Twenty four civilian professionals from a broad spectrum of career fields and expertise traveled across the U.S. to gather for a tour onboard USS Wasp (LHD-1), at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Aug. 28 as part of a weeklong Secretary of Defense Senior Leader Engagement Program (previously known as the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference). The purpose of SLEP is to increase public understanding of national defense through a forum of free exchange among influential citizens, DoD officials, and military leadership. SLEP is made up of a cross-section of influential Americans who are leaders in their fields. Participants routinely include opinion leaders such as: CEOs and senior officials of private enterprises with regional or national reach, presidents of universities and colleges, and National association and leaders of professional, minority and women's organizations. Since 1948, DoD has conducted 84 programs for 6,700 prominent U.S. business, community, and educational leaders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd class Benjamin C. Dobbs/Released)