as a continuation of the experience gained through MILGEM concept, it is aimed to improve the capability of ADA class corvettes and therefore “İ” class frigate project has been commenced whereas the first of the class is named as “Istanbul”. The definition of the project model is still underway.
Defence Turkey: We observe that the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are becoming indispensable requirements for the operational requirements of the world navies. Are there any studies you conduct especially for the operation of UAVs that can land and take off conventionally or vertically?
There are projects in the Turkish Naval Forces related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles like in other world navies. At present there are planned projects for the procurement of UAVs that can land and take off conventionally or vertically.
Defence Turkey: Dear Admiral, Gölcük and Istanbul Naval Shipyards have taken parts in major projects with their technological and infrastructural capabilities. Within this framework, how do you evaluate the know-how and experiences gained by these naval shipyards?
As you know, within the context of MILGEM concept, the first ship of ADA Class Corvettes TCG “Heybeliada” and the second ship TCG “Büyükada” were constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard.
Within the New Type Submarine Project, the constructions of six submarines are planned to be done at Gölcük Naval Shipyard.
In addition to design and construction activities of new platforms, Naval Shipyards have the capability of repairing, maintaining, overhauling and applying modernization activities of surface ships and submarines which are in the Turkish Navy’s inventory.
Therefore, we are improving naval shipyards’ capabilities and infrastructure by taking into account the types of platforms they repair, maintain and construct.
Resulting from these efforts, the naval shipyards have become facilities that are capable of producing at world-renowned high quality standards, operating productively and cost effectively, monitoring the improvements of their business areas globally and applying those in their fields of expertise.
Defence Turkey: How do you define the role of Naval Forces Command in the future of national ship construction industry which has been developing in such a way to possess design, construction and integration capabilities? Is there a road map defined on the transfer of the experiences and capabilities of Turkish Naval Forces Shipyards to private shipyards without interrupting the preparatory works and operational needs of our navy?
Naval ship design and construction activities in Turkey differ from commercial shipbuilding with their long-term design, construction and validation processes. Additionally, these activities require human resources trained and experienced in quite different engineering fields, technological infrastructure and a proactive project management approach.
Briefly, naval ship design and construction is a different culture. And, this culture including naval shipyards’ shipbuilding know-how and experiences has been continuously transferred to the following generations and national industries.
Turkish Naval Forces’ emphasis on local production of warships and systems dates back to a long time ago. “The Sultan’s Navy National Charitable Foundation” established in 1909 and “Turkish Navy Corporation” established in 1965 are the institutions worth considering in terms of highlighting the importance of this issue.
From this point of view until now, in addition to the heavy work load of maintenance and repair activities, Naval Shipyards have designed and constructed lots of various types of platforms.
In order to contribute to national defence industry and to improve the naval ship building industry, it is aimed to realize maximum amount of ship building projects at private shipyards, although Naval Shipyards have the ability to do so. This would give an opportunity to pass the experience and know-how of the Turkish Navy to local shipyards which would be responsible for naval platforms and systems.
The success of the construction projects realized until today, accumulation of information over design and project management, infrastructure we reached, specialized and qualified manpower who endowed with modern knowledge brought us to the edge of realization of globally competitive projects.
During this period, the Turkish Navy, with its current infrastructure and experienced personnel, is also focusing on the advanced technological submarine building activity. Besides, design and construction of the prototypes of high technological frigates/corvettes are of main priority. It is deemed necessary to spread these major surface units construction capability throughout the country by handing the serial production of them to local shipyards.
Defence Turkey: Could you please inform us on the activities and capabilities of Turkish Naval Research Center (TRNCC) operating under the Naval Forces Command with its vast technological infrastructure?
Turkish Naval Research Center Command (TNRCC) was established in Gölcük-Kocaeli in 1998. TNRCC continues its activities in Pendik-Istanbul since August 17, 2001.
TNRCC with its vision, ensuring the development of novel systems by providing Naval Warfare Systems, conforming to international standards, by means of modern, effective technological solutions, and taking the Turkish Naval Forces to the edge of modern era.
In order to support the technological and operational requirements of the Navy,
TNRCC performs technical consultancies within its domain expertise in the activities of;
Research and Analysis,
Technological Demonstration and Prototyping,
System Analysis, Design, Development, Testing/Integration and Maintenance,
Electronic Warfare and Sub-surface Acoustic Data Bank / Signature (Acoustic, IR and Radar Cross Section) Management and Development,
Testing and Sea Trials of Naval Weapons and Tools,
in the area of main interests of;
Naval Combat Management System (CMS),
Fire Control System (FCS),
Surface and Air Reconnaissance Systems and Sensors,
Sub-surface Systems and Sensors,
Electronic Warfare Systems and Sensors,
Modeling and Simulation,
Communication Systems and Sensors,
Within this respect, TNRCC has significant contributions in the design, technological adaptation, analysis and development phases of large scale naval projects such as IntegratedMaritime Surveillance System (IMSS), GENESİS, MILGEM and MELTEM.
Defence Turkey: The feasibility studies of TF-2000 Frigate Project conducted for meeting the Naval Forces Command’s Anti-Air Warfare requirements have been accomplished, the Project model has been created and the program is expected to be launched soon. Considering its critical position in the region, what would Turkey offer as a solution? What are your expectations from this program?
With the realization of TF-2000 project, we aim to improve the Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) capabilities of the Turkish Navy. Concerning our studies, we are investigating the similar platforms of the world navies and considering the capabilities of these platforms, we wish to achieve a design that will cover our own requirements. We are trying to create a platform, which will reflect our Navy’s know-how and experiences gained through the national and multinational missions, having lower life-cycle costs and flexibility in configuration that long term future technologies can also be implemented. TF-2000 AAW Frigate Project will take our Navy’s operational effectiveness to a higher level within its mission profile.
TF-2000 Project will have an important role in scope of developing national weapon and sensor systems. In terms of this, development studies of Multi-Function Phased Array Radar (ÇAFRAD) which will be in the ship’s configuration are being carried out. In a similar understanding, we will also develop the ship’s Weapons Command and Control System by using national resources. TF-2000 Project is preparing us to the future. The realization of TF-2000 Project will increase our self-confidence towards aiming indigenous designs in the future that could function under more complex and challenging environments.
Defence Turkey: Within the scope of the Landing Platform Dock (LPD) Project that would deploy a unit at least at the size of a battalion to the crisis area without any main bases at the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea, the negotiations were decided to be initiated with Sedef Shipyard Inc. What are your remarks regarding the selection of this solution and could you inform us on the Project model to be developed in the upcoming period?
First of all I want to point out that, this platform will provide power projection outer of peripheral seas, also in case of a possible natural disaster in our country / regional countries or in need of intervention to crises, she will support emergency relief organizations with her hospital, utility helicopters and extensive communication systems.
For your question; Request for Proposal (RFP) published by Undersecretariat For Defence Industries was received by three national shipyards on February 23rd, 2010. Upon evaluating their proposals, cost effective proposal has been determined and contractor candidate has been selected by Defence Industry Executive Committee in December 2013. Contract negotiations were commenced with Sedef Company under the coordination of Undesecretariat For Defence Industries.
Defence Turkey: Dear Admiral, what are the developments regarding the construction process and infrastructure studies following the effect of the contract for the New Type Submarines equipped with the air-independent propulsion system to be constructed at Gölcük Naval Shipyard of our Naval Forces Command?
The contract for the procurement of New Type Submarines equipped with an air-independent propulsion system was signed on 02 July 2009. At the end of two-year period including financial consultations regarding the project, the contract has been effective since 22 July 2011.
Within this project, a total of six air independent propulsion submarines will be constructed at Gölcük Naval Shipyard (GNSY), and are planned to be commissioned between 2018 and 2023.
The infrastructure activities of the GNSY and battery factory are planned to be completed in short time period. At the moment, training of shipyard personnel is still ongoing.
Test section construction which was planned to be established in GNSY has already been completed.
The construction of the first submarine is planned to start after the completion of the on-going design activities.
The Turkish Navy will continue, also in the future, to sustain its effectiveness in our region with state of the art technology submarines with low signatures, enlarged submerged endurance, advanced weapons and sensors.
Defence Turkey: Dear Admiral, could you brief us on the deliveries and program schedule of the MELTEM-2 Project aiming the procurement of mission equipment of Maritime Patrol Aircrafts and their integration with the aircrafts? Likewise on the delivery and program schedule of the MELTEM-3 Project aiming the procurement of Maritime Patrol Aircrafts with Sea Surveillance Capability and their mission equipment integration with the aircrafts as well as the MELTEM- 2 Project? Which capabilities will the Naval Forces Command be gaining with the activation of such programs?
In the frame of MELTEM-2 project, 6 CN 235 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) have been delivered successfully. The capabilities that the Turkish Navy has gained with CN-235 MPA are;
In the scope of surveillance mission, MPA allows the detection, identification, tracking of surface targets by using its sensors (radar and FLIR) and track exchange with other platforms via Link-11,In the scope of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), aerial detection of the submarines by using MAD and sonobuoy sensors, transferring tracks to other platforms and attacking withMK-46 torpedoes, In the scope of Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, MPA may carry out search operation and use search & rescue kits for survivors.
MELTEM-3 program contains 6 ATR 72-600 MPA that are planned to be delivered in 2017 and 2018. Also, currently two general purpose aircraft have been commissioned. ATR 72-600 MPA will have additional capabilities compared to CN-235; like launching MK-54 torpedo (improved version of MK-46) and Link-16 capability.
Defence Turkey: Could you share with Defence Turkey readers the projects concerning the underwater reconnaissance, protection systems and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles executed by the Naval Forces Command?
From the perspective of underwater reconnaissance and defence systems, two projects conducted by the Turkish Navy are; the MILGEM Sonar and “Yunus” projects.
MILGEM Sonar is a hull mounted, medium frequency, both passive and active sonar system. The system is developed and integrated to ADA class corvettes by using national capabilities.
The aim of the “Yunus” Project is to defend our naval bases and harbors against surface and sub-surface threats. Main contractor of this project is Aselsan. Underwater systems are developed by Norwegian Kongsberg Company. Above water systems development and all the systems integration are performed by Aselsan.
In relation to unmanned underwater vehicles, the Turkish Navy has both Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) procurement and AUV R&D Projects
Defence Turkey: Dear Admiral, we have received your opinions regarding all projects. Could you also briefly comment on the current status of other modernization activities of Turkish Naval Forces and system projects?
The continued requirement to deployed forces at long range has led the Turkish Navy to consider the acquisition of Landing Ship Tank (LST) type amphibious ships. In this context, 2 LSTs are planned to be constructed in Adik-Alyans Co-operation and the contract has been signed in 2011. The ships are planned to be commissioned in 2017.
Within the context of Submarine Rescue Ship (MOSHIP) project, deep rescue equipment/systems will provide life support to the crews of damaged submarines, also the ability of recovering and towing damaged ships and underwater repairment will be gained.
Besides, the Turkish Navy is procuring Rescue and Towing Ships (RATS) which will perform search and salvage operations down to 3.000 meters as well as towing surface ships. The ships are planned to be commissioned in 2015.
Also we are in the last stage of design phase of Combat Support Ship project in Istanbul Naval Shipyard, which will support deployed national and multinational task forces in all seas around the world.
In order to meet the mission requirements of patrolling and ASW in shallow waters, 15 Tuzla Class Patrol Ships have been commissioned from the package of 16. The constructions continue in DEARSAN Shipyard. The rest of the ships will be commissioned until 2016.
In the context of Logistic Support Ship project, 2 ships are planned to be procured. Construction will be realized by Selah Shipyard according to the decision taken by the Defence Industry Executive Committee. Contract negotiations were initiated by the Undersecretariat For Defence Industries in June 2014.
In the process of New Special Operation Forces Boat Project tender, evaluation phase has been completed and it has been decided to start contract negotiations with the ARES Shipyard by the Defence Industry Executive Committee.
