A Warm Welcome from the AOC President

	Brian “Hinks” Hinkley

Welcome to AOC 2024, the 61st International Symposium and Convention of the Association of Old Crows (AOC). This event continues to be the premier global gathering for electronic warfare (EW) and electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), setting the standard for innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Together, we will introduce groundbreaking capabilities, engage key decision-makers, exchange insights on critical requirements, and forge new partnerships, while renewing old connections, making new friends, and sharing stories (some, perhaps, even true). Most importantly, we come together under this year’s theme, Electromagnetic Spectrum Warfare: The Great Power Competition, united by a shared commitment to support our warfighters and provide them with a decisive tactical advantage in the electromagnetic battlespace.

The unfolding global events of 2024 have underscored the significant roles that EW and EMSO play in today’s battlespaces. The proliferation of unmanned air systems (UAS) has made sanctuaries for ground forces a thing of the past. Electronic attack is now acknowledged as crucial for countering UAS threats. Signals intelligence is being used more effectively than ever before for targeting, and maintaining secure communications is increasingly challenging. As we witness ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, missile strikes in the Red Sea, and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) to control the fight continues to grow. Superiority in the EMS has proven to be a critical factor, providing operational advantages that have changed the course and the outcome of current conflicts.

AOC will continue to build close partnerships among industry, academia, the military, and governments to enhance community success. Your presence here at AOC 2024 proves your dedication to this mission imperative and your readiness to collaborate and play a meaningful, integral part of shaping the future of EW and EMSO. I deeply appreciate your commitment to this noble cause and look forward to what we will achieve together.

Brian “Hinks” Hinkley
AOC President