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LOCATIONS
LAND
11 Jun 20. Indian Navy inaugurates complex to house submarine rescue system. The Indian Navy (IN) inaugurated on 10 June a complex at its naval base in the Indian eastern port city of Visakhapatnam to accommodate one of its two submarine rescue systems acquired from UK-based subsea engineering and services provider JFD.
In a statement issued the same day the service said the complex has been fitted with “state-of-the-art facilities to store the DSRV [deep submergence rescue vehicle] assets in a ‘rescue-ready’ state”.
Each of the systems, which are intended to rescue the crew of distressed submarines off India’s eastern and western coasts, comprises a DSAR-650L free-swimming DSRV, a launch and recovery system (LARS), a Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) unit, an SMD Atom intervention remotely operated vehicle, and an EdgeTech 4200 series towed sidescan sonar.
The first of these rescue systems entered service in late 2018 with the IN’s Submarine Rescue Unit at Mumbai on India’s western coast. Both systems had been ordered in March 2016 under a GBP193m (USD244m) contract.
The IN’s recent announcement comes after the service had awarded a contract in September 2018 to public-sector company Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for the construction of two diving support vessels (DSVs) to augment its submarine support capabilities.
The two DSVs, which are expected to undertake extensive diving operations to facilitate activities such as submarine rescue, underwater inspections, and the recovery of ships and aircraft lost at sea, will be based at Mumbai and Visakhapatnam respectively. (Source: Jane’s)
08 Jun 20. US AFCEC to replace runway of Little Rock AFB in Arkansas, US. The US Air Force (USAF) Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is replacing the 64-year-old runway at Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB), Arkansas, US.
Under the $180m worth project, the 12,000ft-long primary runway will be replaced. This project will eliminate airfield obstructions and modify the lighting and navigation aid systems. For the runway replacement project, AFCEC’s Facility Engineering Directorate has teamed up with the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center’s Detachment 9, 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron and 19th Civil Engineering Squadron.
The project will be managed by AFCEC and Air Force Installation Contracting Center, primary subordinate units of Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC). The runway replacement will be executed by Contrack ECC. The project is expected to conclude in over 40 months in three phases. The first phase of development is scheduled to commence in October this year and will see the replacement of the landing zone and the centre taxiway. Under phases 2 and 3, construction on the East and West portions of the runway and installation of new lighting and navigational aid systems will be carried out.
AFCEC Facility Engineering Directorate director Colonel Scott Matthews said: “The airforce depends on the technical expertise of the professionals from AFCEC and 772nd ESS to deliver quality runway and infrastructure solutions for mission commanders.
“This runway is 64 years old and we have incorporated modern design and construction techniques to ensure the longest lifespan at the overall lowest life cycle cost.”
For the project, the AFCEC also serves as a design and construction agent.
Once replaced, the Little Rock AFB will provide rapid air mobility, reliable and safe runway.
Further, the runway will accommodate aircraft in the Air Mobility Command (MC) fleet including C-5 Galaxy, KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker.
USAF19th Airlift Wing installation commander Colonel John Schutte said: “This vital airfield construction project will posture Little Rock AFB to train, receive and project combat airlift forces for generations to come.
“The upgrades and modifications being made to our 12,000ft runway will improve both mission capability and safety for the largest fleet of C-130s in the world.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
08 Jun 20. HII moves DDG 119, concludes East Bank reactivation project. Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has moved destroyer Delbert D Black (DDG 119) to Pier Four on the east bank of the Pascagoula River.
This move signifies the reopening of the facility, which was decimated during Hurricane Katrina.
The reactivated 187-acre east bank features areas to improve safety, an optimised ship assembly area and storage facilities. It also includes a fully restored pier for vessels to dock upon arrival from sea trials.
The east bank will house Delbert D Black and its crew until its scheduled sail-away date later this year.
During the reactivation project, Ingalls recycled more than 100,000t of concrete for the construction of a road base on the east bank.
LED technology will be used for all the interior and exterior lighting on the east bank.
Several historical features from the original east bank facilities were incorporated into new structures, including all of the bricks from a 1930s guard house and a concrete slab with the initials of Robert Ingalls Sr, the founder of Ingalls Shipbuilding’s initials.
Ingalls Shipbuilding president Brian Cuccias said: “This restoration and modernisation project demonstrates our commitment to continuously enhancing our shipbuilding facilities to increase capability and ensure future growth.
“In reopening the east bank, we celebrate the 80-plus year legacy of those Ingalls shipbuilders who came before us, and look forward to continuing Ingalls’ legacy of building the finest ships in the world for decades to come.”
Last month, HII Ingalls’ Shipbuilding division secured a $187.46m contract from the US Navy to provide long-lead-time material and advance procurement activities for amphibious assault ship LHA 9.(Source: naval-technology.com)
MARITIME
11 Jun 20. Limited ice-going capabilities offer mission flexibility for Brazil’s new submarine rescue ship. The Brazilian Navy’s new submarine rescue ship NSS Guillobel (ex-Adams Challenge) is able to operate in mild glacial temperatures, which will enable it to support some Antarctic missions, the service told Janes.
Unlike its predecessor, NSS Felinto Perry (K 11), the newly commissioned submarine rescue vessel has received a red-white paint scheme, demonstrating its ice-going capabilities.
A Brazilian Navy spokesperson told Janes on 5 June that certain features of the hull design as well as auxiliary machinery will enable the vessel to operate in mild glacial temperatures such as those recorded in the Antarctic summer. These limited features will offer some mission flexibility that will enable Guillobel to support the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR) under specific conditions, the spokesperson said.
The materials used for the construction of the vessel enable operations in cold waters up to 5°C and in ambient shade temperatures as low as –10°C, which enabled the navy to adopt the red-white paint scheme that will increase the chances for the vessel to be used in Antarctic missions. The vessel is designed with the classification requirements for side-impact, has a flared bulbous bow, a transom stern, a round bilge hull, and a double plate skeg in the centreline aft.
NSS Guillobel was commissioned into service with the Brazilian Navy on 12 May. It was acquired by Brazil in October 2019 to support its new submarines being built under the PROSUB programme and to replace its existing submarine rescue vessel Felinto Perry. It was built by Spain’s Balenciaga Shipyard in 2009 and previously operated by Bahraini company Adams Offshore under the name Adams Challenge. (Source: Jane’s)
10 Jun 20. Australian Navy’s frigate upgrade program continues to deliver. The Royal Australian Navy’s frigate HMAS Anzac has joined HMAS Arunta as the second of the fleet’s Anzac Class frigates to undergo the Anzac Midlife Capability Assurance Program (AMCAP) upgrade.
HMAS Anzac recently sailed to her homeport of Fleet Base West, Garden Island, Western Australia, where she was joined by her sister ship HMAS Arunta, which completed the program, known as AMCAP, in 2019.
Frigate Group Capability Manager’s Representative, Captain Dugald Clelland, said AMCAP represented a major milestone in the operational life of Navy’s Anzac Class frigates.
CAPT Clelland explained, “AMCAP consists of three major elements, the most striking is the new air search radar that visually differentiates a post-AMCAP ship from its pre-upgrade counterparts.
“The Project SEA 1448 Phase 4B component of the upgrade improves the Anzac Class Air Search capability by replacing the ageing AN/SPS-49 long range air search radar with a new digital phased array radar developed by Australian company CEA Technologies.”
SEA1448 Phase 4B is replacing the SPS-49(V)8 Air Search Radar on the 8 Anzac class frigates with a modern phased array radar.
This project showcases Australian design and integration capability with the new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra in conjunction with upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria.
Installation of this capability will coincide with the AMCAP. The aim of AMCAP is to upgrade and update the capability of the Anzac Class frigates to maintain relevance, and to ensure the class remains effective until the introduction of the Hunter Class frigates.
“The aim of AMCAP is to ensure our frigates remain at the forefront of regional surface combatant capability until the new Hunter Class frigate is introduced into service later this decade,” CAPT Clelland said.
The PSR will see the upgrade of systems such as propulsion control, fridges, waste management and water production.
Anzac’s Commanding Officer, Commander Brendan Horn said after an 81-week maintenance and upgrade period, he and his ship’s company were happy to be back at Fleet Base West.
“Anzac is really well placed to complete sea trials and return to the fleet as an operational ship. I’m extremely proud of the crew and I know everyone is enthusiastic about getting back to sea,” CMDR Horn said.
CAPT Clelland said the AMCAP, which comes after the Anzac Class frigates underwent the Anti-Ship Missile Defence program, was a complex task that required close co-operation between Navy and its key partners.
“The successful completion of the second AMCAP is a significant achievement for Navy, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, and industry, and will ensure this class of ship remains lethal for years to come,” CAPT Clelland explained.
The WAMA partnership was launched in 2016 to support the Anzacs and includes BAE Systems Australia, Saab Australia, Naval Ship Management and the Commonwealth of Australia. It’s worth more than $2bn over eight years. The Henderson-based Australian Marine Complex (AMC) is integral to Australia’s frontline defence and is an important asset in maintaining the RAN fleet. The Common User Facility (CUF) has facilitated major works and repair programs for RAN’s Collins Class submarines, Anzac Class frigates and supply tankers.
The AMC-CUF is home to the world’s most technically advanced floating dock, which can lift vessels of up to 12,000 tonnes out of the water for service. Its four wharves can accommodate vessels of up to 300 metres in length and provide adequate berthing space for major works, including ship conversions, refits and repairs.
The AMC-CUF is also home to ASC West, which provides a purpose-built submarine repair facility and the WA headquarters of ASC, an Australian-owned prime defence contractor and builder of the Collins Class submarine and Hobart Class air warfare destroyer.
ASC’s through-life support contract will see the Collins Class submarines maintained at the CUF over the next 25 years. Warfare systems developer Raytheon Australia and other defence contractors, including BAE Systems, also reside within the AMC’s precincts. (Source: Defence Connect)
09 Jun 20. Carrier Nimitz deploys while Ford completes largest aircraft embark. Having finished a Covid-19 quarantine period, US Navy (USN) aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) deployed on 8 June from San Diego on the West Coast, USN officials confirmed. About the same time, in the Atlantic Ocean off the US East Coast, carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was completing its largest aircraft embark for operations that included the first use of recently certified Advanced Weapons Elevators (AWEs), USN officials said. USN officials say the carrier deployments and other operations underscore the service’s ability to maintain its ability to maintain missions despite Covid-19 impacts. Before deploying, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) completed a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), designed to fully integrate units of a carrier strike group, while testing a strike group’s ability as a whole to carry out sustained combat operations from the sea.
All personnel assigned to the Nimitz CSG completed a minimum 14-day quarantine ashore and were tested for Covid-19 before getting under way with their respective units, USN officials noted. Sailors assigned to Nimitz completed a 27-day fast cruise aboard the ship that also included their Covid-19 testing period.
Leading up to and throughout COMPTUEX, Nimitz CSG units conducted “aggressive” mitigation measures to minimise potential exposure to Covid-19, USN officials reported, including the wearing of face coverings, social distancing, minimising meetings and gatherings, and thorough cleaning of spaces multiple times each day. They will continue these mitigation processes. Learning to operate in this Covid environment has not been easy, but the Nimitz crew has demonstrated their adaptability and resiliency in overcoming the challenges and have remained focused on maintaining readiness, Captain Max Clark, Nimitz commanding officer, said in a statement. (Source: Jane’s)
AIR
10 Jun 20. The Bell Boeing [NYSE:BA] V-22 team recently delivered its 400th aircraft, a CV-22 for U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. The first production V-22 was delivered on May 24, 1999, and today deliveries occur under the Multi-year Procurement III contract valued at $5bn. That agreement, which runs through 2024, includes variants for the Marines, Air Force, and Navy, as well as the first international customer, Japan.
“I want to thank everyone who has made the V-22 successful for their hard work and dedication to the women and men who operate the Osprey,” said Shane Openshaw, vice president of Tiltrotor Programs and deputy director of the Bell Boeing team. “We’re focused on building and supporting these incredible aircraft so our customers can complete their air, land and sea missions worldwide.”
The V-22 takes off, hovers, and lands like a helicopter yet flies long distances like a turboprop aircraft. The CV-22 variant performs special operations missions, including infiltration, extraction, and resupply, that conventional aircraft can’t. The Marine Corps variant, the MV-22B, provides the safe and reliable transportation of personnel, supplies, and equipment for combat assault, assault support, and fleet logistics. The Navy variant, the CMV-22B, is the replacement for the C-2A Greyhound for the carrier onboard delivery mission.
“It’s been over 20 years since the first production V-22 was delivered and we are proud to reach another milestone in our 400th delivery. V-22s continue to be in high demand, protecting our country and our allies around the world through combat operations, international training partnerships and humanitarian missions,” said Marine Corps Col. Matthew Kelly, program manager for the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275). “This platform’s impact can’t be overstated.”
The V-22 has been deployed in a variety of combat, special operations, and humanitarian roles since becoming operational in 2007. Having accumulated more than 500,000 flight hours, the V-22 is safe, survivable, and combat proven. Bell Boeing’s post-delivery support includes comprehensive maintenance, modifications and supply chain expertise, innovative data insights and more than 160 field operations employees embedded at customer locations.
08 Jun 20. US Army to demonstrate its upgraded Chinook engine. The US Army is to demonstrate an uprated ‘next-generation’ version of the Honeywell T55-GA-714 engine on a Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. Honeywell, as the incumbent provider of engines for the Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, is to demonstrate an uprated variant of the T55 for the US Army. The T55-GA-714C increases the total power output from 10,000shp to 12,000shp. The engine manufacturer announced on 4 June that that it will test the 6,000 shp T55-GA-714C version of the 4,800 shp T55-GA-714A powerplant that already powers the Chinook, demonstrating the uprated engine’s 25% increase in power and 10% reduction in fuel consumption.
“The design improvement will be demonstrated as part of the Cooperation Research and Development Agreement process with the US Army,” Honeywell said.
The installation will take place on a CH-47F testbed at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia, under the supervision of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center. “The demonstration will show the ease of installation and prove out the engine’s new compressor design that brings additional performance and reduces fuel burn. After that, Honeywell will complete the final qualification process for the new engine design,” the company said.
No timeline for the demonstration was provided.
Honeywell has been the incumbent engine provider for the Chinook since it delivered its first 2,050 shp T55 engines for the CH-47A in 1961. With more than 900 Chinooks currently in service with the US Army and international operators, Honeywell noted that equipping this global fleet with the latest T55-GA-714C version of the engine would require no structural modifications to the helicopter. (Source: Jane’s)
05 Jun 20. Lockheed Martin delivers final C-130J Multi-Year 2 aircraft to the Pentagon. Lockheed Martin provided the final of 86 C-130 Super Hercules aircraft that were part of a Multi-Year 2 contract announced in December 2015 when it delivered a KC-130J tanker-transport platform to a US Marine Corps (USMC) reserve squadron on 28 May.
The KC-130J is assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-452), the Marine Forces Reserve squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York. KC-130s are operated in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander by providing tactical in-flight refuelling for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tiltrotor aircraft; aviation-delivered ground refuelling of aircraft or tactical vehicles; and air assault transport or air-landed or aerial delivered (parachute) personnel and equipment. The aircraft also provides pathfinder support, battlefield illumination, tactical aeromedical evacuation, and tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel support.
Lockheed Martin provided its final C-130J as part of the 2015 Multi-Year 2 contract with the Pentagon with a 28 May KC-130J (pictured) delivery to Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.
Lockheed Martin spokesperson Stephanie Stinn said on 2 June that this Multi-Year 2 contract also delivered C-130J-30s, MC-130Js, and HC-130Js to the US Air Force (USAF), nine KC-130Js to the USMC, and HC-130Js to the US Coast Guard (USCG).
Lockheed Martin, in total, delivered 86 C-130Js through the Multi-Year 2 contract. Stinn said the original contract was for 78 aircraft with an optional five to acquire. In addition to the original 78, 3-of-6 options were exercised, plus five more aircraft were added, for a total of 86 aircraft procured through Multi-Year 2. (Source: Jane’s)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
12 Jun 20. Airbus has warned that staff in the UK face “more permanent” job cuts than in France or Germany, where there are longer wage subsidy schemes to help companies and staff through the pandemic. The warning from Guillaume Faury, the aerospace group’s chief executive, comes as ministers prepare for a wave of layoffs as companies are asked to share the cost of the wages of furloughed workers. Close to 100,000 jobs in businesses with large UK operations are now on the line, according to FT calculations, but that could be the tip of the iceberg. (Source: FT.com)
04 Jun 20. US Army General in Germany Suspended Pending Investigation. The one-star general who commands the Army’s reserve headquarters in Europe was suspended this week, pending the outcome of an internal probe, U.S. Army Europe said.
Brig. Gen. Michael Harvey, who leads the 7th Mission Support Command and also serves as deputy commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, is under investigation for a matter that “does not involve criminal activity or safety,” USAREUR said in a statement Wednesday.
Harvey was removed from his position Tuesday. Col. Douglas A. LeVien, a 21st TSC deputy commanding officer, was named acting commander of the 7th MSC.
“No further information will be released until the investigation is complete,” USAREUR said in a statement.
The 21st TSC manages logistics for the Army in Europe and plays a key role in getting supplies to forces operating at relatively austere outposts in places like Poland. It also supports U.S. Africa Command.
Harvey, a native of Piney Flats, Tenn., assumed command of the 7th MSC in June 2019. LeVien takes over with extensive logistics experience. Before arriving at the 21st TSC, he commanded the 406th Army Field Support Brigade out of Fort Bragg, N.C. He then deployed with the XVIII Airborne Corps to serve as the “Kobane Landing Zone, Syria Base Commander,” from September 2018 to May 2019, his biography said.
The mission of the 7th MSC is to function as the Army’s forward-based headquarters in Europe and provide soldiers to the service’s various units supporting U.S. European Command. (Source: Military.com)
05 Jun 20. GKN Aerospace opens voluntary redundancy scheme for nearly 2,000 staff as sector sees demand plummet. The company said it opened the scheme after receiving “feedback” from employees and workers’ union Unite. GKN Aerospace has opened a voluntary resignation scheme to staff at its sites near Bristol.
The automotive and aerospace manufacturer employs 1,500 people at its Filton plant and another 375 at Western Approach near the city.
The company’s larger Filton site designs and manufactures structural assemblies for aircraft, as well as metallic components and systems, while Western Approach is a wing structures manufacturing and assembly facility.
The company is among a number of aerospace giants, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, that have been hit by a slump in demand following the collapse in air travel.
GKN said it opened the scheme after receiving “feedback” from employees and workers’ union Unite.
A spokesperson said: “We are directly linked to our key customers and over recent weeks, following significant customer demand reductions, we have implemented production pauses in our Filton and Western Approach facilities and taken advantage of the Government’s furlough scheme extensively in order to protect as many permanent jobs as possible.
“During this unprecedented period we have also received feedback – both from employees and Unite the Union – that some colleagues would consider leaving the business if there was an opportunity to apply for voluntary resignation.
“Having listened to this feedback, we chose to open such a voluntary scheme for permanent employees at our Filton and Western Approach sites who wish to apply. The business is now assessing those applications.”
GKN said it was continuing to “assess” the longer-term impact of the fall in demand on its business.
The news comes as Rolls-Royce confirms it is planning to cut up to 50 jobs in its civil aerospace division in Bristol.
The engineering giant, which has a defence and civil aerospace base in the city, is reportedly culling its UK workforce by up to 3,000.
The Derby Rolls-Royce base is expected to bear the brunt of job losses which are part of a previously-announced plan to cut costs across the business.
Voluntary redundancy is being offered to everyone in the UK civil aerospace division, Rolls-Royce said. (Source: Google/https://www.business-live.co.uk/)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
10 Jun 20. Germany Says US Considering Troop Reduction. The German government Wednesday said it has received official confirmation from the U.S. of plans to reduce the number of American forces in Germany. German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer told reporters in Berlin the government had been informed the U.S. is considering reducing its forces in Germany but said there is no final decision. There has been no U.S. confirmation.
Last week, The Wall Street Journal newspaper first reported that U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to pull some 9,500 of about 34,500 U.S. troops from Germany. Earlier this week, Germany’s defense minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, suggested that plan could weaken not only the NATO alliance but the U.S. itself.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters, confirmed to The Associated Press that there were plans to move troops, saying some could go to Poland while others could go elsewhere. Poland had expressed interest in having some of the troops stationed there.
But some former U.S. military officials have strongly criticized the idea. Retired U.S. Army European commander general Ben Hodges called the move “a colossal mistake” in media interviews and on his Twitter feed this week. He said troops are not in Germany to defend Germans, but to help stabilize NATO. He said Poland would be better served with a stable NATO than U.S. troops stationed there.
Hodges told the New York Times the move does not “seem attached to any kind of strategy.”
The White House official told AP the decision is part of the president’s and Department of Defense’s effort to review combatant commands around the globe. (Source: defense-aerospace.com/Voice of America News)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
04 Jun 20. Interim director takes over Joint Artificial Intelligence Center. As he departs, the Defense Department’s top artificial intelligence official says the foundation is set for the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center — but now it must deliver.
“The foundational elements are now in place. What we have to do in the course of the next one to two years is deliver. This is about delivery first and foremost,” Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan said during a virtual Mitchell Institute event June 4. “What we have to do is show that we’re making a difference.”
The Department of Defense announced in January that Shanahan would be depart this summer. He took over the JAIC in December 2018. Before that, he oversaw Project Maven, a pathfinder effort to utilize AI and machine learning for analyzing full-motion video.
Over his year-and-a-half tenure at the JAIC, Shanahan grew the organization from just a handful of people to a fully operational team with funding and adequate staffing. As the center’s first director, Shanahan rhetorically pushed the focus on military AI away from the idea of killer robots and toward data analysis and maintenance efforts. He oversaw both the JAIC’s efforts to develop five principles of AI for the DoD and the awarding of the center’s first major contract — a five-year, $800m task order to Booz Allen Hamilton for AI services.
“In the 18 months that I’ve been in the seat, I’d say we put all the foundational elements in place,” Shanahan said. “Taking an organization that was in June 2018 [made up of] four volunteers with no money and a couple of cubicles in different spots to work out of, to where we are today with 185 people with a $1.3bn budget — we’ve grown so fast that we’ve exceeded our current spaces and we’re moving into a separate facility. All of that’s happened in 18 months. For the Department of Defense, that’s as fast of a growth spurt as you can possibly imagine.”
On June 1, Shanahan passed on the reins to Chief Technology Officer Nand Mulchandani, who will serve as interim director until a permanent three-star general or flag officer is confirmed.
“In the interim, I am thrilled that our chief technology officer, Nand Mulchandani — over 26 years of experience at Silicon Valley doing this for a living at software companies — will be the acting director. He transformed the organization from the moment he showed up, and he’s intently focused on [Joint All Domain Command and Control], looking at it from a different lens of a software company CEO,” Shanahan said.
Mulchandani joined the JAIC in 2019 as the chief technology officer after a quarter century of work as a senior executive in Silicon Valley.
“Lt. General Shanahan leaves behind an incredible legacy as an AI pioneer for the Department of Defense. His 36 years of faithful service to our nation culminating in the establishment of Project Maven and the JAIC is truly inspiring,” Mulchandani said in a statement. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
09 Jun 20. Navy Vice Adm. James J. Malloy for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Florida. Malloy is currently serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command; commander, Fifth Fleet; and commander, Combined Maritime Forces, Manama, Bahrain.
09 Jun 20. Navy Rear Adm. Michelle C. Skubic for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as director, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Skubic is currently serving as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command; and chief of Supply Corps, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
08 Jun 20. USAF LG Mark D. Kelly for appointment to the rank of general, with assignment as commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Kelly is currently serving as deputy chief of staff, operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
08 Jun 20. USAF LG Jacqueline D. Van Ovost for appointment to the rank of general, with assignment as commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Van Ovost is currently serving as deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, Illinois.
08 Jun 20. USAF MG Andrew A. Croft for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, with assignment as military deputy commander, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida. Croft is currently serving as commander, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
08 Jun 20. USAF MG Charles L. Moore Jr. for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Moore is currently serving as director, operations, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
08 Jun 20. USAF MG Brian S. Robinson for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Robinson is currently serving as director, operations, J-3, Headquarters U.S. Transportation Command, Scott AFB, Illinois.
04 Jun 20. USMC LG Robert F. Hedelund for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command; and commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic and U.S. Marine Corps Forces North. Hedelund is currently serving as commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command; and commanding general, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.
04 Jun 20. USAF MG Kirk S. Pierce for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, with assignment as commander, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region; and commander, First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Pierce is currently serving as deputy director, Air National Guard, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
05 Jun 20. USAF MG Carl E. Schaefer for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, with assignment as deputy commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Schaefer is currently serving as deputy commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
09 Jun 20. USMC Master Gunnery Sgt. Scott H. Stalker, currently assigned as the U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency command senior enlisted leader, Fort Meade, Maryland, has been selected to assume responsibility from Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Roger A. Towberman as the command senior enlisted leader for the U.S. Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. Daniel L. Cheever will be assigned as director for plans, policy and strategy, J-5, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Cheever previously served as commander, Carrier Strike Group Four, Norfolk, Virginia.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. Thomas E. Ishee will be assigned as director, global operations, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Ishee is currently serving as director, Undersea Warfare Division, N97, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. Peter G. Stamatopoulos will be assigned as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command; and chief of Supply Corps, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Stamatopoulos previously served as director of logistics, J-4, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) William J. Houston, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as director, Undersea Warfare Division, N97, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Houston previously served as director, plans and operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Sixth Fleet; deputy commander, Sixth Fleet; and commander, Submarine Group Eight, Naples, Italy.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Anthony C. Carullo is currently serving as director, plans and operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Sixth Fleet; deputy commander, Sixth Fleet; and commander, Submarine Group Eight, Naples, Italy. Carullo previously served as deputy director, strategic targeting and nuclear mission planning, J-5N, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Richard D. Heinz is currently serving as director of logistics, J-4, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Heinz previously served as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Andrew J. Loiselle is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Four, Norfolk, Virginia. Loiselle previously served as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, Norfolk, Virginia.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Joseph D. Noble Jr., is currently serving as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Noble previously served as special assistant for audit readiness, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), Washington, D.C.
10 Jun 20. Rear Adm. (lower half) Ryan B. Scholl is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, Norfolk, Virginia. Scholl previously served as deputy director, plans, J-5, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
11 Jun 20. HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company today announced its partnership with iBASEt, a leading provider of manufacturing, quality and sustainment solutions to support greater scaling of operations to serve growing needs of complex discrete manufacturing industries. The partnership will address the growing needs of the Aerospace and Defense industry undergoing a digital manufacturing transformation, including Connected Factory processes. Working together, iBASEt and HCL Technologies can accelerate digital transformation initiatives by simplifying the implementation of advanced technologies in operations. HCL can leverage iBASEt’s digital suite of solutions designed to address the needs of businesses operating in complex, highly regulated discrete manufacturing industries. To enable smart manufacturing transformation in the Industry 4.0 era, it is critical to connect, optimize and create value from. HCL’s ExPAND 4.0 framework enables to build a connect and collaboration between siloed Engineering, Manufacturing and Aftersales functions and creates of value for varied stakeholders. HCL’s strong engineering DNA coupled with Consulting-led, Technology-driven and Implementation-focused approach uniquely positions it to help businesses like iBASEt make best out of their industry 4.0 initiatives. An iBASEt solution implemented by HCL offers the best of both worlds – best-in-class software with an implementation partner that is actively driving digital innovation across the Aerospace and Defense manufacturing industry.
05 Jun 20. Bell teams with industry leaders for U.S. Army Future Attach Reconnaissance Aircraft Program. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has announced agreements with nine premier aerospace industry leaders to form Team Invictus. The companies are producing the Bell 360 Invictus prototype submission as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program. Each industry partner brings unique experience and technological expertise to provide a low-risk path for the Army’s acquisition of a lethal, affordable rotorcraft with advanced mission systems to modernize aviation for multi-domain operations (MDO).
“Team Invictus is working together to show how cutting-edge technology will give soldiers the ability to confidently operate in the complex and contested battlespace of multi-domain operations,” said Chris Gehler, Vice President and Program Director for FARA at Bell. “Future Vertical Lift is critical for the Army’s ability to win in multi-domain operations with FARA defeating defensive layers and the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) exploiting opened areas to achieve operational objectives.”
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Team members are working closely together to deliver the Bell 360 Invictus prototype using a configuration that emphasizes operational availability, sustainability, and maintainability. The members of Team Invictus include:
- Astronics Corporation for a modular framework of airframe power generation, conversion, and distribution products
- Collins Aerospace for integration of a new generation of avionics hardware and software featuring cyber-hardened and digital backbone solutions to configure and integrate mission systems
- GE Aviation for the 3,000-SHP T901 engine and working on the aircraft Health Awareness System (HAS)
- ITT-Enidine Inc. for the passive Liquid Inertia Vibration Eliminator (LIVE) units for all modes of operation including high speed
- L3Harris Technologies for the WESCAM™ MX-15D, an advanced, stabilized multi-sensor, multi-spectral imaging and targeting system
- Parker Lord for rotor dampers, the main rotor CF bearing, the tail rotor tension torsion strap, and the Active Vibration Control (AVC) System
- Mecaer Aviation Group, Inc. for a fully retractable, tail dragger landing gear system
- MOOG Inc. for flight control computer (FCC) electronics, software, and flight control actuation, critical components of the Bell fly-by-wire, Flight Control System (FCS)
- TRU Simulation + Training for a high-fidelity flight simulator that gives pilots a true sense of the aircraft flight controls
Team Invictus is applying digital design and manufacturing technologies, including maintenance as part of the design process, and use of emerging commercial practices to bring a holistic view of digital models, processing and analysis to reduce lifecycle maintenance and servicing requirements—and thus reducing sustainment costs.
“Each team member brings a capability that is vital to the success of the Bell 360 and we are honored to have proven, capable, and well-respected industry partners on Team Invictus,” stated Gehler. “This is an outstanding industry team, and we are working diligently to produce a FARA weapon system that is operationally effective and affordably sustainable, as well as complementary and in many ways common to the FLRAA program.”
Following the selection of the Bell 360 Invictus for the competitive prototype in March 2020, Team Invictus continues to rapidly move forward. Team Invictus’ collective expertise reduces program risk while preserving the Army’s FARA schedule leading to a first flight targeted for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. (Source: Aerospace Daily & Defense Report)
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
10 Jun 20. Italian defence group Leonardo’s (LDOF.MI) Chief Executive Alessandro Profumo is set to become the head of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), he said on Wednesday. Profumo, who has recently been re-appointed to his role at Leonardo, will replace Eric Trappier, CEO of France’s Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA), at the association from September. ASD, which represents over 3,000 companies, promotes the industry’s interests in Europe on matters of policy and legislation, according to its website. (Source: Reuters)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
09 Jun 20. Gulfstream Names Naveed Aziz Vice President and General Manager of Dallas Operations. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced Naveed Aziz has been promoted to vice president and general manager of the Gulfstream Dallas facility. He will oversee service center operations and Gulfstream G280™ completions. He succeeds Robby Harless, who retires this month. Aziz began his career at Gulfstream in 1996 as an engineering co-op, designing avionics and electrical systems for the Gulfstream GIV™ and Gulfstream GV™. He has held several positions within the company and was most recently promoted to director of Completions Research and Development in 2012. In this role, Aziz was responsible for designing, engineering, testing and certifying interior elements and cabin systems for new products. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Jun 20. Liteye Systems Inc. Hires Matt Pflieger as Vice President of Finance. Liteye Systems, Inc, is a world leader in Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), ruggedized thermal cameras and helmet mounted displays with over $100M in Government contracts. With recent success and growth, Liteye is pleased to announce the addition of Matt Pflieger as VP of Finance. With over 20 years in finance, Pflieger’s experience includes work with L3, SAIC, CACI. He holds CPA, CTP, PMP accreditation along with a BBA from Ohio University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Cincinnati. (Source: UAS VISION)
11 Jun 20. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced it has elected David Abney to its board of directors. Abney is the executive chairman of the UPS board of directors, and served as the chief executive officer of UPS from 2014 until May 2020.
“David is an accomplished and respected business leader and is a great addition to our board,” said Kathy Warden, chairman, chief executive officer and president, Northrop Grumman. “His experience leading a complex, global business will be extremely valuable as we continue to position our company for long-term growth.”
Abney served as UPS’s chief operating officer prior to becoming chief executive officer, overseeing all facets of UPS’s global transportation network. Prior to this, he was president of UPS International, where he led the company’s growth in its global logistics capabilities. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Jun 20. Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) has appointed Dantaya Williams as chief human resources officer. Williams will report to Greg Hayes, chief executive officer, Raytheon Technologies. Williams replaces Doug Balsbough, who is retiring from the company after guiding the HR function through the closing of the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies (UTC). In his prior assignment, Doug successfully managed the integration of Rockwell Collins with UTC Aerospace Systems division. “We are grateful to Doug for his many contributions during his distinguished career,” continued Hayes. Williams joined the company in 1999 and was most recently vice president of human resources for the Commercial Engines division of Pratt & Whitney, overseeing key initiatives in talent, diversity, employee relations and HR transformation for its global workforce. Prior to her role at Pratt & Whitney, Williams was UTC’s vice president of talent, inclusion and engagement where she was responsible for accelerating the company’s global talent strategy. Williams spent more than a decade with former UTC business Carrier Corporation in labor relations, progressively increasing her responsibility within the HR organization.
11 Jun 20. Redwire, a new leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for a next generation space architecture, announced today that Peter Cannito has been named Chairman and CEO, effective immediately. Mr. Cannito brings more than 25 years of experience in the defense, technology, and government services industries to Redwire. AE Industrial Partners, LP (“AEI”), a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense & Government Services, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets, launched Redwire earlier this month through the combination of Adcole Space and Deep Space Systems. Mr. Cannito is also an Operating Partner of AEI, and was instrumental in developing the strategy for the Redwire platform. Steve Bailey will remain as President of the Deep Space Systems business unit and Don Wesson will remain as President of the Adcole Space business unit. Both will report to Mr. Cannito. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
09 Jun 20. Airbus has named Anand Stanley as its president for Asia Pacific, succeeding Patrick de Castelbajac. Based in Singapore, Stanley will lead the strategy and future positioning of Airbus and its divisions across the region. He will be responsible for commercial aircraft sales and customer affairs, group-wide government affairs, industrial and joint venture partnerships, as well as the local operations at Airbus sites across the region. Stanley reports to Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international operation. He will work closely with the heads of region for the Airbus Helicopters and Defence and Space divisions who are co-located at the company’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. Stanley joined Airbus in 2018 as president and managing director of Airbus India, where he has overseen the Airbus business development and advanced the company’s position with key stakeholders, including customers, government agencies and industry partners.
Prior to joining Airbus, Stanley held senior positions in the civil aerospace, defence and helicopter markets, as well as in strategic management, having worked with the Linde Group, UTC, Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky.
Over his career he has worked extensively internationally, with more than two decades of involvement in Asia and the Pacific region.
(Source: Google/https://www.nst.com.my/business)
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