AUGUST 19, 2026 – Every year, the Navy introduces new programs, updates policies and expands opportunities that shape the way Sailors build their careers. This summer those updates won’t just arrive in an inbox, they’ll arrive in person.
The MyNavy HR Career Development Symposium is returning to the Indo-Pacific bringing the Navy’s career experts directly to the fleet in Japan and Guam, Aug. 24-31.
CDS is scheduled to visit Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo on Aug. 24, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 27-28, and Naval Base Guam on Aug. 31.
Whether you’re a junior Sailor preparing for your next advancement exam or commissioning, a chief mentoring a division, or a command triad focused on managing their command’s talent, CDS is designed to connect personnel with people and resources that can help navigate what’s next.
“CDS is more than an opportunity to share information,” said Commander, Navy Personnel Command Rear Adm. Kevin Kennedy. “It’s an opportunity to listen. The conversations we have with Sailors and regional leadership help us better understand their needs while ensuring the fleet has the most current information to make informed career decisions.”
Bringing CDS to Japan and Guam also reflects MyNavy HR’s commitment to engage forward-deployed Sailors where they serve. By meeting with commands across the Indo-Pacific, force talent experts gain a better understanding of the challenges and questions unique to assignments overseas while providing the fleet with direct access to the latest career information and resources.
Each stop will feature presentations, all-hands calls, the CDS trade show, and opportunities for one-on-one engagement with detailers, direct communication with MyNavy HR leadership, and to learn more about the Navy’s programs.
The information shared during CDS benefits all levels of leadership. During chief petty officer calls and command triad discussions with MyNavy HR senior leadership, command leaders gain valuable insight into the programs and resources available to support their personnel, helping them better mentor Sailors, improve career development efforts and strengthen mission readiness.
Every conversation has the potential to shape a career, and CDS provides the framework to be competitive for advancement, future billets, and facilitates direct access to the latest policy updates and resources needed to develop the next generation of warfighters.
For more information on the Career Development Symposium, visit: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Talent-Management/CDS/.
Story by Chief Petty Officer Michael Lee
Navy Personnel Command