LOCATIONS
LAND
20 Nov 24. The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is further expanding its production capacities at the Ulm site. A second printed circuit board assembly line has already been put into operation in the electronics production. A third assembly line is to follow in 2025. The total investment volume amounts to eight million euros. Printed circuit boards are indispensable for HENSOLDT products. In view of the security of supply in the procurement of electronic components and the high demand for products that can be delivered quickly, it is proving to be an advantage for the company to have full control over core technologies such as the assembly of printed circuit boards. In particular, the ongoing conversion to series production in radar production is increasing the demand for components enormously. “In view of the increasing demand, the urgency of delivering products and solutions quickly and on a large scale is clearly noticeable,” says Gregor Schwab, HENSOLDT Head of Production. “By expanding our production capacities, we have already more than doubled the number of printed circuit boards manufactured from 36,000 to 80,000 per year over the past two years.”
MARITIME
19 Nov 24. Naval Group delivers French Navy’s third Barracuda submarine. The nuclear attack submarine, named Tourville, has undergone successful sea trials. Naval Group has delivered the French Navy’s third of six Barracuda nuclear attack submarines (SNA), Tourville, to the Directorate-General for Armaments (DGA) during a ceremony in Brest. The handover marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of France’s submarine fleet under the Barracuda programme. During a four-month sea trials programme, which commenced on 12 July 2024, the 99 metre long Tourville submarine underwent various tests and its performance was thoroughly tested. Conducted by a team comprising marine experts, the DGA, Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission’s (CEA) Military Applications Department, Naval Group, and TechnicAtome, the sea trials validated the submarine’s systems and equipment. The trials were carried out off the coasts of Cherbourg, Brest, and Lorient. The tests included a static dive to assess the submarine’s weighing and stability, speed tests while surfaced and submerged, and evaluations of its combat system’s functionality, including weapons deployment and communication capabilities. The French Navy will now proceed with operational testing, aiming for the new submarine to enter active service by 2025. Managed by the DGA, the Barracuda programme aims to replace the Rubis-type SNAs commissioned in the 1980s. It will see all six submarines delivered by 2030. The first two, Suffren and Duguay-Trouin, joined the fleet in June 2022 and April 2024, respectively. The remaining three, De Grasse, Rubis, and Casabianca, are at different construction stages. Featuring nuclear propulsion to offer enhance range and stealth capabilities, the new Barracuda-class submarines are designed to be faster, more enduring, and versatile, capable of deploying special forces and striking ground targets with the Naval Cruise Missile (MdCN). The boats have a surface displacement of 4,700 tonnes and can accommodate 65 plus commandos. (Source: naval-technology.com)
18 Nov 24. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Delivers USS George H.W. Bush to Fleet On-time, following 10-month Availability. USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) successfully completed sea trials off the coast of Virginia this weekend, marking the successful on-time conclusion of its ten-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). The nation’s tenth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier entered its PIA in January 2024. In returning George H.W. Bush to the fleet on schedule, NNSY applied a series of innovative strategies and engineering solutions to modernize the ship’s safety, communications, and combat systems—scheduling a significant volume of advance work at nearby Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA Norfolk) prior to the carrier’s arrival at NNSY. Key trades workers and shop mechanics worked alongside engineering and material support personnel at NAVSTA Norfolk, augmented by NNSY’s off-yard carrier team. More than 550 personnel supported the project at the peak of the maintenance availability. NNSY also employed experienced zone managers, who conducted the PIA for USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), completed in December 2022, to improve overall learning and performance. As part of the modernization and maintenance work for George H.W. Bush, crews installed combination ovens in the ship’s galley; modular refrigeration equipment to improve system reliability; and upgrades to the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services system—a program the Navy has implemented across the Fleet to enhance shipboard computing systems and to consolidate multiple legacy networks. The modernization effort also involved installing the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) system, which enables the ship to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data from multiple sources. NTCDL also facilitates the exchange of command and control information over multiple data links, enhancing situational awareness and operational advantage. NNSY’s success in delivering George H.W. Bush on time demonstrates how the nation’s public shipyards are looking beyond traditional workflows to meet the Chief of Naval Operations’ objective of putting more ready players—combat-ready platforms—on the field.
“The Bush team and crew supported this availability with capability and commitment,” said Capt. Jip Mosman, NNSY Commanding Officer. “Their teamwork and dedication to returning this critical asset to the fleet will serve as the model for future maintenance and modernization programs in America’s shipyards.”
Getting advanced systems and capabilities into the hands of warfighters at speed and scale requires people at every level of the shipbuilding and maintenance enterprise to think, act, and operate differently. NNSY’s culture of collaborative planning among its highly skilled workforce enabled the shipyard to marshal the material and alternative resources necessary to deliver the aircraft carrier’s complex work packages on schedule.
NNSY’s on-time completion of the George H.W. Bush PIA adds to a recent list of successes at the shipyard, including the undocking of USS Toledo (SSN 769) undergoing Engineered Overhaul (EOH) and USS Montpelier (SSN 765) docking for its EOH.
18 Nov 24. PT PAL Indonesia, Kemhan lay keel for second Merah Putih frigate. The frigate will be 140m long, with a breadth of 19.75m, and features a maximum speed of 28 knots. PT PAL Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (Kemhan), has successfully conducted the keel laying for the second Merah Putih frigate. The ceremony, held at PT PAL Indonesia’s Submarine Division hangar, was led by Kemhan Economic Affairs expert staff major general TNI Steverly Parengkuan. The event saw participation from officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian Navy Headquarters, among others. The keel laying was symbolised by placing coins on the block stand of the frigate. PT PAL Indonesia Production director Satriyo Bintoro confirmed that the process adhered to SOLAS regulations. The contract for constructing two frigates was first signed with Kemhan on 30 April 2020, becoming effective on 24 May 2021. In September 2021, PT PAL secured a design licence agreement with Babcock, allowing local construction of two Arrowhead 140 design-based frigates. They are being built to Lloyd’s Register classification. The first steel cutting for the initial frigate occurred in 2022. The keel laying for the first frigate took place in August at PT PAL’s facility in Surabaya City. The second frigate’s construction began with steel cutting in June 2024, ahead of the scheduled March 2025 keel laying. The second Merah Putih Frigate features an overall length of 140 metres (m), a breadth of 19.75m, and a maximum speed of 28 knots.
Satriyo Bintoro said: “This ship is designed with 4 Dimension Combat Capabilities including Surface to Surface Warfare, Surface to Air Warfare, Surface to Submarine Warfare, and Electronic Warfare.”
This project aims to bolster Indonesia’s national defence and develop a competitive national defence industry. It marks the largest warship constructed by Indonesians, known as the Red and White Frigate Project.
Steverly Parengkuan said: “The construction of the 2nd red and white frigate ship at PT PAL Indonesia is one form of development of the domestic defence industry with the aim of increasing the ability and expertise to build similar KRI in the future.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
19 Nov 24. Netherlands CSS to undergo sea trials from Romania. The Combat Support Ship will conduct sea trials on its voyage to the Netherlands via the Danube River, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The future Zr.Ms. Den Helder started a sea trial from the Damen Shipyards shipyard in Galaţi, Romania, 16 November 2024. Credit: Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands. HNLMS Den Helder, the Royal Netherlands Navy’s latest Combat Support Ship (CSS), newly built in Romania, has begun its voyage to the Netherlands for the first time on 16 November. She will conduct sea trials through Nato territorial waters in the Black Sea, along the Danube and in the Mediterranean.
“A concious decision” was made, the Ministry of Defence said, to build the vessel at Damen Schelde’s Galaţi facility in Eastern Romania near the Danube Delta. This is due to lower (wage) costs and the availability of qualified personnel lacking at home.
Albeit the final outfitting will take place in the town of the flagship’s namesake, Den Helder. There the vessel will be equipped with sensors and weapon systems.
In an age of heightened military demand, the Dutch government issued a Sector Agenda on its Maritime Manufacturing Industry detailing its plans and desire to revamp its indigenous maritime sector at the end of 2023. This is especially needed since the Netherlands have embarked on an ambitious shipbuilding programme to transform its ageing fleet over the next 15 years – a goal worth several bn euros. In June 2024, it was reported that the Royal Netherlands Navy anticipated that the CSS would be delivered in a matter of months. In 2023, Damen announced through social media that it had moved the vessel from a drydock to water for the first time after the installation of the main ship’s mast. Delivery is on schedule for Q2 2024, with the HNLMS Den Helder expected to become operational in Q2 2025. In total, the CSS project is estimated to cost €375m ($396.5m).
Den Helder will measure approximately 180 metres long and will have a displacement of 22,400 tonnes. It will mainly supply fuel, ammunition and goods to other naval vessels at sea.
The vessel will have the capacity to accommodate a total of 150 personnel, with 75 crew members and 75 additional people onboard. It will also offer space to house two helicopters and up to 25 containers on the upper deck. The vessel will be fitted with a Scout Mk3 surveillance radar and an identification friend or foe system. (Source: naval-technology.com)
17 Nov 24. US Navy commissions antepenultimate Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship. The USS Nantucket is one of the final Freedom-class variants of the LCS programme, which has been continuously scaled back from initial plans. The US Navy has commissioned into service the antepenultimate Freedom-class variant of the twin-design Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme, with the USS Nantucket formally joining the fleet at a ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, on 16 November. The USS Nantucket is the 14th Freedom-variant LCS commissioned in the US Navy and was built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. According to the US Department of Defense the vessel completed acceptance trials in 2022, before being delivered to the US Navy in July this year. The USS Nantucket will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. The US DoD states the LCS vessels are fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments but are also “capable” of open-ocean operation. The class is intended to combat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, diesel-electric submarines, and fast surface craft. However, the vessels have been plagued by a range of issues, to an extent that the US Navy has sought to decommissioned hulls decades ahead of schedule and develop the Constellation-class FFG to add much-needed combat capability to the service’s battleline. The final Freedom-class LCS, the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31), was provided its ship’s crest earlier in 2024, with the penultimate vessel, the USS Beloit (LCS 29), undergoing outfitting at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, with construction first starting in 2020. In July 2024, the US Naval Sea Systems Command stated that the USS Beloit was due to be delivered to the US Navy “in the summer” the same year.
US Navy only wants 10 Freedom-class hulls
The procurement of the Littoral Combat Ship programme was planned to see the introduction of 52 vessels split evenly between the two variants, but this was continuously scaled back. The US Navy’s March 2024 shipbuilding plan presented to Congress stating the proposed budget for 2025 “resets the LCS programme to maintain ten Freedom-class LCS dedicated to the [surface-warfare] mission” and “reduces the Navy’s requirement to 15 Independence-class LCSs dedicated to the MCM mission”. The LCS class consists of two variants, Freedom and Independence, designed and built by two separate industry teams. The first four LCS, two each of the Freedom and Independence variants, were introduced into service effectively as trial ships, intended to test the platforms and operational concepts ahead of future builds.
An early end awaits?
A number of Freedom variant LCS’ have been decommissioned from US Navy service after just a handful of operational years, such as the USS Sioux City (less than five years), USS Little Rock (less than six years), and USS Detroit (less than seven years), from an expected service life of 25 years.
In an August 2023 contract notice it was revealed that the USS Wichita (LCS 13) would undergo a diesel engine replacement programme, just four years after it entered service.
The US Navy’s 2022 action plan proposed that USS Wichita would be one of nine Freedom-class LCS to be decommissioned in 2023, alongside USS Forth Worth, USS Milwaukee, USS Detroit, USS Little Rock, USS Sioux City, USS Billings, USS Indianapolis, and USS St Louis.
One of two original Freedom variants, USS Fort Worth, was proposed to be dismantled in 2026 after 16 years in service, with the vessel single-crewed and not part of the deployable fleet.
The loss of Fort Worth will leave ten operational Freedom-class LCS, in line with the US Navy’s 2024 shipbuilding plan. (Source: naval-technology.com)
14 Nov 24. Royal Navy ditch plans to sell HMS Scott, extending its life into 2030s. The service will breathe new life into the ageing vessel, albeit the Navy has not alluded to any of her specific missions in the coming years.
HMS Scott, the largest ocean survey vessel in Western Europe, will continue to serve in the Royal Navy fleet until 2033.
This comes as some surprise given that it had previously been listed for sale by the UK Defence Equipment Sales Authority in March last year. At the time, the Navy confirmed they received a lot of interest in the ship.
Whereas now, Scott will undergo an extensive overhaul at A&P Falmouth, a shipyard in Southwest England, undertaken by APCL Group, a British defence partner for more than a decade.
The hydrographic ship, which also has an auxiliary role as a mine countermeasures vessel, has been in service for 26 years, and “over the course of her life so far she has probably surveyed a greater area of the seabed than any other vessel in history,” speculated commanding officer Samuel Nightingale.
Nevertheless, “a major docking period is required to keep her performance and availability at the highest level.”
The overhaul will include a docking period in No. 3 Dock, a full hull blast and recoat, and the replacement of several onboard systems.
She will also receive upgrades including new water management systems, sewage treatment plants, thermal oil boilers and LED lighting installations. The project also involves the removal and overhaul of key components, such as four Cummins generators through the hull, replacement of internal doors and lifeboat davits.
In the summer of 2023, Scott returned to Plymouth after 12 months away collating data from more than 500,000km2 of the North Atlantic. The vessel’s sonar scanned the ocean to depths of thousands of metres.
As a Royal Navy vessel, Scott will continue to prove useful in an age of strategic competition when it comes to maintaining critical subsea infrastructure from sabotage.
Just as the Russians have sought to degrade Ukraine’s ground-based civil and military infrastructure with repatedly indiscriminate missile salvos, the aggressor has also targetted subsea infrastructure in the past.
Likewise, the vessel’s MCM capability will be equally useful as GlobalData intelligence indicates that global investment in underwater maritime vehicles is largely driven by MCM autonom capabilities.
Without alluding to the ship’s prospective use going forward, a Royal Navy spokesperson told Naval Technology that “we routinely review and monitor the out of service dates for all equipment and ships operating within the fleet to meet current availability and capability requirements.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
21 Nov 24. USMC Squadron Conduct 1st Combat Strikes Using F-35C Platform. U.S. Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II aircraft, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 conducted the first F-35C combat air strikes for the platform, Nov. 9-10. VMFA 314, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen. The facilities housed conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles. The Iranian-backed Houthis used these weapons to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
“The F-35C demonstrated its warfighting advantage by transiting contested airspace and striking targets in the heart of Houthi territory over multiple days,” stated Lt. Col. Jeffrey “Wiki” Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314. “My Marines are honored to be first to fight with the F-35C.”
The F-35C is a fifth-generation, long-range stealth fighter jet used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, and is a multi-role aircraft able to perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
“The offensive and defensive capabilities of the F-35C absolutely enhance our air wing’s striking arm,” said Capt. Gerald “Dutch” Tritz, commander, CVW 9. “The now battle-tested Air Wing of the Future has proven itself a game changer across all carrier air wing missions.”
Other variants of the aircraft include the F-35A and the F-35B. The F-35B first saw combat in 2018 when units assigned to the Essex Amphibious Ready Group conducted airstrikes against the Taliban in Afghanistan and ISIS in Syria. Air Force F-35A’s first combat mission was completed the year after against ISIS targets in Iraq. The “Black Knights” of VMFA-314, based out of Miramar, Calif., transitioned from the F-18 to the F-35C in 2020, making them the first fleet squadron in both the Navy and Marine Corps to operate the 5th Generation fighter aircraft. VMFA 314 was also the first operational Marine squadron to fly the F-4 Phantom and F-18 Hornet. VMFA 314, part of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is the only deployed F-35C squadron in the Marine Corps. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Nov 24. PZL Mielec delivers S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to Polish army. The S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, produced by PZL Mielec, share the same pedigree as the UH-60M Black Hawks. PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, has completed the production and delivery of the last two S-70i Black Hawk multi-role helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces. This marks the conclusion of a contract for four aircraft, initially signed in December 2021. The S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, produced by PZL Mielec, are of the same family as the UH-60M Black Hawks. These helicopters have demonstrated their versatility and reliability during recent flood responses in southern Poland, following rainfall in Wroclaw from 13 to 16 September brought by the Boris storm. With a maximum gross weight of 9,979 kg, the utility version of the Black Hawk helicopter can transport 12 fully equipped, seated troops.
PZL president general director Janusz Zakręcki said: “This delivery of the last two contracted Black Hawk helicopters brings the Polish Armed Force’s fleet to eight aircraft, which will significantly enhance their operational capabilities and increase the country’s security. We look forward to continue working with the Ministry of Defence in sustaining the fleet to support the Polish Armed Force’s important operational missions.”
Since 2010, PZL Mielec has delivered helicopters to 18 customers across 11 countries. Additionally, the company has produced more than 670 cabins and 590 cones and pylons for Black Hawk helicopters. Over the past six years, PZL Mielec has fulfilled deliveries to the Polish Armed Forces under two contracts. The first contract, signed with the Ministry of Defence in January 2019, was for the delivery of four helicopters for the Polish military. In September 2019, PZL Mielec unveiled a single-station external stores pylon for the S-70i armed helicopter of the Black Hawk multi-mission aircraft family. This pylon was showcased at the MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland. (Source: army-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, STRIKES AND JOB LOSSES
18 Nov 24. AMWU announces victory in 12-month wage dispute for submarine workers. The Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia. The Osborne Naval Shipyard is a multi-user facility at Osborne on the Lefevre Peninsula in South Australia. Photo: James Elsby The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has announced the resolution of a 12-month-long wage dispute for South Australian submarine workers. Under the announcement, 350 trades and operator support workers at the ASC maintenance and sustainment facility in Adelaide will gain, on average, an 18.5 per cent increase in their wages, bringing them in line with their Western Australian counterparts. Members of the AMWU have been calling for the company to address pay parity concerns, culminating in months of industrial campaigning. The deal means workers will receive, on average, 18.5 per cent up front, and then will experience future increases in line with ASC workers in WA. ASC workers in WA are currently negotiating their enterprise bargaining agreement. The maintenance crew at the Osborne Naval Shipyard currently work on the Collins Class submarines which will be in operation for another two decades through the life of type extension project, in support of the Royal Australian Navy. These workers will serve a critical role once nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS are built.
“Workers know the value of their labour. The principle of same job, same pay rang true in our lunchrooms and on our picket lines. By standing together in unity, union members and ASC have achieved a great outcome,” AMWU SA acting state secretary Stuart Gordon said. “This agreement will give ASC the ability to retain and attract the high-skilled workforce in Adelaide needed for Collins and future AUKUS work.” (Source: Defence Connect)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
14 Nov 24. Trump picks former congressman Doug Collins as next VA secretary. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced former Georgia congressman Doug Collins as his pick to be the next Veterans Affairs Secretary, filling another key Cabinet post with a military veteran. The announcement of Collins, 58, came as a surprise to many within the veterans community, since he had not been mentioned in recent reports for candidates under consideration for the post. (Source: Army Times)
18 Nov 24. Department of Defense Announces 2025 Laboratory-University Collaboration Initiative Fellows. The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the class of 2025 Laboratory-University Collaboration Initiative (LUCI) fellows today. Twenty accomplished researchers from defense laboratories make up the class of 2025 LUCI fellows.
The LUCI fellows will partner with prominent DoD-funded academic researchers – either recipients of the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship or principal/co-principal investigators under the Multi-Disciplinary University Research Initiative – on projects eligible to receive up to $200,000 per year for three years.
The LUCI program, administered out of the basic research office, fosters collaboration between DoD laboratory scientists and top university scientists funded by the DoD in priority defense research areas including applied mathematics, cognitive neuroscience, engineering biology, novel materials, quantum information science, and manufacturing science.
“The LUCI fellowship is an investment that empowers our scientists to push the boundaries of discovery while building strong ties with the academic community,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Cambier, director of technical research programs in the Basic Research Office. “It provides our researchers with a unique opportunity to engage in exploratory research, pursuing transformative ideas that strengthen the department’s scientific foundation and drive future innovation.”
The selection process for the fellowship involved program officers from the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, senior leadership from the Basic Research Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and technical experts from partnering defense contractors. Out of 59 initial white papers, evaluators short-listed 22 proposals demonstrating strong potential for innovative, high-impact research.
Following a rigorous interview phase, the Basic Research Office selected 14 projects, represented by 20 principal and co-principal investigators from the military service laboratories, as the department’s 2025 LUCI cohort:
Principal Investigator(s) Topic Project Title Collaborator(s)
Anesia Auguste (Air Force Research Laboratory) Soft Materials and Multiscale Structures Understanding the Interaction of Mesogen Alignment in On-demand Processes
Jennifer Lewis (Harvard University)
Alexander Pankonien and Philip Buskohl (Air Force Research Laboratory)
Other Fields of Research Augmented Autoencoders for Interpretable Physical Reservoir Design
Kunihiko Taira (University of California, Los Angeles) Maxwell Gregoire
(Air Force Research Laboratory) Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Materials Cooling the Internal and External Degrees of Freedom of Levitated Microparticles
Peter Pauzauskie (University of Washington)
Jason Soares and Jordan Whitman (U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center)
Fundamentals of Bio-engineering
Exploring Host-Microbiome Interaction Phenomena Through Integrated in Vitro Human Gastrointestinal Co-Culture Models David Kaplan (Tufts University)
Anthony Fragoso (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center) Networks and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automated Test Generation for Arctic AI and Autonomy
Richard Murray (California Institute of Technology)
Eunice Paik and Christopher Kuhs (Army Research Laboratory) Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Materials Alter-fast Dynamics: Optical Studies of Engineered Altermagnetism
Chang-Beom Eom (University of Wisconsin)
Michael Swift (Naval Research Laboratory) Quantum Information Science
Quantum Embedding for Quantum Defects in Wide-Band-Gap Semiconductors
Chris Van de Walle (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Noam Bernstein and Edwin Antillon (Naval Research Laboratory) Materials Science Atomistic Mechanisms of Hysteresis in Shape Memory Materials
Richard James (University of Minnesota) Joseph Fiordilino (Air Force Research Laboratory) Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Atmospheric Propagation of High-Power Structured Laser Beams
Greg Gbrur (University of North Carolina)
Paula Chen (Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake)
Networks and Artificial Intelligence Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Multi-Agent Differential Games
George Karniadakis (Brown University)
Kenneth McClain and Benjamin Harvey (Naval Air Warfare Center) Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Materials Conferring the Magnetic Anisotropy of Lanthanide Single-Molecule Magnets to Coupled Magnetic Nanomaterials
Michael Crommie (University of California, Berkeley)
Adam Dunkelberger (Naval Research Laboratory) Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Materials Highly Anisotropic Materials for Tailored Nonlinear Optical Responses
Joshua Caldwell (Vanderbilt University) and Tony Heinz (Stanford University)
Alexander Efros and John Lyons (Naval Research Laboratory)
Electronics, Photonics, and Quantum Materials Engineered Heusler Compound Heterostructures and Superlattices
Christopher Palmstrøm (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Kirubel Teferra (Naval Research Laboratory) Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Multiscale, Multifidelity Models for Control and Optimization in Additive Manufacturing
Kaushik Bhattacharya (California Institute of Technology)
To learn more about LUCI, visit https://basicresearch.defense.gov/Pilots/Laboratory-University-Collaboration-Initiative/.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher D. Alexander for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Alexander is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, San Diego, California.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Bradley J. Andros for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Andros is currently serving as commander, USN Expeditionary Combat Command, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Sean R. Bailey for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Bailey is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, Norfolk, Virginia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Brian H. Bennett for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Bennett is currently serving as deputy director, Special Operations and Counter Terrorism, J-3, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Adan G. Cruz for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Cruz is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) John E. Dougherty IV for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Dougherty is currently serving as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division; and chief engineer, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas M. Henderschedt for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Henderschedt is currently serving as director of Integration, Associate Directorate of Military Affairs, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher A. Kijek for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Kijek is currently serving as director, Learning to Action Board, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Max G. McCoy Jr. for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. McCoy is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Four, Norfolk, Virginia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas P. Moninger for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Moninger is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve, Norfolk, Virginia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Martin J. Muckian for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Muckian is currently serving as commander, Submarine Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Gregory D. Newkirk for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Newkirk is currently serving as commander, Task Force Seven Zero; and commander, Carrier Strike Group Five, Yokosuka, Japan.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Jonathan E. Rucker for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Rucker is currently serving as program executive officer, Attack Submarines, Washington USN Yard, Washington, D.C.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Mark A. Schafer for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Schafer is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command South, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Nicholas R. Tilbrook for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Tilbrook is currently serving as commander, Submarine Group Nine, Silverdale, Washington.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Douglas L. Williams for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Williams is currently serving as director for Test, Missile Defense Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Robert E. Wirth for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Wirth is currently serving as commander, Submarine Group Ten, Kings Bay, Georgia.
20 Nov 24. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael S. Wosje for appointment to the grade of rear admiral. Wosje is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group One, San Diego, California.
15 Nov 24. Army LG Christopher T. Donahue for appointment to the grade of general, with assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Europe-Africa; and commander, Allied Land Command, NATO, Germany. Donahue is currently serving as commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
15 Nov 24. Army BG Eugene D. Cox for appointment to the grade of major general. Cox is currently serving as commanding general, 18th Medical Command (Deployment Support) and command surgeon, U.S. Army Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Freddy L. Adams II for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Adams is currently serving as commander, Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Michael J. Adamski for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Adamski is currently serving as director of materiel, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, U.S. Army, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Jared D. Bordwell for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Bordwell is currently serving as deputy commander (support), 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Kevin D. Bradley for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Bradley is currently serving as director, Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, Warren, Michigan.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Donald K. Brooks for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Brooks is currently serving as commandant, Space School, U.S. Army Space and Missile Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Stephen E. Capehart for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Capehart is currently serving as deputy commander (support), 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Adam M. Cobb for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Cobb is currently serving as director, CJ3, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. John K. Curry for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Curry is currently serving as deputy provost marshal general, Office of the Provost Marshal General, U.S. Army, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Daniel J. Duncan for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Duncan is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and Sustainment Center of Excellence, and Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Antwan L. Dunmyer for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Dunmyer is currently serving as deputy commander (operations), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Anthony R. Gibbs for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Gibbs is currently serving as program manager, Soldier Warrior, Program Executive Office Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Peter L. Gilbert for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Gilbert is currently serving as commander, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Matthew J. Hardman for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hardman is currently serving as deputy commander (maneuver), 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Glenn A. Henke for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Henke is currently serving as commandant, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Jason K. Jefferis for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Jefferis is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Eric M. Johnson for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Johnson is currently serving as deputy commander (support), 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Michael R. Kaloostian for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kaloostian is currently serving as chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, U.S. Army Futures Command, Austin Texas.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Sean P. Kelly for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kelly is currently serving as commander, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Fort Cavazos, Texas.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Andrew J. Kiser for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kiser is currently serving as deputy commander (support), 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. David M. Kobs for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kobs is currently serving as senior defense official and defense attaché, U.S. Defense Attaché Office, Egypt.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Stephen J. Kolouch for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Kolouch is currently serving as commandant, U.S. Army Engineer School, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Travis L. McIntosh for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. McIntosh is currently serving as deputy commander (support), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Jason H. Rosenstrauch for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Rosenstrauch is currently serving as deputy commander-education, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center; provost, Army University; and deputy commandant, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
15 Nov 24. Army Col. Matthew S. Ross for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Ross is currently serving as deputy commander (maneuver), 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia.
19 Nov 24. Army Col. Sean F. Stinchon for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Stinchon is currently serving as director, U.S. Army Strategy Support Element, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
19 Nov 24. Army Col. Jack S. Taylor for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Taylor is currently serving as chief of staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
19 Nov 24. Army Col. Kevin M. Trujillo for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Trujillo is currently serving as deputy commander (operations), 1st Special Forces Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
19 Nov 24. Army Col. Jonathan M. Velishka for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Velishka is currently serving as deputy commander (support), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
19 Nov 24. Army Col. George H. Walter Jr. for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Walter is currently serving as commander, Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dallas, Texas.
19 Nov 24. Army Col. Annemarie R. Wiersgalla for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Wiersgalla is currently serving as director, J-6/Chief Information Officer, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr. for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Brady is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, G-3, Marine Forces Pacific, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Dustin J. Byrum for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Byrum is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Henry Dolberry Jr. for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Dolberry is currently serving as chief of staff, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Lauren S. Edwards for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Edwards is currently serving as senior military advisor, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Christopher M. Haar for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Haar is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Installations and Logistics Department, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Sean P. Hoewing for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hoewing is currently serving as director, Air Combat Element, Capabilities Development Directorate, Combat Development and Integration, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Quantico, Virginia.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Ryan M. Hoyle for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hoyle is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, G-3, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. David C. Hyman for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Hyman is currently serving as branch head, Manpower Management Officer Assignments, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Quantico, Virginia.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Robert T. Meade for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Meade is currently serving as military assistant to the Assistant Commandant of the USMC, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Joel F. Schmidt for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Schmidt is currently serving as executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Quantico, Virginia.
19 Nov 24. USMC Col. Jeremy S. Winters for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Winters is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, Joint Force Headquarters, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
21 Nov 24. Saab and DSTA Deepen Partnership to Drive Innovation in Underwater Technologies. Saab and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration on the exploration of underwater technologies. The agreement was signed 20 November at the Sweden – Singapore Royal Business Forum in connection with the first Swedish state visit to Singapore. The expanded MoU builds upon a previous agreement signed in 2023, which focused on long-term supportability, people development, and smart technologies. With the updated scope, DSTA and Saab will jointly explore cutting-edge underwater solutions aimed at building and safeguarding capabilities for enhanced maritime security and resilience. The parties will conduct joint studies of operational concepts and emerging technologies.
“This expanded MoU builds upon the fruitful cooperation between Saab and DSTA in the naval domain and reflects our shared commitment to underwater technology innovation. Together, we will leverage our expertise to strengthen maritime security,” said Anders Carp, Saab’s Deputy CEO. “Collaborating with an industry leader like Saab enables DSTA to push the boundaries of what’s possible in underwater defence technology. Through this expanded MoU, we will build on our existing partnership to co-develop advanced solutions that not only meet evolving security demands but also position Singapore at the forefront of maritime resilience and innovation,” said Roy Chan, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) DSTA. (Source: ASD Network)
21 Nov 24. Terma and Raytheon, an RTX business, have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement aims to significantly expand the collaboration, building upon the successful projects the two companies have already undertaken together. The MoU outlines areas of cooperation that include advanced technologies such as command and control systems, space-based capabilities, and electronic warfare solutions. The MoU was signed at the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. by Steen Lynenskjold, Executive Vice President for Government & Partnerships at Terma and Robert Fitzpatrick, President, Requirements & Capabilities, representing Raytheon. This agreement highlights the growing cooperation between Denmark and the United States in the defense industry and further underscores the strategic importance of this partnership. The agreement emphasizes the complementary strengths of both companies, leveraging Terma’s engineering expertise and Raytheon’s breadth of next-generation defense solutions and position as one of the largest defense contractors in the world.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Raytheon, a company that shares our commitment to technological excellence and innovation in the defense industry,” said Steen Lynenskjold, Executive Vice President at Terma. “This agreement represents a major milestone for Terma, allowing us to expand our role in key international markets and to further contribute to the defense capabilities of both Denmark and the United States.”
The new MoU outlines the framework for future projects and fosters a more integrated approach to shared initiatives. While the specific terms of the agreement remain confidential, the partnership aims to explore a wide range of potential opportunities such as enhancing defense technologies and developing advanced systems to meet the evolving demands of global security.
“Our relationship with Terma will bring critical maritime and integrated air and missile defense capabilities to meet the demands of our joint European customers today and into the future,” said Robert Fitzpatrick, president, Requirements & Capabilities, Raytheon, an RTX business. This expanded collaboration between Terma and Raytheon underscores a continued commitment to innovation and excellence within the defense sector, further solidifying the bond between U.S. and Danish defense industries. (Source: ASD Network)
21 Nov 24. Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups, and the Pakistan Navy, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future cooperation in the field of training, research and development activities, in addition to possible future projects. The signing took place between Mauro Manzini, Vice President Sales of the Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division, and Commander Syed Ali Sarfraz of the Pakistan Navy and Director of Pakistan Maritime Science & Technology Park (PMSTP), during the 12th edition of IDEAS, the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar, currently ongoing in Karachi. The partnership will be based at the PMSTP, where Fincantieri will seek to strengthen its presence within the industrial landscape in Pakistan and its relationship with the Pakistan Navy to support their strategic objectives. Located in Karachi, the PMSTP has been launched to facilitate growth in the maritime sectors including shipbuilding and has been designed to foster innovation and support new projects for the Pakistan Navy. Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors. It is leader in the construction and transformation of cruise, naval and oil & gas and wind offshore vessels, as well as in the production of systems and component equipment, after-sales services and marine interiors solutions. Thanks to the expertise developed in the management of complex projects, the Group boasts first-class references in infrastructures and is a reference player in digital technologies and cybersecurity, electronics and advanced systems. With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri maintains its know-how, expertise and management centres in Italy, here employing over 11,000 workers and creating around 90,000 jobs, which double worldwide thanks to a production network of 18 shipyards operating worldwide and with over 22,000 employees.
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
21 Nov 24. ST Engineering Antycip (Antycip) today announced the appointment of Benoit Rolland as its new CEO, effective 1st March 2025. Michel Pronier, who has led the company for over 27 years, will retire from the role. Benoit Rolland joins Antycip with over 25 years of experience in the simulation industry and a strong connection to Antycip, having previously served in a leadership role with the company. He possesses a deep understanding of the market, customers, and the technological advancements that drive the industry forward. Benoît’s extensive background includes leadership roles in strategic planning, project management, business development and client relations, and is well-equipped to guide Antycip into its next phase of growth and innovation.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
19 Nove 024. Antenna Research Associates, Inc. (“ARA” or the “Company”), a leading provider of integrated radio frequency (“RF”) and advanced communications products to the aerospace and defense (“A&D”) end-markets, today announced the appointments of experienced industry executives Larry Sala and Rich Sorelle to its Board of Directors. Sala is an Executive Partner at OceanSound Partners and brings nearly four decades of experience working with RF and microwave microelectronics, components and subsystems technology providers to the A&D and space end-markets. He was previously CEO, President, and Chairman of the Board of Anaren Inc., a global designer and manufacturer of high-frequency RF and microwave microelectronics components for the space, A&D, and telecommunications sectors. During his tenure, Sala spearheaded the expansion of Anaren’s product portfolio, increased its global footprint, and led several strategic acquisitions. Under his leadership, Anaren was acquired by Veritas Capital in 2014 and later sold to TTM Technologies in 2018. Sala is a former board member of Carlisle Companies, BlackBox Biometrics, and SRC (formerly known as Syracuse Research Corporation), and has a Secret Clearance. Sala holds an M.B.A, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering, and a B.S. in Computer Engineering, each from Syracuse University. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Nov 24. The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Board of Directors today announced that it has elected Tim Buckley as its newest member, effective January 1, 2025. Buckley will serve on the Finance and Governance & Public Policy committees.Buckley, 55, previously served as Chair and CEO of The Vanguard Group, where he successfully led one of the largest investment management firms in the world, with nearly $10 trillion in assets under management.
21 Nov 24. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (NYSE: BAH), the parent company of consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., announced today that it has appointed Debra L. Dial to the Board of Directors, effective January 2, 2025. Dial is the former Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller of global telecommunications company AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T). She previously served as Vice President of Finance for AT&T Capital Management, where she was responsible for capital allocation, budgeting, and governance, and as Chief Financial Officer for the AT&T Chief Information and Technology Officers. Prior to joining AT&T in 1996, Dial spent ten years with KPMG’s audit practice. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Nov 24. Comtech Appoints Daniel Gizinski as New President of Satellite & Space Communications Segment. Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) (“Comtech” or the “Company”), a global technology leader, announced today the appointment of Daniel Gizinski as President of the Company’s Satellite & Space Communications (“S&S”) segment. With extensive industry leadership experience and a collaborative, hands-on approach to solving customer challenges, Gizinski will play a central role in advancing Comtech’s S&S strategy, including its expanding portfolio of next-generation satellite solutions and vision as a pure-play satellite and space communications company.
18 Nov 24. J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government and environmental sectors, is pleased to announce the appointments of Admiral Michael Gilday, the Honorable Kenneth Braithwaite and Mark Russell to its Operating Executive Board (“OEB”). JFLCO’s OEB is a group of senior executives and general and flag officers with deep expertise in the firm’s target markets. Through broad relationships and unique expertise, OEB members contribute to sector-specific strategy development, investment origination, due diligence and portfolio company oversight and support.
Admiral Michael Gilday served more than 38 years as a Surface Warfare Officer before retiring from the U.S. Navy in October 2023 as the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His experience encompasses assignments in the White House, NATO, U.S. Cyber Command, and the Pentagon, including senior positions on the Joint Staff. Operationally, he has led at every level including command of two guided missile destroyers, a destroyer squadron, a carrier strike group, and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command. Admiral Gilday graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. He also earned master’s degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School and the National War College.
The Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite of Pennsylvania served as the 77th Secretary of the Navy from 2020 to 2021. Previously, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway from 2017 to 2020. Ambassador Braithwaite served for 31 years as a U.S. Naval Officer retiring as a Rear Admiral. He is the first U.S. Navy flag officer to be confirmed as the Secretary of the Navy. While serving in that role, Ambassador Braithwaite led the Department through COVID-19, maintaining readiness while protecting the services personnel. Ambassador Braithwaite serves on the boards of Tritium and Atom Computing. He serves additionally as a Fellow of the NATO School, Oberammergau, Germany and as an Adjunct Professor at Kristiania University in Oslo, Norway. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mark Russell has extensive technological leadership experience in aerospace and defense. Most recently, he served as Chief Technology Officer for RTX where he guided the company’s overall technological vision and strategy, including its engineering operations, investments in research and development, and companywide product safety and product cybersecurity programs. Mr. Russell served in engineering and leadership positions at RTX and its predecessors for over 40 years. He has published 16 peer-reviewed papers and holds 36 patents. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2020 for his leadership in developing radar systems for enhanced national security and safety. He has been appointed to the Defense Science Board and has been named a fellow by both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Mr. Russell holds a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and an honorary doctorate in engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
11 Nov 24. Lynk Global appoints CEO + CFO in partnership with Slam Corporation. Lynk Global, Inc. has appointed Ramu Potarazu as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Steven Fay as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with both also being appointed to Lynk’s Board of Directors — Potarazu succeeds interim CEO Dan Dooley, who is resuming the position of Chief Commercial Officer. These appointments received unanimous approval following a search led by the Lynk Board in partnership with the leadership of Slam Corp. (OTCQX: SLAMF) and coincides with new capital investments from Lynk’s key shareholders. Lynk previously announced plans to become a publicly listed company through a business combination agreement with Slam Corp. This leadership transition is intended to be a part of a strategic executive realignment to bolster the Company’s executive ranks with seasoned industry veterans as it prepares to enter the public markets.
Potarazu and Fay each bring decades of experience building satellite and technology companies, executing transformative strategic, commercial, and capital markets transactions, raising and deploying capital, and executing growth initiatives in both the public and private markets. The Lynk Board and Slam Corp. team view this experience to be mission critical to the Company as it looks to access and deploy capital to expand business operations. (Source: Satnews)
19 Nov 24. Manohar Kumar and Durriya Badani Join SkyePoint Decisions in Strategic Senior Leadership Roles. SkyePoint Decisions Inc. (SkyePoint), a leader in cybersecurity architecture, engineering, and critical infrastructure solutions for the federal government, proudly announces the addition of two accomplished professionals to its senior leadership team. This strategic move supports SkyePoint’s structural expansion into business divisions aligned with major federal customers.
“Through my experiences with the Peace Corps and as a Diplomat for the U.S. Department of State, I have witnessed the challenges facing our civil and foreign service communities. I am thrilled to bring this mission-based knowledge to SkyePoint to further our work in cybersecurity, network operations, and process optimization.”
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Manohar Kumar, Senior Vice President of Operations, joins SkyePoint with twenty years of expertise in delivering complex, global programs and industry-leading technology solutions. His experience spans federal government programs, financial services, telecommunications, and high-tech industries. At SkyePoint, Manohar will oversee federal portfolio divisions, focusing on contract delivery, service performance, mission attainment, enhanced customer relationships, and P&L management. “Driving organizational transformations and successful realignments are my passion,” Manohar stated. “I am excited that SkyePoint fosters an environment supportive of these important business models. I am confident in my ability to lead our teams effectively and achieve success in critical mission delivery. Ensuring our projects meet and exceed the rigorous demands of our federal clients is my top priority.”
Durriya Badani, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, brings over two decades of rich experience in the federal ecosystem. She has a proven track record of driving business development strategies, focusing on assessment, conceptualization, and execution initiatives related to targeted markets, emerging technologies, and SkyePoint’s “Mission First” customer commitments. Durriya’s background includes serving as both a government policy strategist and a federal contractor providing mission-critical services. She has successfully secured multiple $100M+ contracts at the Departments of State and Homeland Security. Durriya remarked, “Through my experiences with the Peace Corps and as a Diplomat for the U.S. Department of State, I have witnessed the challenges facing our civil and foreign service communities. I am thrilled to bring this mission-based knowledge to SkyePoint to further our work in cybersecurity, network operations, and process optimization.”
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)