LOCATIONS
MARITIME
22 May 25. HMS Glasgow naming ceremony marks milestone for UK security and economy. The people and city of Glasgow have been honoured today (22 May) as the Royal Navy’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare warship is officially named HMS Glasgow. The naming ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow was attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Smashing a bottle of whisky against the hull for good luck, Her Royal Highness formally named HMS Glasgow and declared the time-honoured words:
I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her.
The Type 26 frigate is the first of eight to enter service and will provide critical protection for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. The Type 26 programme represents a £7.9 bn investment in British shipbuilding. It directly supports 2,000 jobs in Scotland, including apprenticeships, at BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun shipyards in Glasgow, with a further 4,000 roles sustained across the wider UK supply chain until 2035. This long-term commitment shows how defence is an engine for growth, supporting the Government’s Plan for Change to grow the economy, particularly in Scotland. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
20 May 25. Keel Laid for Future USS Quentin Walsh. The keel for the future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III guided missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on May 20, at Bath Iron Works (BIW). The keel laying represents the start of a ship’s construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship’s sponsor welds their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of a BIW welder. The ship’s sponsor is Madison Ann Zolper, great-granddaughter of the ship’s namesake, Coast Guard Capt. Quentin R. Walsh, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions during World War II. Walsh received the Navy Cross for his leadership during the 1944 Battle of Cherbourg, where his 53-man reconnaissance unit captured 750 German soldiers and liberated 52 American prisoners of war. After World War II, he served during the Korean War and held various roles at Coast Guard headquarters. After his Coast Guard career, he worked as a teacher and parole officer in Maryland and became known for his dedication to community preservation.
“We are honored to mark the beginning of the construction for the future USS Quentin Walsh and celebrate his legacy with his family,” said Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships). “DDG 132 will provide our Navy with critical strategic capabilities to support Fleet readiness.”
Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. The keel laying of future USS Quentin Walsh (DDG 132) symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power. PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships, and support ships. (Source: U.S. DoD)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
22 May 25. Dedication and professionalism of Armed Forces rewarded with above inflation pay rise. Government recognises professionalism and dedication of the Armed Forces with 4.5% pay rise, which follows last year’s record pay deal for personnel. Military personnel are to receive an above inflation pay rise of 4.5% (3.75% for senior officers), recognising their extraordinary professionalism and the sacrifices they make to keep the British people safe. The award forms part of the government’s efforts to fix recruitment and retention, while demonstrating how it is renewing the contract with those who serve. The pay rise maintains the MOD’s status as a National Living Wage employer, while recognising the important work of military personnel in keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad – foundational to this government’s Plan for Change. This pay award follows last year’s headline award of 6% (5% for senior officers) and a significant uplift for new recruits of approximately 35%, ensuring all full-time members of the Armed Forces were paid the National Living Wage for the first time. This means Armed Forces personnel have received a cumulative pay award of 10.5% (8.75% for senior officers) since July 2024. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
19 May 25. Dr Christian Turner CMG has been appointed UK Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York in succession to Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG, OBE. Dr Turner will take up his appointment at the end of 2025.
16 May 25. Mr Peter Wilson CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in succession to Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Wilson will take up his appointment during August 2025.
21 May 25. Mr Mark Bryson-Richardson MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt in succession to Mr Gareth Bayley OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bryson-Richardson will take up his appointment during August 2025.
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
22 May 25. Saab’s CEO Micael Johansson elected President of ASD. The Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), has today elected Saab CEO Micael Johansson as its new President and Chairman of the Board. Micael Johansson, who previously served as Vice Chairman of the ASD Board, was elected during the Association’s Board meeting and 2025 Convention in London. He was appointed for a 2-year term and will take office on 15 June, 2025. The appointment will not affect his role as President and CEO of Saab. As Europe faces unprecedented security challenges, Micael Johansson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the continent’s security. He is committed to leading ASD in a way that promotes innovation, collaboration, sustainability and a shared vision for a secure Europe.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
19 May 25. Red River, a technology transformation company specializing in AI-driven cybersecurity and IT infrastructure solutions serving government and enterprise customers, announced today that Anthony Christie has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Christie has been a leader at Red River for four years, serving as a Board member since 2021, and more recently, as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in enterprise technology and telecommunications. Prior to joining Red River, he served as Chief Operating Officer at IT services firm Trace3. He also held key executive roles at Level 3 Communications, where he was Chief Marketing Officer, and at Global Crossing, where he served as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Executive Vice President of Strategy. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)