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LOCATIONS
MARITIME
05 May 20. Australia forms up first Arafura-class OPV. The first Arafura-class OPV being formed up at Osborne Naval Shipyard. Australia has marked another milestone with its Arafura-lass offshore patrol vessel (OPV) programme as two halves of the first-of-class have come together to form a complete hull. The segments were built by Luerssen Australia and its South Australian partner, ASC, and were joined at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
The coming together marks the largest industrial manoeuvre at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, a joint statement on 6 May by Linda Reynolds, the Australian Minister for Defence, and Melissa Price, the Australian Minister for Defence Industry, announced. The vessel is part of an AUD3.6bn (USD2.3bn) contract for 12 OPVs signed in late January 2018 with German shipbuilder Lürssen under Australia’s Sea 1180 Phase 1 programme. The platform has a standard displacement of 1,640 tonnes, an overall length of 80m, an overall beam of 13m, and a hull draught of 4 m. It has a crew complement of 40 and can offer accommodation for up to 60 personnel. Construction work on the first ship began in November 2018 at Osborne Naval Shipyard, while work on the second-of-class commenced at the same location in June 2019. (Source: Jane’s)
05 May 20. New Zealand begins final upgrades on new hydrographic vessel. HMNZS Manawanui, the RNZN’s new hydrographic survey and dive-support vessel that will soon be ready for operational taskings. The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) new hydrographic survey and diving-support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, has been placed in drydock at Devonport Naval Base to undergo final upgrades and maintenance activities.
The final upgrades include a fitting out of new communication and fire-fighting systems and upgraded rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) capabilities, said the RNZN via an official social media channel on 5 May. “Once Manawanui ‘s out of the dock she’ll be ready for operational taskings,” the service added.
Manawanui was commissioned in June 2019 at the same naval base where it is undergoing dry-docking. Before its service with New Zealand, the vessel was a commercial offshore support vessel known as Edda Fonn .
The ship was procured by the New Zealand government in August 2018 for NZD103m (USD62m) to undertake missions formerly fulfilled by the decommissioned hydrographic ship HMNZS Resolution , and its retired namesake dive tender, HMNZS Manawanui. These vessels were taken out of service in 2012 and 2018 respectively. The new hydrographic has an overall beam of 18m, a hull draught of 6.3m, and is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. It is powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems and can reach a top speed of 13kt. (Source
07 May 20. HMS Dauntless arrives to start PIP upgrade. The UK Royal Navy (RN) Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless has arrived at Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead to receive new diesel generators intended to provide greater resilience in its power and propulsion system. Dauntless is the first Type 45 to go through the Power Improvement Project (PIP) upgrade, which forms one strand of the GBP280m (USD346.7m) Project Napier programme. Project Napier is intended to resolve a series of problems that have affected the performance of the Type 45’s Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system. Operating experience has highlighted a lack of resilience and redundancy in the current power and propulsion arrangement, in large part attributed to the poor reliability of the Rolls-Royce WR21 gas turbine alternators (GTAs), two of which are fitted in each ship. (Source: Jane’s)
06 May 20. Spain rules out building new oiler to cover work shortfall. The Spanish government has ruled out the construction of a new auxiliary oiler (AOR) for the navy – an idea being pushed by trade unions to keep the state-owned shipyard Navantia and ancillary companies in work. In a written reply published on 6 May to a question raised in parliament in February, the government said the current replenishment ships SPS Patiño and SPS Cantabria would “cover the needs” of the Armada Española (Spanish Navy) until at least 2024. Unions staged various stoppages in 2019 to protest the lack of new work once construction finishes on two AORs based on SPS Cantabria that are being built for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and nearing completion. (Source: Jane’s)
08 May 20. Egypt’s third new submarine arrives in Alexandria. The Egyptian Navy has welcomed its third Type 209/1400 submarine to its main Ras el-Tin base in Alexandria after it completed its maiden voyage from Germany on 5 May. A video released by the Egyptian Ministry of Defence (MoD) showed the new submarine S 43 (867) leading the other two Type 209/1400s and two Project 033 (Improved Romeo)-class submarines that the Egyptian Navy has retained in service for the time being despite the arrival of the new boats. These were followed by the FREMM frigate Tahya Misr, which that was received from France in 2015, and the two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, which were handed over the following year. Both Mistrals carried six attack helicopters (three AH-64D Apaches and three Ka-52 Alligators) on their flight decks. (Source: Jane’s)
AIR
05 May 20. Boeing begins Version 6 Apache deliveries. Boeing has begun delivering AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters upgraded to the Version 6 configuration, the company told Jane’s on 5 May. The first of the latest-standard helicopters are now being delivered to an undisclosed international customer as they roll off the Mesa production line in Arizona, Terry Jamison, Director, Vertical Lift International Sales, said. “We have an international customer that is the first recipient of Version 6, and we are delivering helicopters [to that customer] now. This is the standard that all customers from here on will receive,” Jamison said. While Jamison declined to name the customer, he later noted that the company is on course to complete delivery to Qatar of its first batch of Apache helicopters by the end of this month, suggesting that this Middle Eastern customer might be an inaugural recipient of Version 6. (Source: Jane’s)
01 May 20. French Navy embarks first Dauphin N helo. The French Navy (Marine Nationale: MN) has embarked the Airbus Helicopters Dauphin N maritime utility helicopter aboard a frigate at sea for the first time.
The service announced on 30 May that one helicopter and its detachment of seven sailors from Flottille 35F was assigned to the frigate La Fayette from 20 to 25 April, while the ship sailed off the southern French coast near Toulon.
“This very first embarkation of a Dauphin N marks the culmination of the long process to marinise these aircraft, going back to 2013,” the MN said. As Jane’s first reported in January, the MN has leased four Dauphin N (also designated a Dauphin N3) helicopters to bridge the gap between the soon-to-be-retired Aerospatiale Alouette III and the Airbus Helicopters H160M Guépard that is due to enter service in 2028. (Source: Jane’s)
07 May 20. Qatar on-course to conclude current Apache deliveries by end of May. Qatar is on schedule to receive the final Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter currently under contract in the coming weeks, a company spokesperson told Jane’s.
The Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) received the first of 24 Apaches during a ceremony at Boeing’s Mesa production plant in Arizona on 14 March 2019. Boeing’s Director, Vertical Lift International Sales, Terry Jamison, said on 5 May that the delivery timeline to have all helicopters delivered by the end of May, which was set out when the contract was signed in June 2016, is still the goal.
Just after deliveries commenced, the US State Department approved the sale of a further 24 AH-64Es to Qatar, making for a final fleet of 48. However, that follow-on contract has not yet been finalised.
Weapons being delivered include Lockheed Martin AGM-114R Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets (the approval for the follow-on Apaches included BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems [APKWS] II kits to convert such rockets into laser-guided munitions) and FIM-92H Stinger air-to-air missiles.
The Apache will replace the QEAF’s ageing Aerospatiale SA 342 Gazelle attack helicopters in the close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank roles. Qatar’s Apache procurement is part of a major recapitalisation of its capabilities that has included the purchase of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs, the Airbus Defence and Space A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), and the tactical Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules airlifters; Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Boeing F-15QA Advanced Eagle fighters; NHIndustries NH90 helicopters; and the Raytheon Patriot ground-based air-defence system. (Source: Jane’s)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
08 May 20. France’s Safran (SAF.PA), the world’s third-largest aerospace supplier, said on Thursday it had laid off 3,000 employees in Mexico as the aerospace industry faces an unprecedented crisis stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. Safran’s two plants in Queretaro, an industrial city in the center of the country, are part of a vast network of export-focused factories that have turned Mexico into a key player for global manufacturing supply chains. Those factories have been bleeding jobs in recent months as manufacturers across the globe scale down production amid forecasts of the biggest global recession in many generations.
“We face a sharp drop in customer orders,” a Safran spokeswoman said in emailed comments to Reuters.
“Unfortunately, this situation is affecting our business and we must take steps to adapt to clients requests. One of these steps is a reduction of the workload,” the spokeswoman added. (Source: Reuters)
07 May 20. British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce (RR.L) said on Thursday it placed over 4,000 staff on furlough in the UK as it combats the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business. (Source: Reuters)
01 May 20. Rolls-Royce to cut up to 8,000 jobs as aviation crisis bites. Aero-engine maker prepares for biggest single reduction of staff in more than 30 years. Plunging demand from airlines has hit Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce is preparing to cut up to 8,000 jobs, the biggest single reduction in more than 30 years, after aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing slashed production to cope with plunging demand from airlines struggling to survive a collapse in global air travel. Senior executives of the UK aero-engine maker have begun work on a restructuring plan that would shrink the 52,000-strong workforce by up to 15 per cent, according to several people inside the company. It follows Ryanair’s announcement on Friday that it is preparing to cut 3,000 jobs, or 15 per cent of its 19,000 workforce, and IAG’s plan to slash 12,000 staff at British Airways, or almost 30 per cent of the 42,000 employed. An announcement on a final figure is not expected before the end of May, when Rolls-Royce has said it will update employees. Discussions have just begun with unions, the sources said, and measures could still be found to mitigate the final number. However, the scale is still likely to be larger than after 9/11 when the group cut 5,000 jobs, two people said. News of the planned job losses, which are expected to hit the UK civil business hardest, will be a blow to the government that had hoped to preserve employment by offering wage support programmes. However, these only last until June and the global aerospace industry is now bracing for a sharp and protracted fall in demand after more than a decade of booming orders. Government restrictions on travel in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic have brought global aviation to a virtual standstill and Airbus and Boeing have both said it will take several years to recover to 2019 levels. The world’s two biggest aircraft makers in recent weeks have slashed production by 35 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively. Rolls-Royce, focused on the long-haul segment of aviation that is expected to take the longest to recover, has also had to respond to the collapse in demand, said two people with knowledge of the situation.
The editorial board BA job cuts signal depth of crisis for airline sector Stephen Daintith, finance director, told employees this week that the group expected its civil aerospace business to be a third smaller as a result of the crisis and that job losses could be expected. Last month, Rolls-Royce suspended its dividend for the first time in more than 30 years, cut back on capital expenditure and ditched its target to achieve £1bn in free cash flow by the end of this year. The group is also considering cutting research and development investment, and slowing its next-generation engine programme, UltraFan. “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented,” the company said. “We have taken swift action to increase our liquidity, dramatically reduce our spending in 2020, and strengthen our resilience in these exceptionally challenging times. But we will need to take further action.” The vast majority of the job cuts are expected to hit the civil aerospace business, which employs 23,000 people worldwide and accounts for roughly half the group’s 2019 revenue of £15.4bn. The UK’s 16,000 civil workforce is expected to bear the brunt of the cuts and, in particular, Derby, historic home of the 116-year-old company. About a quarter of the UK civil workforce has already been furloughed. Job losses are also expected in the civil operations in Singapore and Germany, as well as central and support functions. This will be the latest in a series of restructurings and job loss programmes to have hit Rolls-Royce’s workforce since a string of profit warnings starting in 2013. This year was supposed to have drawn to a close a two-year plan to cut 4,600 support jobs. In the past, job cuts have focused on managers, support staff and engineering staff. This time however, the cuts will affect the factory floor. “We have got to the point where this has to be done for the viability of the company,” said one person close to the subject. (Source: FT.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
07 May 20. Czech government approves deployments until 2023. The Czech government on 4 May approved a proposal to deploy troops overseas until 2023, as the existing mandate expires in December this year.
Proposals were brought before the government by the Czech MoD and the foreign ministry, taking into consideration the potential impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Lubomír Metnar, Minister of Defence, said: ‘In the next two years, we want to operate in the same countries as before, but there will be a partial reduction in total numbers… The proposed deployment will not reduce or limit the ability of the Czech Army to contribute to the resolution of possible crisis situations.’
For 2021-22, the proposed maximum mandate for deployment in Afghanistan as part of Operation Resolute will be 205 personnel (compared to 390 currently). In Iraq, numbers will be reduced to 80 (down from 110) to support with the multinational coalition against Daesh. Czech involvement will also continue with missions in Mali, Sinai and the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. (Source: Shephard)
07 May 20. Pentagon CMO open to changes to office, but confident in reform efforts. With a congressionally-requested report recommending the Pentagon’s chief management officer role be eliminated, the current occupant of that office says she is open to new organizational ideas, as long as they do not cause a backslide in what she perceives as the forward momentum achieved by her office.
“I’m focused on the outcomes. Strengthening responsibilities and authorities and expectations and goals and targets — that’s always a good thing, we should be doing that, always,” Lisa Hershman told Defense News in a Thursday interview. “I think the worst-case scenario is reform slows down or starts to slide backwards.”
In 2016, Congress elevated the deputy chief management officer position to a full CMO role, officially designating the CMO the number three official in the department. The goal: to appoint a lead for reform efforts inside the Pentagon, after years of internal modifications had failed to produce significant savings.
But in late 2019, members of Congress expressed a belief that the CMO’s office had not had significant success and requested an independent review by the Defense Business Board on what the organization should look like going forward. That report, released Wednesday, recommended eliminating the CMO position, with three options for what the reform position could look like going forward.
The DBB report looked back to the early days of the CMO’s office, including the many years in which it was really a deputy CMO job with lesser responsibilities. While Hershman noted that was what the group was tasked with, she said it was somewhat “rooted in the past,” as the current CMO setup — fully empowered as the number three official in the department — has only been around for roughly two years, with Hershman herself only confirmed as the CMO in December of last year.
Hershman said she was “very intrigued” by perhaps the most radical of the three proposals, which would take the deputy secretary of defense job, number two in the department, and split it into a pair of DSDs, one focused on strategies and policy and another for resources and management, with the caveat that she wanted to look more into the details.
“Considering the size of DoD, I think being able to have people focus on really important stuff like strategy and policy, like resources, would be something that could be very beneficial to the secretary,” she said.
Still, she suggested a fourth option: giving the CMO more clarity on roles and authorities, whether through legislation from Congress or direction inside the building, which would allow the office to more effectively go about its job.
One change has already happened this year. In a Jan. 6 memo, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper expanded Hershman’s authorities over the budget, essentially making the CMO’s office the coordinating team for developing the so-called “fourth estate” budget requests. Previously all those offices would submit their budget requests individually along with the Army, Air Force and Navy; for the fiscal year 2022 budget development, Hershman will serve as almost a service secretary for the fourth estate offices, overseeing their budget development process before presenting a unified budget alongside the services.
The CMO’s office in FY19 validated $6.5bn in savings through reform efforts, with a $7.7bn target set for this year.
While saying that target should be “doable,” Hershman said the process of tracking those savings is being slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unfortunately, because of the telework situation, we’ve only done 100% of the reviews at the unclassified level,” she said. “We have not started the classified portion, so it’s too soon to tell where we are.”
In a reporter call Thursday, the House Armed Services Committee’s top Republican, Rep. Mac Thornberry, of Texas, praised the Defense Business Board report’s thoroughness. Thornberry has repeatedly pressed for consolidation of DoD’s many support activities and has been a vocal skeptic of the CMO’s office.
“I think the strongest thing from the report is it confirms that it’s not working out all that well. And that’s true over multiple administrations, over multiple CMOs — most all of whom are really good capable people,” Thornberry said, adding both the Pentagon and Congress will “need time to digest all that work” before moving forward.
Congress is expected to gather input from Esper before making changes, and on that front, the CMO’s office appears to have solid backing
In a statement, chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said Esper was “grateful” for the DBB’s work, but noted the findings are “only inputs, and as such, the secretary will evaluate them and work with leadership at the department and in Congress to create a path forward.”
Hoffman added that “Hershman has had a central and key role in driving reform, and the secretary looks forward to working with her and Congress to address the challenges of [the CMO’s office]. He remains confident in Ms. Hershman’s leadership and service as a senior DoD official, where she will continue her important work as chief management officer.”
Although she said she had not directly asked Esper if he supports keeping the CMO job as is, Hershman pointed to that several times as a sign of support from the Pentagon boss.
“From his behavior and the phone calls we have and the additional assignments he keeps giving me, I didn’t feel it was necessary to ask the question outright,” Hershman said. “He continually asks me, ‘Lisa, what do you need? Do you have the right resources, whether it’s people or funding, you know, how are you doing?’ And so through those check ins, whether formal or informal, he has never given me anything but a full support signal.” (Source: Defense News)
07 May 20. Senate Hears Testimony on Top Pentagon Nominations. The Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from the nominees for three senior Defense Department positions.
If confirmed by the Senate, Kenneth J. Braithwaite will serve as Navy secretary, Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. will be the next Air Force chief of staff, and James H. Anderson will be the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy.
“It saddens me to say that the Department of the Navy is in rough waters due to many factors, but primarily the failure of leadership,” Braithwaite said during today’s hearing. “They are all indicative of a breakdown in the trust of those leading the service,” he added, alluding to a COVID-19 outbreak on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and other recent issues.
Braithwaite said he is confident such circumstances can be handled better in the future because DOD is resilient and successful organizations have a strong culture, which always starts with leadership.
While Braithwaite said he recognizes the challenges of becoming Navy secretary, he is prepared for the position and has learned lessons across myriad roles in military service, as an executive in the private sector, a congressional staffer and as the ambassador to Norway.
“I have been preparing my entire life for this moment — always guided by honor, courage and commitment,” Braithewaite said.
Brown emphasized to the committee that the 2018 National Defense Strategy provides DOD with clear, actionable and attainable goals to compete, deter and win.
The general said he has been in leadership positions focused on the challenges that lie in China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and violent extremist groups, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy.
“If confirmed, I am committed to the Air Force achieving irreversible momentum toward implementation of the National Defense Strategy in an integrated and more lethal joint force,” he said.
At the top of Brown’s list is working with other DOD leaders to ensure the success of the U.S. Space Force to increase joint interoperability, he said.
He also pledged to encourage innovation. “I am an advocate for constant collaboration [among] operators, acquisition professionals and industry partners to unleash innovation [so] … the warfighter has access to the most capable and state-of-the-art assets sooner than later,” the general said.
If confirmed, Brown said, he will continue to carefully consider risk assessment balancing the Air Force’s support to combatant commander requirements, while investing in capabilities that prepare the Air Force for future competition, conflicts and challenges.
Anderson noted that he has worked under the National Defense Strategy, and he told the committee that if he is confirmed as deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, he will continue those efforts in a new role.
“My professional experience has taught me the value of asking hard questions and the importance of seeking practical solutions,” he said.
He understands the importance of working with allies and partners, he said, in addition to the importance of teamwork and esprit de corps.
“I am privileged to be part of this team,” he said of DOD’s policy office. “The National Defense Strategy … remains our North Star. The document clearly outlines priorities to ensure our nation’s competitive advantage amid the exacting demands of long-term strategic competition.”
If confirmed, Anderson said, “I will do my level best to help implement the strategy in a cost-effective and timely manner. The men and women in uniform, as well as their civilian counterparts who serve the department, deserve no less from their senior leaders.” (Source: US DoD)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
05 May 20. President Donald Trump has announced his intent to nominate Louis Bremer as his pick assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low intensity combat, the top civilian oversight role on special operations. Bremer served eight years as a SEAL officer and is a graduate of the Air Force Academy; according to his bio, he led a number of classified operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1998. He was a White House fellow in 2007-2008 and served on the Homeland Security Council in the Executive Office of the President. Bremer currently is managing director at Cerberus Capital Management, a large private equity firm. Cerberus co-CEO Stephen Feinberg is a major Trump donor who leads the president’s Intelligence Advisory Board. Before joining Cerberus, Bremer led Bain Capital’s aerospace, defense and government services investment practice. If confirmed, he would be the official replacement for Owen West, who left the office at the start of 2019; Thomas Alexander has been performing the duties of the ASD since West’s departure. The Pentagon is currently seeking a legislative change from Congress that would change the job title to ASD for “Special Operations and Irregular Warfare.” (Source: Defense News)
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Stephen D. Barnett is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Washington. Barnett previously served as deputy commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher S. Gray will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central; and commander, Maritime Air Forces, Naples, Italy. Gray previously served as commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Washington.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) John E. Gumbleton is currently serving as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Budget (FMB); and director, Fiscal Management Division, N82, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Gumbleton previously served as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three, San Diego, California.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Brendan R. McLane will be assigned as commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, Norfolk, Virginia. McLane previously served as commander, Navy Recruiting Command, Millington, Tennessee.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Paul J. Schlise will be assigned as director, Surface Warfare Division, N96, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Schlise is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, Norfolk, Virginia.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Philip E. Sobeck is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three, San Diego, California. Sobeck previously served as director, 21st Century Sailor Office, N17, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Arlington, Virginia.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Dennis Velez is currently serving as commander, Navy Recruiting Command, Millington, Tennessee. Velez previously served as senior military assistant, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Capt. Putnam H. Browne, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), is currently serving as director, 21st Century Sailor Office, N17, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Arlington, Virginia. Browne previously served as executive assistant to the assistant secretary of the navy for manpower and reserve affairs, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Adm. Robert P. Burke for reappointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and commander, Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy. Burke is currently serving as vice chief of naval operations, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Vice Adm. William K. Lescher for appointment to the rank of admiral and assignment as vice chief of naval operations, Washington, D.C. Lescher is currently serving as deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources (N8), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting development, N7, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Franchetti is currently serving as commander, Sixth Fleet; commander, Task Force Six; commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and Joint Force Maritime Component commander Europe, Naples, Italy.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. Eugene H. Black III for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Sixth Fleet; commander, Task Force Six; commander, Striking and Support Forces NATO; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and Joint Force Maritime Component commander Europe, Naples, Italy. Black is currently serving as director, Surface Warfare Division, N96, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. Randy B. Crites for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources (N8), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Crites is currently serving as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget (FMB); and director, Fiscal Management Division (N82), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. Yancy B. Lindsey for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C. Lindsey is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia; and commander, Maritime Air Forces, Naples, Italy.
06 May 20. Rear Adm. Kenneth R. Whitesell for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Naval Air Forces; and commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California. Whitesell is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
06 May 20. Reserve Rear Adm. John B. Mustin for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as chief of Navy Reserve, Washington, D.C. Mustin is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia.
06 May 20. USMC Lt. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as commanding general, Training and Education Command. Craparotta is currently serving as the commander, U.S. USMC Forces Pacific; and commanding general, Fleet USMC Forces Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii.
06 May 20. USMC Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as commander, U.S. USMC Forces Pacific; and commanding general, Fleet USMC Forces Pacific. Rudder is currently serving as the deputy commandant for aviation, U.S. USMC, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. USMC Maj. Gen. Dennis A. Crall, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as director for command, control, communications, and computers (C4)/cyber; and chief information officer, J-6, Joint Staff. Crall is currently serving as the senior military advisor for cyber to the under secretary of defense for policy, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. USMC Maj. Gen. Karsten S. Heckl, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force. Heckl is currently serving as the commanding general, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina.
06 May 20. USMC Maj. Gen. David A. Ottignon, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs. Ottignon is currently serving as the director, Manpower Management Division, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Quantico, Virginia.
06 May 20. USMC Maj. Gen. Mark R. Wise, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as deputy commandant for aviation, U.S. USMC. Wise is currently serving as the deputy commanding general, USMC Combat Development Command; and assistant deputy commandant for combat development and integration, Quantico, Virginia.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Adam L. Chalkley for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Chalkley is currently serving as the chief of staff, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Kyle B. Ellison for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Ellison is currently serving as the director, Expeditionary Warfare School, USMC Base Quantico, Virginia.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Phillip N. Frietze for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Frietze is currently serving as the deputy director, Capabilities Development Directorate, Department of Combat Development and Integration, USMC Base Quantico, Virginia.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Peter D. Huntley for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Huntley is currently serving as the deputy commander, U.S. USMC Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Julie L. Nethercot for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Nethercot is currently serving as the director, Commander’s Action Group, U.S. Northern Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Forrest C. Poole III for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Poole is currently serving as the executive assistant to the deputy commandant, installations and logistics, Headquarters, U.S. USMC, Washington, D.C.
06 May 20. USMC Col. Ryan S. Rideout for appointment to the rank of brigadier general. Rideout is currently serving as the chief of staff, U.S. USMC Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.
05 May 20. Army Sgt. Maj. Jody J. Hall, currently assigned as the Futures Team Directorate senior enlisted leader, U.S. Army Pacific Command, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, has been selected to replace Master Gunnery Sgt. Jerome N. Root as the command senior enlisted leader for the Special Operations Command – South, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida.
INDUSTRY
04 May 20. The Air League Innovators Challenge 2020. The Air League provides a sector leading programme of scholarships and youth outreach, ranging from PPL flying scholarships to work placements with leading UK businesses. Each year we have a great response and select some fantastic candidates to participate in our programmes. This year we are launching our Innovators Challenge which is a competition for 17-26 year olds who have a passion for aviation and aerospace and a desire to overcome some of the long term challenges facing the sector. Prizes include a 5-day residential engineering scholarship course at Cranfield University sponsored by Aston Martin and British Airways, a 1-week work placement with an aerospace company, plus a 10-day residential flying scholarship worth over £3,000 taking place in April/May 2021.
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
07 May 20. Leading Aerospace & Defence contractor Amentum partners with IFS to optimise technology offerings for mission-critical customers. IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces a new partnership with Amentum, a premier global technical and engineering services firm. Amentum will integrate IFS Applications™ into its solutions for its clients in the government and aerospace and defence sectors, including the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Treasury, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, and its many commercial clients.
Amentum supports critical programmes of national significance in areas including nuclear and environment; mission support and sustainment; threat mitigation; mission assurance; and strategic capabilities engineering in critical infrastructures, both in the US and abroad. IFS capabilities will be integrated within the Amentum SupplyTRACSM offering and will provide Amentum customers with leading-edge functionality for supply chain optimisation, asset management, predictive maintenance, and procurement. Amentum SupplyTRACSM is currently being leveraged as a comprehensive, integrated platform with numerous opportunities with the U.S. Government.
Amentum, based in Maryland and with a 20,000-strong workforce, was recently formed as an independent company following AECOM’s sale of its Management Services business to a private equity partnership. Amentum has been using IFS Applications internally since 2018 for supply chain management.
“As extensive users of the IFS suite, we are excited to offer our customers this advanced platform for supply chain management to help them realise similar transformational business benefits,” said Ron Hahn, Amentum’s Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth. “Through our strategic partnership with IFS, we are bringing new solutions to our government customers in defence and energy, as well as our commercial customers at locations around the world. These capabilities will differentiate us in the marketplace and enable our customers to achieve new efficiencies by applying this powerful technology to solve their unique and complex challenges.”
Scott Helmer, President, IFS Aerospace & Defence, added, “This new relationship with Amentum will bring the capabilities of IFS and SupplyTRACSM to federal government and private clients globally. IFS has a long and successful track record of supporting organisations to meet stringent industry requirements such as sensitive and classified information handling in a broad set of areas including procurement, asset management and maintenance, repair and overhaul, while managing complex government contracting vehicles.”
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
01 May 20. Handover Announcement from Enterprise Control Systems (ECS). ECS announced that the long-planned handover between Colin Bullock and Marc Haysey as CEO will take place on the 1st May 2020. Marc has been understudying Colin as CEO designate for over a year whilst still holding onto the job of Engineering Director and he has gradually been taking on greater responsibilities.
Colin remains the majority shareholder and Founder and will take on the role of CTO with the title of Founder and CTO (Chief Technology Officer). His role will include being the Company interface with certain key customers but also to be the Champion for the new technologies, taking a lead in their introduction to customers.
Colin Bullock said: “It gives me pleasure to see my first protégé, Marc, take over the reins and run the company that I founded in 1987. Even better still that two further generations of my protégés are playing such key roles in Engineering. Enterprise Control Systems Ltd will remain an Engineering company run by an Engineer.
My new role as CTO will allow me concentrate on what really interests me, pushing the boundaries of technology. It has been this technology advantage over our competitors which has been the success of ECS and I am delighted that I can take the lead in developing new ground-breaking systems for our valued customers.”
Marc Haysey said: “Taking over as CEO from Colin leaves me with big boots to fill but this is a role I have been preparing for over the last year and have benefitted greatly from Colin’s leadership and guidance during my career. I joined the Company as a junior engineer in 1998 and I am humbled that I have been given this responsibility. I am delighted that we shall have Colin teaming up with Simon Harding, Chief Engineer, and pressing on with the innovation and development of new systems and championing them with our customers. It is equally a great comfort that Colin will continue to remain a valued member of the Board and so fully engaged in the business.
This transition is simplified thanks to Tom Phelps who has made a great success in leading the Engineering team and has gained the full support of the Board.
With the combination of my engineering experience and being an active ECS Board member for the last 5 years I am well placed to drive the Company strategy forward. ECS shall continue to deliver excellence in specialist engineering for all of our critical customers and users across the defence, police, security and counter-unmanned systems domains. We will continue to grow our business, both domestically and internationally, delivering new products and capabilities both direct to our specialist customers and in collaboration with our major aircraft OEM and system integration partners. I will nurture the talents of the whole ECS team and now, with Colin as CTO, I anticipate that you will see us deliver even more ECS innovation into both our existing and new adjacent market segments.”
Major General (Retired) Peter Gilchrist CB, Chairman said: “Colin has had a long-term plan to return to his roots to develop new ground-breaking systems but could only do so when a suitable successor could be found. Marc Haysey has been preparing for this role for over a year and now fully understands the workings of all parts of the company. He has been with the Company since he was a graduate engineer and is a highly competent individual; he has the full support of the Board and shareholders.
With Colin in the role of CTO I know that ECS will continue to be a technology led company and he already has plans, to be unveiled at the appropriate point, for ground-breaking new systems for our customers. Colin is not leaving the Company and will remain the controlling shareholder, Founder, and be a Board member.
With these changes the Company will make a stable transition and it remains in very good hands and I am confident it will go from strength to strength.”
06 May 20. Lockheed Martin has appointed Dennis Goege to the newly created job of vice president for operations in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a company statement. The move comes in response to what Lockheed foresees to be a “growing presence” in the region. Based at the company’s office in Berlin, Germany, Goege is responsible for business in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and the Baltics. Goege previously worked for the German Aerospace Center, or DLR, based in Cologne, Germany, where he oversaw defense and security research programs. According to the Lockheed announcement, he also “acted as an advisor” to the Germany Defence Ministry and the Munich Security Conference. The new job consolidates a smattering of director-level country leads, overseen by Jonathan Hoyle, vice president and chief executive for Europe. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
07 May 20. Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that Glenn E. Tynan, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, plans to retire after a distinguished 20-year career with the Company, with the past 18 years as CFO. Mr. Tynan will continue to serve as a Vice President of the Company to assist the Executive Team with the transition until his retirement this fall. As part of its formal succession plan, the Board of Directors announced that, effective immediately, K. Christopher Farkas has been promoted to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Farkas has served as the Company’s Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller since 2017. In his new role, Mr. Farkas will report directly to David C. Adams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
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