The US military recognizes the effects of climate disruption are an “accelerant of instability,” which exacerbates security threats around the world. More frequent extreme weather events–like Hurricane Florence–as well as food scarcity, water insecurity, and sea level rise will destabilize societies especially in countries where governments are not prepared to deal with the threats. How countries respond to increased instability will determine whether climate change will lead to war.
North Carolina is home to a number of combat units who are often the first to deploy in crisis and conflict. As we saw during Hurricane Florence, our military families and communities are some of the first to feel the effects of climate change as US troops are deployed in response to disasters and conflicts exacerbated by climate change. Join Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, USS North Carolina Captain Terry Bragg USN (ret.), and Brigadier General Stephen Cheney, USMC (ret.) for a discussion on how the U.S. military is preparing to deal with climate disruption and what that means for both our national and global security.
Date: Tuesday, February 26th, 2019
Location: Ward Room, Battleship North Carolina
1 Battleship Rd, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
Time: Luncheon begins at 11:30 am
Speaker Biographies:
BGen Stephen Cheney USMC(Ret) is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Security Project (ASP) and a member of the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and has over 30 years experience as a Marine. Following retirement from the Marines, Gen. Cheney became the Chief Operating Officer for Business Executives for National Security (BENS), in Washington, D.C., and most recently was President/CEO of the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.
Mayor Bill Saffo is a native of Wilmington, Saffo graduated from Hoggard High School in 1978 and went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree from UNC-Wilmington. He is a real estate agent with Seacoast Realty in Wilmington. He is a member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Bill’s parents are first generation Greek immigrants. He loves to spend time with friends and family. Bill finds it very satisfying to serve as Mayor of his hometown.
Captain Terry A. Bragg, USN (Ret.) assumed the position as Executive Director of the Battleship North Carolina on March 30, 2008. He is a native of Jacksonville, NC and a graduate of Appalachian State university and the Naval Postgraduate School. He served in the Navy for 30 years. He has qualifications as a Surface Warfare Officer with sub-specialties in Financial Management, Procurement and Anti Submarine Warfare. He started his Naval career in May 1978 and has held numerous assignments from Chief Engineer, Combat Systems Officer, Commanding Officer, Commodore, and Commander.
