Sponsored by BATTLESPACE Jobboard
www.battle-technology.com
————————————————————————-
Job Of The Week!
Programme Manager (Military / Defence)
Salary: £82000 to £82000 Location: Wokingham
Job Description:
We are a multibillion-dollar specialist Aerospace and Defence company who have been providing the Ministries of Defence, integrators, aircraft manufacturers and airlines with a wide range of advanced aviation solutions for over 60 years. We are looking to recruit an experienced program manager to work with our team responsible for delivering mission-critical communication systems for air, sea and land forces. You will be responsible for leading allocated MOD, RAF, Government Mission Communication programmes ranging from £1m to £150m and will carry full Value Stream Management (VSM). You will also hold accountability for the Europe/Middle East International Integrated Solutions (IIS) Value Stream. Key responsibilities include: Carry full Life Cycle Value Stream Management (LCVSM) responsibilities which include: * Management of transition of programmes to a support & service phase led by other divisions. * Working closely with the sales team on VALUE STREAM and BIDS through to CONTRACT AWARD * Complete execution to a contract that may include delivery of materials (software and hardware) and associated services. * Management of transition of programmes to a support & service phase, led by other divisions. * In particular, the post requires the leadership, planning, organisation, direction and coordination of programme management activities and functional departmental activities in multiple locations and its various suppliers and customers. * The development of new business in conjunction with our Sales and Marketing groups and the achievement of on-time and on-budget execution in an ethical and professional manner. Due to the nature of the work carried out at this site, you MUST be eligible for Base Level Security Clearance and have previous experience of scheduling with Integrated Master Schedules/GANTT systems within the defence industry in order to be considered for this position.
Skills and experience required: Essential
* Substantial project management experience
* previous experience of Matrix Management Systems
* Understanding of project management disciplines and their application
* Risk management, mitigation and costing methodologies * Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
* Scheduling with Integrated Master Schedules/GANTT systems
* Key artefacts to define the project (PMP) * Proficiency with Earned Value metrics, their derivation and interpretation
* Appreciation of customer needs and relationships with ability to lead the customer community
* Able to undertake international travel as required
* Good knowledge of company procedures and processes typical for the sector
* Proven track record in delivering against business objectives * Fluent in business English
* Experience in the defence industry as a supplier to government customers
* No known impediment to gaining/maintaining clearance within regional market.
* Fluent with Microsoft Project and other Microsoft Office suite applications
* Understanding of business management information systems (i.e. SAP or equivalent)
* Familiarity with export rules (i.e. ITAR) and the typical types of export (i.e. TAA)
* Proven ability to lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams in a matrix environment
Package: Salary flexible dependant on seniority level / Car or Car Allowance / 37.5 Hours / 25 days holiday (Increases with years of service up to 30 days) / Private Medical Insurance / Private Pension Scheme / Income Protection Scheme / Life Assurance / Flexible Benefits including dental insurance, childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, give as you earn scheme, tastecard, discount card, health screening, eye testing Please press apply now to submit your application. Alternatively, if you would like further information on this position or other positions win a similar sector, please feel free to contact our Shaunna Doherty on (phone number removed) for a confidential conversation regarding the role. We are an equal opportunities Business. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Each company within the Planet Equity Group is a “data controller”. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal information about you in line with GDPR guidelines. * Industry * Defense & Space * Military * Program Development
Planet Forward Ltd
Head of Cyber Strategy and Architecture
£100,000
London, Corsham in Wiltshire and Wyton in Cambridgeshire
Your expertise will put cyber defence at the heart of our military operations.
About us
The first duty of Government is to defend our country and to keep our people safe. Over the past three years, Defence has seen a surge in cyber events, and it’s clear that the threat to UK national security from digital attacks will continue to increase and evolve. We must therefore maximise our cyber defences, expanding the depth of coverage across military capabilities, and weaving them into the security, IT and operational fabric of Defence.
About the role
This is a high-profile role with major influence over the nation’s security. As Head of Cyber Strategy & Architecture, you will shape strategy, architecture and cyber transformational activities across Defence. Reporting to the Director of Cyber Defence and Risk (CISO) and ultimately to the Defence Chief Information Officer, you will lead a team of up to 15 Digital and IT professionals. In particular, you will take over a critical digital transformation programme, ensuring that emerging MOD digital architectures are compliant with current defensive cyber policy and compliance is maintained in line with the latest standards and initiatives across the wider commercial and military space. More broadly, you will lead the production of strategies, policies and standards to move the MOD’s cyber security agenda forward, working closely with other Government agencies and the wider defence community.
About you
An expert cyber security professional, you’ll have substantial senior-level experience of working within large and complex organisations. You’ll bring a deep understanding of emerging trends in cyber security and a strong track-record of developing, articulating and delivering relevant architecture standards. Although defence experience is not essential, a proven ability to manage diverse stakeholders within a collaborative environment will be required. You will need to hold, or be willing to obtain, Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
Benefits
We offer a range of benefits including a generous leave allowance, flexible working options, learning and development tailored to your role, and a Civil Service pension.
Click to find out more and apply.: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=dXNlcnNlYXJjaGNvbnRleHQ9MTE2MTg2NDQ1JnBhZ2VhY3Rpb249dmlld3ZhY2J5am9ibGlzdCZvd25lcj01MDcwMDAwJmpvYmxpc3Rfdmlld192YWM9MTY5ODkzMCZzZWFyY2hfc2xpY2VfY3VycmVudD0xJmNzb3VyY2U9Y3Nxc2VhcmNoJnBhZ2VjbGFzcz1Kb2JzJm93bmVydHlwZT1mYWlyJnJlcXNpZz0xNjA4MjIxMjQyLTU2MDlkYmRmZjJlZmRmOGNjNDE2NTExMTE5MzNkNjIxNzhiZjhhZmQ%3D&actId=ebwp0YMB8s3D0Bbp9SMBQdUcvuQDVN7agmFTt2FsrXtbuBpn1Ml0dnKrXoxYuPXU&actCampaignType=CAMPAIGN_MAIL&actSource=500535
LOCATIONS
LAND
21 Dec 20. Major step forward for RAF Lossiemouth upgrades as runway refurbishment finishes early. The completion of the runway refurbishment several months ahead of schedule is an important boost for the Moray station. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) awarded a £75m contract for the airfield operating surfaces project to VolkerFitzpatrick in August 2019. The project was expected to be completed in spring 2021 but fast work allowed the runway to be handed over to RAF Lossiemouth on 15 December 2020, following successful completion of pre-use checks.
Resurfacing works are one of many improvements being made at RAF Lossiemouth, future-proofing the Moray base for years to come. Other improvements include accommodation for personnel, a new Air Traffic Control Tower, upgrades to drainage and electrical supplies, and upgraded facilities for IX (Bomber) Squadron.
For most of the runway work, which started in earnest in January 2020, aircraft continued to operate from RAF Lossiemouth. This work required the RAF’s new P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft being delivered to nearby Kinloss Barracks and operating from there during the majority of the runway works. A short period of relocation was also needed for Lossiemouth’s Typhoon aircraft while the intersection between the Station’s two runways was resurfaced; this started in August 2020 and saw the Typhoons also operating from Kinloss Barracks as well as Leuchars Station. The intersection resurfacing finished in October 2020, allowing the P-8As and Typhoons to return and operate from their home station.
The P-8A Poseidon is a submarine hunter which locates and tracks potentially hostile submarines. Home to four fast-jet squadrons flying the Typhoon, it has been some time since RAF Lossiemouth has regularly operated a larger aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon. The P-8As represent a new era in operations from this station and a significant investment in Scotland which introduces a new UK Defence capability.
Russ Liddington, DIO’s Project Manager for the resurfacing works, said, “The completion of the runway works months ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work and collaborative attitude of everyone involved in the project, whether from DIO, VolkerFitzpatrick, RAF Lossiemouth or one of the subcontractors. The runway resurfacing and associated works, such as installing new drainage and airfield lighting, will see the runway life extended by up to 25 years. I’d also like to thank the local community for their support which is much appreciated by us all. It is fantastic to see the works completed so quickly and a pleasure to see the RAF using much improved airfield facilities in support of defence.”
Wing Commander Pete Beckett, Director of the Lossiemouth Development Programme, said, “The completion of the runway work here at RAF Lossiemouth represents the first major upgrade to be delivered by the Development Programme and to have such a complex project delivered some three months early in the challenging context of 2020 cannot be under-estimated. My congratulations must go to both DIO and VolkerFitzpatrick in achieving this milestone. For the wider Programme though, this is just the start. We already have one major project in delivery and expect to start another five projects in the first half of 2021. While we have secured the Station’s operational output through the new operating surfaces, we now turn more towards the people-focussed improvements where we are going to upgrade both working and living accommodation across the unit. The exciting times continue!”
Station Commander RAF Lossiemouth, Group Captain Chris Layden, said, “It’s been a privilege to see our newly resurfaced runway so busy since its early completion. We’ve already conducted joint training with F-35B Lightning aircraft from 207 Squadron and been joined by a large US Navy detachment. That is of course in addition to our usual 24/7 Typhoon and Poseidon operations. Lossiemouth now really is a next-generation maritime patrol and fighter station! My thanks go to my team, and contractors VolkerFitzpatrick for their hard work in successfully delivering the main runway ahead of schedule.”
Keith Maplethorpe, VolkerFitzpatrick development director, said, “Completing the works ahead of schedule has been a collaborative effort and is testament to the ongoing commitment of our teams to ensure that key projects can continue throughout this pandemic. We are looking forward to the next project at RAF Lossiemouth. As a defence critical project, upgrade work at RAF Lossiemouth has continued despite the difficulties presented by coronavirus, with various safety measures taken to make the site COVID secure.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Dec 20. RAF surveillance fleet to be based in Moray. The move demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to investing in Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth will be the new home of the UK’s fleet of E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, bolstering Scotland’s key role in UK and NATO defence and security, Defence Minister Baroness Goldie announced today.
Delivering a step change in capability from the current E-3D Sentry, the E-7 Wedgetail is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple airborne and maritime targets, using the information it gathers to improve situational awareness and direct assets such as fighter jets and warships. The Wedgetail has previously been used by the Australian Air Force Royal on operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
The Wedgetail will be co-located with the new Poseidon fleet, with the first four submarine-hunting aircraft already providing essential operational support in the area.
Operating both fleets of Boeing 737 type aircraft from the same location will further harness RAF Lossiemouth’s strategic location and take advantage of the new £100m state-of-the-art facility and the recent £75m runway upgrade. The decision is also expected to support hundreds of jobs and provide a boost to the local economy.
Minister of State for Defence, Baroness Goldie said, “Scotland’s proximity to the waters and skies of the North Atlantic is of crucial importance to the UK’s and NATO’s security – this is why important military bases such as HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth are located here.”
Defence’s latest decision to base the E-7 Wedgetail at RAF Lossiemouth demonstrates our commitment to investing in Scotland, and will complement and expand upon the success of Typhoon fast jet and submarine hunting Poseidon operations.
The arrival of the Wedgetail in 2023 will also mark a return to RAF Lossiemouth for 8 Squadron, after an absence of 30 years.
RAF Lossiemouth is already home to half of the UK’s operational Typhoon fast jet fleet, which conduct Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) to protect the UK’s airspace, and complete NATO air policing duties on behalf of our allies.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added, “The UK Government has invested £470m in RAF Lossiemouth over the past two years, including a new £100m strategic facility, housing the UK’s new fleet of nine submarine-hunting Poseidon P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, which has been built by Elgin-based Robertson. Indeed this firm is also building the new shipbuilding hall for the Type 31 Frigate programme at Rosyth in Fife demonstrating just one of the many ways that UK Defence benefits Scottish business.”
The arrival of the Wedgetail capability in Scotland will provide clear additional security and economic benefits to Scotland. The Poseidon programme brought £470m UK Government investment in the coastal RAF base, creating and sustaining jobs and boosting the local economy. It is anticipated that basing the Wedgetail fleet will bring further investment and civilian and military jobs to Moray. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 Dec 20. Kleos Opens US Engineering Office in Denver Colorado. Kleos Space S.A. (ASX: KSS, Frankfurt: KS1,) a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, is pleased to announce that it will establish its principal US engineering presence in Denver, Colorado.
Kleos has engaged with Denver Economic Development & Opportunity and selected Denver, Colorado as an ideal location to grow its US engineering presence and to further draw on the region’s engineering and aerospace support services. Colorado is creating the foundation to become “Aerospace Alley” and build on its position as an aerospace leader, and to recruit ambassadors and industry officials to support the demand for talent in the state.
“When conducting our U.S. engineering base search, we were struck by Colorado’s wealth of aerospace talent and innovation,” said Kleos CEO, Andy Bowyer. “We’re thrilled to start building our U.S. team in such a dynamic and collaborative space community.”
“We are proud that Denver continues to attract innovative global companies, such as Kleos Space. Colorado is home to the second largest space economy in the US, and we know Kleos will thrive here because of our talent pool and rich business ecosystem,” said Eric Hiraga, Executive Director for Denver Economic Development & Opportunity. “We look forward to working with the Kleos team as they establish their U.S. engineering presence in Denver.”
Colorado’s overall private aerospace employment of over 30,000 is second only to California and is the country’s highest per capita, according to a report by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. There are nearly 280 aerospace businesses in Colorado and more than 500 companies and suppliers providing space-related products and services with 57,830 private and military workers in the aerospace sector.
Kleos currently has four employees located in Colorado including Systems and Software Engineers and a Sales Executive and is continuing to recruit additional staff with the office expected to be operational in Q1 2021.
Kleos US Strategy Director, Karyn Hayes-Ryan added “in addition to the high caliber of aerospace talent in Colorado, we see great partnership opportunities with the breadth of geospatial and analytic firms in Denver. The proximity to a significant geospatial customer base in Denver will also drive innovation and shape future mission requirements for our constellation.”
Kleos successfully launched its first cluster of four satellites (KSM1) on Saturday 7 November 2020. Commissioning of the satellites is in progress. The Second Cluster – Polar Vigilance Mission (KSF1) will be launched under contract with Spaceflight Inc, technical kick off for launch was completed on December 7th, who have manifested the cluster of Kleos satellites on the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch scheduled for mid-2021 launching into a 500 km Sun Synchronous Orbit. Kleos’ satellites will detect and geolocate maritime radio frequency transmissions to provide global activity-based intelligence, enhancing the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of governments and commercial entities when Automatic Identification System (AIS) is defeated, imagery unclear or targets out of patrol range.
MARITIME
18 Dec 20. Halo Maritime Barriers Protect U.S. Navy Forward Deployed Ships & Sailors. HALO Maritime Defense Systems, Inc. (“HALO”), a marine engineering technology company and provider of advanced engineered waterside security barrier solutions, announced today that its barriers are now protecting US, UK, and Bahrain Naval forces at Mina Salman, Bahrain. Earlier this year, HALO successfully designed, assembled, and installed what is now the longest security barrier in the U.S. Navy: 3,800 meters (over 2 miles) of HALO’s ORCA III barrier solution has been installed by the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet stationed at Mina Salman, Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf. This barrier is the first ORCA III security barrier system employed at an overseas U.S. Naval base.
HALO was awarded the project in February of this year. The installation was completed on budget and ahead of schedule despite significant logistics challenges posed by the global COVID pandemic. “Building anything is a team effort,” stated Captain Greg Smith, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Bahrain. “The result is increased security and the crucial ability to defend U.S. Naval assets, Bahraini Defense Forces, Bahraini Commercial, and UK Military Component Command ships [located] here at Naval Support Activity Bahrain’s Mina Salman Harbor.” In commending HALO, Captain Smith said, “You have my gratitude for a job well done.”
“Local partners continue to contribute to our success here in Bahrain,” stated Luke Ritter, HALO Vice President and Middle East General Manager. “Companies like BMMI, GSS, Al Dhaen Contracting & Trading, and Bahrain Precast Concrete showed us the best of what Bahrain has to offer to firms operating in the Kingdom,” he said. Twenty-eight permanent buoys and 710 concrete mooring blocks, all fabricated in Bahrain, were installed by Bahraini marine contractors to anchor the 3,800-meter barrier.
HALO’s operations for this project were based at the company’s Middle East Headquarters established in December 2019 in Manama’s Diplomatic Quarter. HALO is taking advantage of several benefits available to firms based in business-friendly Bahrain. Lower operating costs than other regional neighbors, a local workforce with an array of valuable skills, and its position as a natural gateway to the entire region, all continue to make Bahrain an attractive headquarters location for managing HALO projects in the GCC. (Source: PR Newswire)
16 Dec 20. Saab Delivers Upgrade Gotland-class Submarine to Sweden. Saab has today, on Wednesday 16th of December, delivered the second submarine of Gotland-class to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) after a Mid-life upgrade.
Saab has conducted a Mid-life upgrade of HMS Uppland. Taking all necessary measures to ensure the submarine’s operational availability, the upgrade includes new sensors and navigation systems, giving the vessel enhanced capabilities. The delivery of HMS Uppland was conducted today at a ceremony in Karlskrona, Sweden.
HMS Uppland is the second submarine in the Gotland-class to have gone through major changes and is now operational again.
“The Gotland-class submarines have an international reputation that many other submarines would wish for, with a stealthy ability and endurance beyond the ordinary. Sweden’s ability to develop world-class submarines is a result of the close cooperation between industry, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration and the Swedish Royal Navy. We at Saab are proud that the latest cutting-edge underwater technology is now operational on-board both HMS Uppland and HMS Gotland, says Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Kockums.
HMS Uppland has had 50 new systems installed or modified, of which 20 are new systems that in the future will be used in the next generation of submarines, the Blekinge-class. This means, for example, new possibilities to analyse the boat’s surroundings with a so called Optronic Mast, replacing the traditional periscope and associated management system.
The Gotland-class submarines were built in 1990-1997. The submarine class consists of three submarines, all which have gone through minor modifications during the first part of their lifetime. HMS Gotland was the first boat to go through a Mid-life Upgrade. The submarine was split into two parts to be able to carry out larger changes. (Source: ASD Network)
16 Dec 20. China launches fourth and final LMS for Royal Malaysian Navy. China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group has launched the fourth and final Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) ordered for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) as part of a contract awarded in 2017 and renegotiated in 2019. China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group on 16 December launched the fourth and final Keris-class LMS on order for the RMN at the company’s facilities in Wuhan. (RMN)
The 68.8 m-long vessel (with pennant number 114) entered the water in a ceremony held on 16 December at the company’s facilities in Wuhan, and is now set to undergo a series of port acceptance tests and subsequent sea trials before being handed over to the RMN in November 2021 when it is also expected to be named.
Once inducted into service the vessel will be part of the 11th LMS Squadron, which will be home-ported at the Sepanggar naval base at Kota Kinabalu in the state of Sabah in the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo. Sepanggar also serves as the headquarters for the RMN’s Eastern Fleet. The vessel will then join first-of-class KD Keris , which was commissioned in January, as well as second-of-class Sundang and the yet-to-be-named third LMS. The second and third vessels are also expected to enter service in 2021. The LMSs are part of a contract signed in 2017 between Malaysia’s Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) and the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Corporation (CSOC) that marked Malaysia’s first order for Chinese-made naval vessels. (Source: Jane’s)
14 Dec 20. Littoral Combat Ship 23 (Cooperstown) Completes Acceptance Trials. Flexible and capable ship will enter U.S. Navy service in 2021.
Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 23, the future USS Cooperstown, completed acceptance trials in Lake Michigan. Trials included a full-power run, maneuverability testing, and surface and air detect-to-engage demonstrations of the ship’s combat system. Major systems and features were demonstrated, including aviation support, small boat launch handling and recovery and machinery control and automation.
Now that trials are complete, the ship will undergo final outfitting and fine-tuning before delivery to the U.S. Navy next year. LCS 23 is the 12th Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)-led industry team.
“LCS 23, like other Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ships, delivers unique flexibility and capability to the U.S. Navy,” said Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager, Small Combatants and Ship Systems. “Freedom-variant LCS are inherently capable, and they offer 40% reconfigurable hull space to evolve to future U.S. Navy missions. During acceptance trials, LCS 23 proved its maneuverability, automation and core combat capability.”
Unique among combat ships, the focused-mission LCS is designed to support mine countermeasures, anti-submarine and surface warfare missions and is easily adapted to serve future and evolving missions. The Freedom-variant LCS is:
- Flexible — Forty percent of the hull is easily reconfigurable, able to integrate Longbow Hellfire Missiles, 30 mm guns, and manned and unmanned vehicles designed to meet today’s and tomorrow’s missions.
- Lethal — LCS is standard equipped with Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and a Mark 110 gun, capable of firing 220 rounds per minute.
- Powerful — LCS has gas turbines, diesel engines and water jets that together generate 114,000 horsepower making LCS capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots.
- Automated — LCS has the most efficient staffing of any combat ship.
“I would like to commend the entire Freedom Team on the successful acceptance trials of LCS 23,” said Jan Allman, CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine. “I’m continuously proud of the dedication and perseverance shown by the entire team to provide our customer, the US Navy, with the most agile, capable warship.” (Source: ASD Network)
15 Dec 20. GRSE launches Indian Navy’s new Project 17A ship Himgiri. India-based shipbuilding company Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched new Project 17A ship, Himgiri, for the Indian Navy.
India-based shipbuilding company Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has launched new Project 17A ship, Himgiri, for the Indian Navy.
The Nilgiri-class stealth frigate was launched into the waters of Hoogly River in the Indian state of Kolkata.
The Project 17A programme will deliver a total of seven advanced frigates. It was approved by the Indian Government in February 2015 to enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capability.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) will construct four Nilgiri-class frigates while GRSE will build the remaining three. The project is worth approximately Rs500bn ($7bn).
The lead ship of the class, INS Nilgiri, was built by MDL and launched in September last year.
Himgiri is the first of the three Project 17A ships being built by GRSE. The frigates are the largest combat platforms ever built at GRSE.
Equipped with gas turbine propulsion, the Project 17A ships are fitted with advanced indigenous weapons and sensors, among other features.
The Directorate of Naval Design (Surface Ship Design Group) [DND(SSG)] has designed the frigates.
Construction of the ship involved 80% of the materials and equipment being sourced from domestic vendors.
GRSE is also leveraging outsourcing and integrated construction methodology for modular ship construction.
The project has led to the creation of employment opportunities for more than 2,000 Indian companies and MSMEs in the country.
Delivery of the ship is expected to take place in August 2023.
In May last year, GRSE received a Rs63.11bn ($901.46m) contract to construct eight anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASWSWCs) for the Indian Navy. (Source: naval-technology.com)
14 Dec 20. Construction of Virginia-class submarine SSN 798 officially begins. The start of construction on the US Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine, Massachusetts (SSN 798), was officially marked by a ‘keel authentication ceremony’.
The start of construction on the US Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine, Massachusetts (SSN 798), was officially marked by a ‘keel authentication ceremony’.
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division held the event virtually due to the restrictions related to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Newport News Shipbuilding president Jennifer Boykin said: “This construction milestone is typically a small ceremony with shipbuilders and the submarine’s crew in attendance.
“Given the current Covid-19 environment and the precautions it requires, today’s event is smaller than usual in scope, but not in importance.”
SSN 798 is the 25th ‘Virginia-class’ fast attack submarine being built by the company as part of the teaming agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB).
Construction of the Massachusetts submarine started in March 2017 and is currently almost 50% complete.
The US Navy is expected to receive the boat in 2023.
SSN 798 pre-commissioning unit commanding officer commander Erik Lundberg said: “One of the privileges in establishing a command from the very beginning is developing a relationship with the boat’s namesake state — a relationship inherited from our forebears and one that will last the life of the ship and beyond. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
22 Dec 20. Airbus delivers the first A400M to the Belgian Air Force. The Belgian Air Force has taken delivery of its first of seven Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. The aircraft was handed over to the customer at the A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville (Spain) and subsequently performed its ferry flight to the 15th Wing Air Transport in Melsbroek (Belgium), where the aircraft will be based. This A400M, known as MSN106, will be operated within a binational unit composed of a total of eight aircraft, seven from the Belgian Air Force and one from the Luxembourg Armed Forces.
The second A400M for Belgium will be delivered in early 2021.
Alberto Gutierrez, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “With the delivery of this aircraft all launch customers are now equipped with the A400M. MSN106 will join Luxemburg’s aircraft in the binational unit operated jointly with Belgium. Despite challenges due to Covid-19, our teams have achieved all 10 aircraft deliveries scheduled this year, bringing the global fleet in operation to 98 aircraft.”
21 Dec 20. US Navy to field C-130J-30 in nuclear communications role. The US Navy (USN) looks set to field the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules in the Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) survivable nuclear communications role, with a solicitation for fatigue test aircraft issued on 18 December. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) posted on the beta.sam.gov government procurement website that it is to award the aircraft manufacturer a contract for three ‘stretched’ Hercules airlifters in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 for testing and analysis for the TACAMO mission.
“The Analysis of Alternatives (AOA) results indicated that the four-engine, militarised C-130J-30 is optimally configured aircraft for performing the TACAMO mission,” NAVAIR said. “The characteristics of this airframe also maximise the operational deployability of the assets to austere environments.
The request for information (RFI) did not disclose intended aircraft numbers to be fielded operationally, and neither did it divulge a planned in service date.
The USN currently performs the long-endurance command, control, and communications (C3) TACAMO mission with a fleet of 16 Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft that took over the role from the EC-130Q Hercules in the late 1980s. Although based on the ageing 707 airframe, the E-6B was one of only three aircraft types named in a recent Pentagon report as meeting their mission capability goals. While the NAVAIR RFI did not note if the C-130J-30 is intended to replace the E-6B, that platform’s current high availability and a stated out-of-service date of 2038 suggest that the two types will perform the TACAMO mission in tandem, with perhaps the C-130J being tasked to fly from austere locations as noted in the solicitation. (Source: Jane’s)
21 Dec 20. Boeing Super Hornet Demonstrates Ski-jump Launch Capability. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy proved recently that the F/A-18 Super Hornet can operate from a “ski jump” ramp, demonstrating the aircraft’s suitability for India’s aircraft carriers.
The demonstrations, held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, showed that the Super Hornet would do well with the Indian Navy’s Short Takeoff but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system and validated earlier simulation studies by Boeing.
“The first successful and safe launch of the F/A-18 Super Hornet from a ski jump begins the validation process to operate effectively from Indian Navy aircraft carriers,” said Ankur Kanaglekar, India Fighter Sales lead for Boeing. “The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will not only provide superior war fighting capability to the Indian Navy but also create opportunities for cooperation in naval aviation between the United States and India.”
The Indian Navy is evaluating its fighter options. If it selects the Super Hornet, it would benefit from billions of dollars invested in new technologies by the U.S. Navy and others. Those technologies include advanced networking, longer range through conformal fuel tanks, infrared search and track, and a new advanced cockpit system.
“This milestone further positions the Block III Super Hornet as a versatile next-generation frontline fighter for decades to come,” said Thom Breckenridge, vice president of International Sales for Strike, Surveillance and Mobility with Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “With its proven capabilities, affordable acquisition price, known low documented life-cycle costs and guaranteed delivery schedule, the Block III Super Hornet is ideally suited to meet fighter aircraft requirements of customers in India, North America and Europe.”
The ski jump demonstrations follow the delivery of two Block III flight-test aircraft to the U.S. Navy in June. Boeing is on contract to deliver next-generation Block III capabilities to the U.S. Navy beginning in 2021. The Super Hornet provides the most weapons at range in the U.S. Navy’s fighter inventory, including five times more air-to-ground and twice the air-to-air weapons capacity.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services focus play an important role in mission-readiness for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing is focused on delivering value to Indian customers with advanced technologies and is committed to creating sustainable value in the Indian aerospace sector – developing local suppliers and shaping academic and research collaborations with Indian institutions.
19 Dec 20. Embraer delivers the fourth C-390 Millennium airlifter to the Brazilian Air Force. Embraer delivered the fourth C-390 Millennium multi-mission medium airlifter of a total of 28 units to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Like the three units already in operation, the fourth airlifter will be operated by the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT). All 28 aircraft ordered by FAB are equipped to perform aerial refueling missions, with the designation KC-390 Millennium.
“It is with great satisfaction that we are receiving another KC-390 Millennium aircraft, which is being incorporated into our fleet. Soon, it will be operational in the most diverse missions, in different regions of Brazil and even abroad, similar to our first three aircraft. This platform has already demonstrated great capacity, mainly in the transport of supplies and materials during Operation COVID-19,” said the Brazilian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant-Brigadier Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez.
“We are very pleased with the delivery of the fourth C-390 Millennium to the Brazilian Air Force, as the airlifter has played an extremely important role in a series of humanitarian missions within the Brazilian territory and even abroad,” said Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The C-390 is establishing itself as the tactical transport aircraft of this century, opening new markets, which is immensely important for Embraer’s strategy in the coming years.”
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, FAB has operated the KC-390 Millennium aircraft in logistical aerial transport missions, carrying tons of essential supplies to fight the pandemic in Brazil. Additionally, FAB operated one of the airlifters in a humanitarian mission to the Republic of Lebanon, in support of the population of Beirut, in August of this year.
On November 17, the Hungarian government signed a contract with Embraer for the acquisition of two C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, in its air-to-air refueling (AAR) configuration, designated KC-390. The acquisition is part of the process to strengthen the capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces especially in the tactical airlift, AAR, and medical evacuation roles, as well as in other missions of public interest. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2023.
The aircraft will be the first in the world featuring an Intensive Care Unit configuration, an essential feature for performing humanitarian missions. The aircraft are also designed to refuel the Hungarian JAS 39 Gripen, as well as other aircraft using the same technology. These KC-390 will be fully NATO compatible, not only in terms of hardware, but also in terms of avionics and communications configuration.
At the end of October, teams from the Portuguese Armed Forces (FAP) and Embraer concluded the “Critical Design Review – CDR” for the KC-390 Millennium ordered by Portugal. This step has defined the aircraft technical requirements according to FAP demands, enabling Embraer to configure the aircraft. The Portuguese Government and Embraer signed a contract for the acquisition of five multi-mission airlifters that will support the operations of the Portuguese Armed Forces and increase readiness in missions of national interest. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2023. A joint project between FAB and Embraer, the C-390 Millennium is a tactical transport aircraft designed to set new standards in its category. Some of the aircraft’s strengths are mobility, robust design, greater flexibility, proven state-of-the-art technology, and easier maintenance. The C-390 Millennium and the designation KC-390 Millennium fly faster and carry more cargo than other military freighters of the same size and are the ideal platforms for the main usage scenarios. The aircraft require fewer on-demand inspections and maintenance, combined with highly reliable systems and components, which reduces the time on the ground and overall operating costs, contributing to excellent availability levels and low life-cycle costs.
In October 2019, the aircraft received the Grand Laureate Award, in the category of Defense, and the Laureate Award, in the category “Best New Defense Product,” from Aviation Week magazine.
16 Dec 20. BAE and Patria Mark 40 Years of Hawk Operations in Finland. BAE Systems and Patria have marked 40 years of service of the Hawk advanced jet with the Finnish Air Force.
On December 16 1980, the first Hawk aircraft arrived in Pori, Finland and began its role as the flying classroom which has prepared pilots for life in a fast jet cockpit.
The first aircraft, HW-302, was flown from Dunsfold, UK to Pori, Finland by pilot Major Paavo Janhunen and engineer Major Keijo Koko on December 16, 1980.
Today, Hawk remains at the heart of the Air Force’s training pipeline and the jet used by its display team, The Midnight Hawks.
Patria has delivered continual upgrades ensuring the aircraft are capable of delivering the next generation of pilots, whilst also reducing the cost of keeping the fleet flying, and BAE Systems has been proud to work alongside Patria during this period.
The upgrade work undertaken by Patria means the entire Hawk fleet, including 24 Hawks with upgraded cockpits will be part of the Finnish Air Force Fleet until the mid-2030s.
The upgrades led by Patria delivered airborne simulation technology in to the cockpit, turning the analogue systems in the earlier model of Hawk operated by the Finnish Air Force in to a truly digital aircraft fit to train pilots for the future battlespace.
Paul Hitchcock, Managing Director Finland, BAE Systems, “The technology in Hawk has delivered a seamless transition from basic training to the front-line for air force pilots across the globe and it is a source of immense pride for us that Finland continues to deliver its very best fast jet pilots using Hawk. The upgrades carried out by Patria have ensured the life-cycle of the Hawk fleet has been extended and it will remain the Finnish Air Force’s training platform of choice. We recognise the capabilities of Patria and we look forward to developing our relationship as it supports its partner the Finnish Air Force for many years to come.”
Martti Wallin, President, Aviation Business Unit, Patria, “Patria’s mission is to ensure the operational readiness and mission capability of the customer fleet and at the same time enhance cost effectiveness of the training concept with the unique sustainment solution built for the aircraft. Our design and engineering capabilities have been applied with great success to extend the service life of the Hawk Mk51 fleet. Structural integrity and damage repair analysis followed by structural health monitoring and preventive modifications have been instrumental for the continued use of the platform. Systems upgrades have helped to maintain the effectiveness of Hawk as a training device to meet the evolving needs of Finnish Air Force over the past four decades.” (Source: ASD Network)
18 Dec 20. Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Team Valor celebrated the three-year anniversary of the V-280 Valor’s first flight. Since that first flight, the V-280 team has executed a rigorous flight test program flying 200 hours through over 150 individual test flights. The test program was designed to demonstrate Bell-defined key performance parameters to showcase advanced capability, reduce risk, and inform requirements for the Army’s future vertical lift (FVL) initiative on a clean sheet aircraft design. Bell and Team Valor have systematically decreased risk for the Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) initiative using data-driven preparation, transparency, and collaboration with the Army, and a dynamic approach to deliver evidence of exceptional performance to inform a program of record.
“Bell’s test flight program is a testament to how our workforce approaches program execution, and we are proud of the outstanding efforts put into this revolutionary aircraft in support of our nation’s military,” said Keith Flail, executive vice president of Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell. “We have a great deal of confidence, backed up by data, that the V-280 will be an affordable, maintainable FLRAA weapon system that delivers the reach, lethality, agility, and survivability the Army needs to organically move, converge, and resupply maneuver forces over unprecedented distances.”
The V-280 Valor has surpassed Bell’s program goals and expected milestones over the past three years as part of the Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration (JMR TD) program. The initial testing of this new aircraft focused on delivering performance data to prove out the speed, range, agility, and efficiency of the V-280’s design to enable the Army to move and concentrate forces at the extended distances required for global operations as part of the Joint Force. Testing has included multiple Army Experimental Test Pilots and “Soldier Touchpoint” events focused on the pilots, crew chiefs, mechanics, and infantry squads to gather end-user inputs to inform FLRAA requirements.
As V-280 testing progressed, Bell demonstrated the V-280’s ability to execute mission-relevant maneuvers such as fast-rope and sling load operations, autonomous flight, as well as a modular open systems approach that enabled rapid systems integration of a Pilotage Distributed Aperture System (PDAS) and Tactical Common Datalink (TCDL) from Team Valor teammate Lockheed Martin.
“From our first flight in 2017 through today, we have worked closely with our Army teammates to demonstrate a low-risk, affordable, and sustainable FLRAA aircraft that will redefine the battlefield for decades to come,” said Ryan Ehinger, vice president and program director for the V-280 Valor at Bell. “The technology is ready. The V-280 aircraft has proven the speed, range, and agility in flight test to transform the Army. The coupling of this air vehicle technology with the work we have been doing in open mission systems will be game-changing and enable delivery of a weapon system that can serve the Army for decades.”
Bell and Team Valor continue to work on a refined V-280 Valor design that builds on the data captured during the past three years of testing as part of a competitive demonstration and risk reduction (CD&RR) contract awarded in March of 2020.
18 Dec 20. Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (MADG) celebrated the arrival of the first US Marine Corps aircraft to be inducted into its Cambridge headquarters today for depot-level maintenance under the company’s new ten-year multi-million dollar contract with NAVAIR, Naval Air Systems Command.
The aircraft, which has recently returned from a deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – North Africa Response Force, will complete a Planned Maintenance Interval performed by MADG’s team of high skilled technicians in its dedicated C-130 MRO facilities based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Marshall won the Multiple Award Contract (MAC) earlier this year after a rigorous international competition that included extensive pre-solicitation audits and demonstration of past performance, bringing the number of Government C-130 fleets it supports to 17.
MADG Chief Executive, Gary Moynehan, comments: “The arrival of the first US Marine Corps aircraft is a very significant and exciting milestone for our business and I know that the team will deliver our usual standards of exceptional service to this important customer.
“We have made significant progress in growing our international business over recent years and I believe we have now established Marshall as the global leader in C-130 depth maintenance and I am incredibly proud that so many nations are choosing to put their fleet in the hands of a privately owned British company.”
Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific Commanding Officer, CDR Randy J. Berti explains: “We’re thrilled to begin directly contributing to the sustainment requirement of Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) with the induction of our first Marine Corps KC-130J at MADG. Recognized as a global leader on the C-130 platform, MADG aligns well with the FRC Western Pacific mission emphasizing agility, quality, and safety to return a premier product to the customer. We couldn’t be happier to be partnered with MADG, and together, look forward to positively impacting the future operational readiness of the C-130 fleet.”
15 Dec 20. Israeli Air Force test F-35I (“Adir”) aircraft arrives. The test F-35I (“Adir”) aircraft outside of the United States arrived at the Israeli air force (IAF) Flight Testing Center (FTC) at Tel-Nof AFB earlier this week. The special test aircraft was officially delivered to the IAF a year ago. Since then, different systems some of them Israeli developed have been installed. Other will be installed after now that the aircraft is in Israel.
Israel signed a contract for 50 F-35 A. 24 have been delivered so far.
One of the advantages of the F-35 is its capability to absorb electronic signals from radars and air defense systems and to quickly classify them, geolocation them, and display them for the aircraft’s pilot.
The Stealth aircraft then is capable of distributing the electronic data to other combat participants.
The critical data is collected by the aircraft’s passive antennas embedded in the F-35’s edges that feed signals information to the jet’s computers. Using interferometry the Israeli F-35 will compute the slightest time delay between when a signal hits one antenna compared to another, to locate target with high accuracy.The details of this dedicated Israeli systems are classified.
The very advanced ELINT system of the F-35 is going to be further upgraded by the IAF with the help of some defense industries.
The IAF has prepared a list of weapon systems and “functional” systems that it intends to test on the special F-35 test aircraft. The special test aircraft has been manufactured according to specifications that took two years to prepare.
The aim of the special aircraft is to adapt Israeli developed systems to the IAF’s F-35’s.”All our platforms have been upgraded to enable stretching the flight envelope while using the unique weapon systems made by the Israeli industries “an IAF officer from its flight test center said.
According to foreign press reports, since the F-35 has been made operational in the IAF it has participated in some combat activities.
Since the stealth fighter aircraft arrived in Israel, some Israeli made systems have been tested in different scenarios, but only now, these tests can be performed fully.
According to the IAF, because the F-35 is a 5th generation aircraft, all the planned upgrades are “directly connected” to the special maintenance program of this aircraft. The IAF has made it clear that all levels of the F-35 maintenance will be performed in Israel. Some F-35 operators have agreed to perform the heavy maintenance in U.S controlled centers.
The test aircraft will enable the flight test center to enhance the capabilities of the F-35 (Adir) in air-air and air-ground missions using the highly classified systems developed for this purpose in Israel. This in addition to function as the main “target generator” for ground and naval forces.
Some of the Israeli defense industries have been busy adapting operational systems for use on the F-3 . These include electronic systems and weapon systems that fit the operational requirement of the IAF.
These initial designs have been updated according to the accumulated operational experience of the aircraft. Which is combat proven. (Source: ARIE EGOZI)
14 Dec 20. Royal Saudi Air Force receives final F-15SA fighter aircraft. The Royal Saudi Air Force has received the F-15SA advanced fighter aircraft, marking the final delivery of the Boeing-produced aircraft as part of a $29bn foreign military sales (FMS) agreement signed in 2010.
The Royal Saudi Air Force has received the F-15SA advanced fighter aircraft, marking the final delivery of the Boeing-produced aircraft as part of a $29bn foreign military sales (FMS) agreement signed in 2010.
The aircraft was delivered by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), which manages all FMS cases for the Air Force.
The completion also supports the US’ National Defense Strategy that seeks to restore and maintain its competitive edge over rivals by bolstering partnership.
An advanced version of the F-15S, the F-15SA is equipped with several capabilities to enable the Royal Saudi Air Force to deter regional threats.
The aircraft features a digital electronic warfare suite, fly-by-wire flight control system, Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, an infrared search-and-track system, advanced cockpit displays and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems.
The FMS programme included the delivery of 84 F-15SA Aircraft, associated spare parts, stores, simulators, training, technical documentation and base construction, as well as logistical and programme support.
AFLCMC F-15SA Security Assistance programme manager colonel Ronald E Dunlap III said: “The F-15 Strike Eagle is a world-renowned dual-role fighter with an already exemplary reputation. These dramatically advanced versions of that battle-tested platform provide a strong deterrent capability to potential aggressors and strengthen our long and important relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m extremely proud of our AFLCMC team working with Boeing and alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force over the past several years to deliver this vital capability.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
21 Dec 20. Trump administration looks to split NSA and US Cyber Command. The Trump administration has in recent weeks developed plans to separate the joint leadership structure between the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, prompting backlash from the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
In a letter released Dec. 19, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., wrote that he is “profoundly concerned about reports that the department is unilaterally seeking to end the dual-hat relationship” without consulting Congress. Since the election, President Donald Trump has shaken up leadership at the Pentagon, appointing several new officials in acting roles, similar to moves he’s made in other agencies to try to influence policy significantly before Inauguration Day.
A House Democratic aide told C4ISRNET that the committee has firsthand knowledge that acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller has delivered the proposal to the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff. They asked for anonymity given that the plan had not been made public.
Since Cyber Command was created a decade ago, it has been co-located with NSA and shared a leader. At the time, this made sense to help the command grow, relying on the personnel, expertise and infrastructure of the NSA.
“This week the Armed Services Committee became aware of potential plans to terminate the dual-hat relationship between NSA and CYBERCOM,” the House aide said. “Such a change would mark a significant shift in policy, and without the proper analysis and certification would run contrary to law. Given the severity of the potential change, it was imperative Chairman Smith share his concerns with the acting secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs.”
News of the plan was first reported by Defense One.
A spokesperson for the Department of Defense said in a statement that chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark Milley, has not reviewed nor endorsed any recommendation to split Cyber Command and NSA. The National Security Council did not comment on the matter Saturday.
The news comes as both agencies are under pressure from the disclosure this week of a giant hack of various U.S. government agencies and potentially many large companies. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday on a conservative radio show that Russia is likely responsible for the breach.
One of the hotly debated topics in the cyber and intelligence world, the dual-hat arrangement has brought out fervent feelings on each side. For proponents, the relationship provides benefits to each side: The military can benefit from the unique intelligence insights and access of NSA, leading to faster decision-making and operational outcomes.
Opponents see the power over both operations as too much for one person, and they argue that relying on intelligence infrastructure and tools, which are meant to stay undetected, for military activity, which typically isn’t, poses risks to such espionage activity.
It has always been understood that the relationship would not be permanent given the inherently different missions of each organization: NSA charged with foreign intelligence and the Department of Defense with war fighting.
Current officials have lauded the relationship as beneficial, particularly how a single person at the head of both organizations provides unity of command.
Cyber operations in the 2018 midterm elections revalidated the importance of “the unity of command that we have with one commander at the top of both of those organizations [and] allowed us to execute with speed and agility and precision,” then-Maj. Gen. Charles Moore, director of operations at Cyber Command, told reporters in 2019. Moore is now the three-star deputy commander of Cyber Command.
Gen. Paul Nakasone, who heads both organizations, issued a recommendation to the secretary of defense in August 2018, 90 days after assuming the role. The Washington Post, at the time, reported that he advised keeping the dual-hat arrangement.
Milley told Congress in 2019 that the dual-hat structure was working and should be maintained.
When rumors of a split surfaced a few years ago, some members of Congress felt the decision was premature and that Cyber Command was not yet ready to stand on its own. As a result, Congress outlined in 2016 a series of metrics Pentagon leaders had to meet. These included ensuring both organizations had the infrastructure they needed and that the missions of each organization would not be hurt by a split.
A year ago, Congress tweaked three of those provisions included in the fiscal year 2017 defense policy bill adding more restrictions to severing the dual-hat.
They included a determination that both NSA and Cyber Command robust command and control systems for planning, deconflicting and executing military cyber operations and national intelligence operations, a determination that Cyber Command can acquire the tools it needs and that those tools are sufficient to achieve desired effects, and lastly, a determination that the cyber mission force can execute cyber missions for the department.
Smith, in his letter, noted that Congress has outlined the conditions DoD must meet before terminating the dual-hat arrangement.
“[G]iven that no assessment has been completed and no certification has been issued, I remind you that any action to terminate the dual-hat relationship with NSA and Cyber Command is not only inadvisable, but is contrary to law,” he wrote.
When rumors again surfaced of a split in the Spring of 2019, top congressional officials again warned against a pre-mature decision.
“I believe it would be premature to split these organizations in the immediate future,” House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities Chairman Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., said in a March 2019 hearing. “Before any significant changes are implemented in the dual-hat arrangement, this Subcommittee expects a robust understanding of how and why it is necessary to split the leadership function of NSA director and CYBERCOM commander.”
Jamil Jaffer, a former official in the George W. Bush White House as well as a former senior counsel to the House Intelligence Committee, said that separating the two at this point in time would be a mistake.
“I think there’s a tremendous amount of value that comes from the folks who understand how we get access, what we do with the that access, and adjudicating whether the delivery of a particular capability is beneficial from an offense, defense and intelligence perspective. Combining that intel gain/loss and military gain/loss calculation is an important part of the process.” he told C4ISRNET. “This arrangement doesn’t have to exist forever, and while the issue is likely to come up in the Biden administration, now doesn’t seem like the right time to make such a change.”
Others believe the separation is necessary and will actually force certain processes to take place.
“[D]econfliction only occurs at a level of a 4-star who is extraordinarily busy. So it pretty much doesn’t occur. Separation would actually help as it would force creation of deconfliction processes vs adhoc meeting requests with the boss,” Dmitri Alperovitch, a cyber expert, chairman of Silverado Policy Accelerator and co-founder of CrowdStrike, tweeted Dec 19. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/C4ISR & Networks)
19 Dec 20. Space Force Personnel to be Called Guardians. Soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Guardians. That’s the line-up for personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and America’s newest armed service — the U.S. Space Force.
Vice President Mike Pence announced that personnel in the Space Force will be called Guardians. He spoke during a White House event marking the first anniversary of the U.S. Space Force, yesterday.
“It is my honor, on behalf of the President of the United States, to announce that, henceforth, the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as ‘Guardians,'” Pence said during the ceremonies.
Let me urge each and every one of you Guardians to keep pushing. … Keep pushing the vision and the mission of the United States Space Force, which is to ensure that America remains as dominant in space.” Vice President Mike Pence
The Trump administration championed establishing the U.S. Space Force culminating in the legislation signed Dec. 20, 2019, that formed the first U.S. armed force since the Air Force was established in 1947. “That historic moment was a culmination of an effort that began from the early days of this administration — from almost the first moment that the president and I spoke about space when we were campaigning for these jobs,” Pence said. “He had a dual focus of renewing American leadership in human space exploration, but also ensuring that America remained as dominant in space as we are in land and air and sea.”
There are roughly 4,000 Guardians in the U.S. Space Force — all from the Air Force. One of the newest members of the service is in orbit aboard the International Space Station. Space Force Col. Michael Hopkins, a NASA astronaut, transferred from the Air Force to the Space Force. This is a far cry from earlier this year when Gen. John “Jay” Raymond and Chief Master Sergeant Roger Towberman were the only two members of the Space Force.
That space is now a war-fighting domain is not questioned. Russia and China are aggressively seeking ways to cut into America’s dominance in space, Pence said. He noted that Russia conducted yet another antisatellite missile launch. “We’re leading in space, but our determination … is to stay in the lead to defend America and defend our freedom from [the vantage point of] space,” he said.
The vice president also noted that the first two space bases are up and operating: Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station were renamed earlier this month.
The Space Force has to form even as the missions continue. “Let me urge each and every one of you Guardians to keep pushing,” Pence said. “Keep pushing the vision and the mission of the United States Space Force, which is to ensure that America remains as dominant in space.” (Source: US DoD)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
21 Dec 20. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Mali: Barry Lowen.
Mr Barry Lowen has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Mali in succession to Mr Guy Warrington.
Curriculum Vitae
Full name: Barry Robert Lowen
Married to: Karin Rhiannon Lowen
Children: 3 sons
Year
Role
2017 to 2020
Algiers, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2016 to 2017
FCO/Department for International Trade, Head Trade Diplomacy Unit
2014 to 2016
FCO, Head Economic Growth and Business Department
2010 to 2014
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), Director for Trade and Investment, British High Commission, New Delhi
2008 to 2010
UKTI, Director Asia
2006 to 2008
FCO, Head of Engaging with Islamic World Group
2004 to 2006
Riyadh, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General
2003 to 2004
UKTI, Director Trade and Investment, Saudi Arabia
2001 to 2003
FCO, Deputy Head, Middle East Department
1997 to 2001
FCO, UK Mission New York, First Secretary (Finance)
1995 to 1997
FCO, Head of Iraq Section, Middle East Department
1993 to 1995
FCO, Head of Conventional Arms Exports, Non-Proliferation Department
1989 to 1993
Kuwait, Third then Second Secretary (Political)
1987 to 1989
Full-time Language Training (Arabic) (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Dec 20. The Prime Minister has appointed Mike Utley CB OBE and Edward Stringer as Naval and RAF Trustees respectively of the Imperial War Museum.
Mike Utley CB OBE and Edward Stringer have been appointed by the Prime Minister as Naval and RAF Trustees respectively of the Imperial War Museum for a four year period from 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2024.
Published 18 December 2020
Mike Utley joined the Royal Navy in 1988 as a Warfare Officer, spending his early years on global operations at sea. Commands at various ranks include a Patrol Boat, two Offshore Patrol Vessels, the Type 23 frigate HMS PORTLAND and the amphibious aircraft carrier HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, during which he was awarded an Operational OBE for service in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in The Philippines. He commanded NATO’s at sea high readiness Task Group in the Mediterranean then assumed command of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, driving the operational training programme and integration between HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH and the F35-B. As Commander UK Strike Force, he is the Royal Navy’s deployable 2* operational commander at five days’ notice to command operations. He is a graduate of Advanced and Higher Command and Staff Courses and a member of the Royal College of Defence Studies. Shore appointments have focussed on the MOD, including Deputy Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff, maritime staff officer within Defence Operational Capability and Deputy Head of the NATO and European Policy Team. A Freeman of the Worshipful Companies of Shipwrights and Lightmongers, he lives in South Wales with his wife and five daughters.
Air Marshal Edward Stringer is the Director General of Joint Force Development, and DG Defence Academy, within Joint Forces Command. For those familiar with military terminology he is the de facto ‘J7’ for the UK’s Military Strategic Headquarters. For those not so steeped, he owns the conceptual element of UK fighting power: concepts & doctrine, training & education, exercise & experimentation, lessons learned & innovation. Before that he was Assistant CDS (Operations) in the MOD in Whitehall, essentially the MOD’s operations director – from UK flood-relief to the Deterrent. Previously he had been ACAS, the RAF’s Assistant Chief, responsible for all policy interaction with MOD and for the RAF Board’s business. He arrived there from seeing the inside of the Pentagon as CDS’ Liaison Officer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. A previous Commandant Air Warfare Centre and head of RAF Intelligence he has had operational commands in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans. A one time Jaguar pilot and weapons instructor (QWI) he first saw action in the Gulf War in ’91 and in the no-fly zone (NFZ) operations that followed.
These roles are not remunerated. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments, the process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Government’s Governance Code requires that any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years is declared. This is defined as holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation or candidature for election. Mr Utley and Mr Stringer have not declared any activity. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
17 Dec 20. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan: Kathy Leach. Ms Kathy Leach has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan in succession to Mr Michael Gifford.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Kathy Leach
Married to: Jonathan Aves
Children: three
Dates
Role
2020 to present
Full-time Language Training (Russian/Kazakh)
2019 to 2020
FCDO, Deputy Director, Constitution and Devolution, Europe Directorate
2015 to 2018
FCO, Head then Deputy Director, Policy Unit, Strategy Directorate
2012 to 2015
Yerevan, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2011
Full-time Language Training (Russian/Armenian)
2007 to 2011
Tokyo, Head – Energy and Environment Team
2005 to 2007
Full-time Language Training (Japanese)
2005
Deputy Head, Passport and Documentary Services, Consular
2003 to 2004
Moscow, First Secretary – Human Rights and the Regions
2001 to 2002
Moscow, First Secretary – Security Policy
2000 to 2001
FCO, Desk Officer – EU Trade and Development policy, Europe Directorate
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
16 Dec 20. Change of UK Permanent Representative to the WTO, UN and other International Organisations in Geneva: Simon Manley.
Mr Simon Manley CMG has been appointed the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, United Nations and other International Organisations based in Geneva, in succession to Mr Julian Braithwaite CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Manley will take up his appointment during Spring 2021.
Curriculum Vitae
Full name: Simon John Manley
Married to: Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley
Children: Three Daughters
2020
FCO/FCDO, Director General, COVID-19
2013 to 2019
Spain and Andorra, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2011 to 2013
FCO, Director Europe
2007 to 2011
FCO, Director Defence and Strategic Threats
2006 to 2007
FCO, Head, Counter-Terrorism Policy Department
2003 to 2006
FCO, Head, EU Economic, Ireland and Central Europe Team
2002 to 2003
FCO, Deputy Head, EU (Internal) Department
1998 to 2002
Seconded to the EU Council Secretariat’s Asia Unit
1993 to 1998
New York, Second, later First Secretary (Political), UK Mission to the United Nations
1993
Seconded to DG Competition, European Commission
1990 to 1993
FCO, United Nations Department
1990
Joined FCO
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 Dec 20. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia: John Gallagher. Mr John Gallagher has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia.
Curriculum vitae
Full name: John Patrick Gallagher
Married to: Sarah Gallagher
Children: Two
Dates
Role
2019 to present
Buenos Aires, Deputy Head of Mission
2015 to 2019
Buenos Aires, Counsellor – Political and Prosperity
2011 to 2015
Beijing, Counsellor – Communications
2009 to 2011
FCO, Five Star Finance Programme Manager, Finance Directorate
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 Dec 20. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan. Ms Julia Longbottom CMG has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan in succession to Mr Paul Madden CMG who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service. Ms Longbottom will take up her appointment in March 2021.
Curriculum Vitae
Full name: Julia Longbottom
Married to: Richard Sciver
Children: Three (two daughters, one son)
2020 to present
FCO, Director, Coronavirus Task Force
2016 to 2020
FCO, Director for Consular Services, Consular Directorate
2012 to 2016
Tokyo, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission
2009 to 2012
FCO, Head, Far Eastern (later China) Department
2006 to 2009
UK Trade & Investment, Director, Strategy and Human Resources
2003 to 2006
Warsaw, Director of Trade & Investment and Consul General
1998 to 2002
The Hague, Head of Political and EU Section
1994 to 1997
FCO, Section Head, Nationality and Immigration, Hong Kong Department
1990 to 1993
Tokyo, Second Secretary – Political
1988
European Commission Brussels, Stagiaire in Office of Lord Cockfield
1987
New York, UK Permanent Mission to the UN, Second Secretary – UNGA Team
1986
Joined FCO
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
18 Dec 20. Today, the Department of Defense announced that Acting Secretary Chris Miller intends to appoint former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower & Reserve Affairs) Tidal McCoy and former NASA CFO Jeff DeWit to the Defense Science Board (DSB).
“The Defense Science Board has a long and storied history of providing senior leaders advice on some of the most complex tech issues facing our nation and we’re proud to have Mr. McCoy and Mr. DeWit join the board,” said Dave Vasquez, a Department of Defense Spokesman. “Both of these patriotic Americans have a distinguished record of public service at senior levels of the Department of Defense and NASA respectively.”
18 Dec 20. Space Force Leader to Become 8th Member of Joint Chiefs. The Joint Chiefs of Staff will grow by one member when Space Force Gen. John “Jay” Raymond joins the highest-ranking military, deliberative body in the Defense Department on Dec. 20. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark Milley inducted Raymond, the chief of space operations, into the Joint Chiefs of Staff at a ceremony on Dec. 11. He becomes an official member of the body on the same day the Space Force celebrates its first anniversary as an official service branch.
17 Dec 20. NASA’s Director of Flight Operations Steve Koerner has appointed veteran astronaut Reid Wiseman as chief of the Astronaut Office. Wiseman takes the place of astronaut Pat Forrester, who has held the position since June 2017. Forrester is taking an extended leave of absence to pursue a personal opportunity outside of NASA. In his new role, Wiseman will be responsible for managing Astronaut Office resources and operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. He also will help develop astronaut flight crew operation concepts and make crew assignments for future spaceflight missions. (Source: PR Newswire)
15 Dec 20. The Department of Defense announced that Acting Secretary Chris Miller intends to appoint Dr. Dana Gordon to the Defense Health Board (DHB) Neurological/Behavioral Health Subcommittee as well as SBA Assistant Administrator Sery Kim to the Defense Health Board Public Health Subcommittee. The Defense Health Board provides advice and recommendations for health related matters across the Department of Defense. (Source: US DoD)
14 Dec 20. Statement on New Appointments to the Defense Policy Board. Today, the Department of Defense announced that it intends to appoint Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, Ambassador Thomas Carter, Dr. Edward Luttwak, Mr. Scott O’Grady, Mr. Thomas Stewart, the Honorable Randy Forbes, Senator Robert Smith and Ambassador Charles Glazer to the Defense Policy Board.
“Today, I’m proud to announce the addition of these eight new members to the Department’s Defense Policy Board,” said Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller. “These incoming members bring extensive defense and national security affairs experience to this advisory committee from their time in Congress, the State Department, our armed forces and beyond. I’m confident the Department of Defense will benefit greatly from their time and service to the board.”
Last week the Department also announced the intended appointments of China policy expert Michael Pillsbury to serve as the Chair of the Defense Policy Board, and former National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator Lisa Gordon-Hagerty as a member.
About the Defense Policy Board
The Defense Policy Board was established to provide the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense independent advice and recommendations on matters concerning defense policy through the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)). (Source: US DoD)
15 Dec 20. CSIS President and CEO John J. Hamre Joins the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is announced that John J. Hamre, CSIS president and CEO, has signed on with the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy. Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy is a leadership network that brings together heads of organizations working in nuclear policy who are committed to breaking down gender barriers and making gender equality a working reality within their spheres of influence.
“Not only is achieving gender equality the right and just thing to do, but it leads to better policy outcomes as well,” said Dr. Hamre. “CSIS has actively sought gender equality for many years. Currently, 45 percent of the senior leaders of our research teams are women, and we have long believed that leadership diversity is crucial for the work of a think tank. I am honored to continue these efforts as a Gender Champion.”
As part of this network, CSIS has made three commitments to achieve gender equality within the Center and its activities. These are: (1) establish an Employee Resource Group that addresses issues around gender inclusion, which CSIS implemented last spring; (2) provide training for all staff that addresses bias, which CSIS has done now for two years; and (3) implement processes that will help ensure that all final applicant pools for new positions in the organization are not single gender. CSIS also commits to ensuring the Center’s public events draw broadly on diverse intellectual resources as well as experts and panelists.
Diversity and inclusion are not just necessary components of democracy and justice. They are also essential to building and maintaining peace and security. It is well known that diverse teams generate improved outcomes and that women’s contributions to peace and security discussions add policy impact, value, and sustainability. CSIS strongly believes effectively integrating diverse perspectives into the Center’s work will drive greater innovation and strengthen its core mission of advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges.
Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy is designed to expand and complement decades of accomplishment in building networks, skills, mentorship, visibility, voice, and community among women working in the nuclear policy field by adding commitment at the highest levels of the nuclear policy sector. CSIS’s nuclear policy work, under the leadership of Rebecca Hersman for the past five years, has long shared these goals.
More information about the Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy can be found at www.gcnp.org.
11 Dec 20. MG Brad M. Sullivan will be assigned as chief of staff, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Army Garrison-Humphreys, Korea. Sullivan is currently serving as commander, Curtis E. Lemay Center for Doctrine Development and Education; and vice commander, Air University, Air Education Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
11 Dec 20. MG Stephen C. Williams will be assigned as special assistant to the commander, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Williams is currently serving as chief of staff, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Army Garrison-Humphreys, Korea.
15 Dec 20. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has selected W. Russ DeLoach to be the agency’s next chief of safety and mission assurance (SMA). DeLoach will transition into the role beginning Friday, Jan. 1, as his predecessor, Terrence W. Wilcutt, retires after serving NASA for more than 30 years. Since February 2019, DeLoach has served as the director of SMA at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he led a dedicated team of experts to assure workforce safety and mitigate risks across the agency’s portfolio of human spaceflight. He previously held the same role at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where he was responsible for the planning and execution of center and program SMA activities. In this capacity, he developed transformative SMA approaches to enable the success of Kennedy as the world’s premier multi-user spaceport. (Source: PR Newswire)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
22 Dec 20. Amaero partners with MEMKO. The global metal additive manufacturer has entered into a partnership with Australian-owned firm MEMKO Aviation, Aerospace, and Defence.
Amaero subsidiary, Amaero Engineering, has entered into a Teaming Agreement with MEMKO Aviation, Aerospace, and Defence to jointly market and provide engineering and manufacturing services to third parties for projects in the fields of design, manufacturing, and certification.
According to Amaero, MEMKO has been selected because of its “deep experience” in CASA Design and Airworthiness Regulations, required for qualification of flying parts.
Amaero offers full end-to-end solutions for additive manufacturing of metal components including design, manufacturing, equipment, services and materials with manufacturing capabilities in Melbourne, Adelaide and Los Angeles.
MEMKO is an Australian-owned company servicing Australasia, Asia and the Middle East specialising in aviation, aerospace and defence with design engineering and technical services. (Source: Defence Connect)
PERSONNEL
17 Dec 20. BAE SYSTEMS is hiring more than 1,250 new trainees into our early careers programmes in 2021. More than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles are available across the UK, the highest number we have ever recruited in a single year, despite the ongoing pandemic.
Around 75% of apprenticeships and more than 50% of graduate roles are based in the North of England – providing critical employment and education opportunities in areas reliant on long-term job creation. New recruits will have the chance to be involved in some of the UK’s most exciting and technologically advanced programmes including Tempest, a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force and Dreadnought, a new generation of submarines for the Royal Navy.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive BAE Systems, said: “Getting people back to work and creating high-quality jobs is a national priority. So, it’s more important than ever that those of us who are in a position to do so continue our investment in the UK workforce.
“We’re fortunate that our business is based on long-term critical defence programmes, giving us the confidence to increase our apprentice and graduate recruitment to create a strong talent pipeline, which enables us to continue delivering cutting-edge technologies, whilst playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”
Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way to learn the skills needed to get ahead in a range of exciting industries including cyber security, maritime engineering and project management. As we build back better, apprenticeships will play a vital role in helping to rebuild our economy after the pandemic.
“It’s fantastic to see BAE Systems continuing to innovate and invest in apprenticeships giving more people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to progress. I encourage businesses of all sizes to follow their lead, recruiting more apprentices to help take their business to the next level.”
Asha Pickford, a first year Higher Apprentice at BAE Systems, said: “I’ve always wanted to gain hands-on experience whilst learning at the same time and I realised an apprenticeship was the best way of doing this. I joined the Maritime Services business in Portsmouth Naval Base in October and whilst the start of my training has been somewhat different to what I originally expected due to the pandemic, I’m fully immersed in my role and I’m looking forward to the exciting career opportunities ahead of me.”
As part of our commitment to do everything we can to support young people at this time, we have recruited almost 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes. We are also taking part in the Government’s Kickstart scheme which will enable us to offer six month job placements to a further 30 young people and we are recruiting more than 200 students for industrial placements or summer internships.
Our apprenticeship programmes aren’t just for school or college leavers; almost 10% of our apprentices are over 25 and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, they provide a wide range of opportunities to retrain. We have doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes we offer to more than 50, including options to study up to degree and masters levels. Opportunities are available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.
Our apprenticeships are externally recognised – rated Ofsted Outstanding. We are named in the Department for Education’s list of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. In November, we also won the Macro Employer of the Year award in the National Apprenticeship Awards.
Throughout the pandemic, our teams have worked hard to ensure our apprentices could continue their training, using a new virtual learning environment. Virtually all end point assessments due this year were completed on time, enabling apprentices completing their training to take the next steps in their careers with the Company.
16 Dec 20. State and territory governments follow Commonwealth lead on Aussie shipbuilding jobs. Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price has announced that every Australian state and territory is set to join forces with the Morrison government to develop a skilled national naval shipbuilding workforce by signing co-operation agreements with the government’s Naval Shipbuilding College.
The co-operation agreements commit the states and territories to working with the Naval Shipbuilding College to establish and develop new workforce pipelines and ensure there are clear career pathways for jobseekers into the naval shipbuilding sector.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the agreements supported a nation-wide effort to developing the future workforce by providing the education and training required to deliver a sovereign shipbuilding capability.
“A skilled and experienced workforce remains critical to the successful delivery of a new naval capability and the ongoing sustainability of the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise,” Minister Price said.
“This is truly a national endeavour. All states and territories have an important role in supporting the success of the Enterprise through workforce development and skills growth.”
South Australia, Western Australia, NSW, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Victoria have signed co-operation agreements, with the ACT and Queensland to follow.
The Naval Shipbuilding College is partnering with all levels of government, shipbuilding prime contractors, Australian businesses, and education and training providers to help create a national shipbuilding workforce.
NSW defence advocate Air Marshal (Ret’d) John Harvey, AM, PhD, said, “The NSW government is pleased to be working with the Naval Shipbuilding College to develop the future skilled workforce of Australia’s naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry here in NSW.
“A co-operation agreement was signed earlier this year with Defence NSW. It demonstrates a strong commitment by the NSW government to supporting Defence and defence industry in NSW with the provision of industry-led program.”
WA defence advocate Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Raydon Gates, AO, CSM, said, “This partnership demonstrates that WA is working hard to ensure collaboration at a state, and importantly, at a national level to sustain the increased demand on the local defence industry to build sovereign capability for present and future Defence projects.”
The college is headquartered in South Australia, and through a hub-and-spoke model has national reach to ensure a co-ordinated approach to workforce development.
NT defence and national security advocate, Dr Alan Dupont AO, chairman Northern Territory Defence and National Security Advisory Group, said, “The Northern Territory is pleased to join the Naval Shipbuilding College initiative, which was formalised by the NT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Defence Industry on 12 November.
“This agreement demonstrates the Northern Territory’s commitment to establishing a world-class maritime industry hub and the workforce to support it.
“We welcome the Naval Shipbuilding College to the Top End and look forward to developing this important plank to our overall maritime industry development plan, which aims to grow local jobs and contribute to sovereign capability in the critical areas of training and education.”
Tasmanian defence advocate Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Steve Gilmore, AM, CSC, added, “Tasmania backs the important work the Naval Shipbuilding College is undertaking to support the development of a highly-skilled national workforce to deliver the Australian government’s Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.
“As Australia’s only island state, Tasmania has a strong shipbuilding sector that can contribute to the national shipbuilding effort.”
Victorian defence advocate John O’Callaghan explained, “In addition to Victoria’s plans to boost its cadre of high quality, experienced engineers and other advanced technology maritime industry specialists, the Victorian government, through the co-operation agreement with the Naval Shipbuilding College, will substantially assist the college to meet Australian industry’s challenging naval shipbuilding and sustainment requirements.”
Queensland strategic defence advisor for sea Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Simon Cullen, AM, CSC, added, “Queensland is willing and able to support the ADF’s plans for an expanded sovereign capability and is well placed to contribute to this due to the state’s geographical attributes, a long history with the Royal Australian Navy and a strong industry sector with a highly skilled workforce.”
Defence SA Chair, Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Ret’d), added, “Our collaboration with the Naval Shipbuilding College is a critical step towards South Australia’s vision to create a skilled, agile and robust workforce to sustain and build on our position as home to some of Australia’s most complex naval shipbuilding projects.”
The college’s establishment of a regional office in WA, and the imminent opening of an office in NSW, will support its physical presence on the west and east coasts of Australia to streamline stakeholder engagement across the nation.
To find out more about the Naval Shipbuilding College, visit www.navalshipbuildingcollege.com.au. (Source: Defence Connect)
12 Dec 20. Rolls-Royce starts search for next chairman – Sky News. British aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc is beginning a search for its next chairman, Sky News reported on Saturday. Rolls-Royce’s board has begun the process of identifying a successor to Ian Davis, the report bit.ly/3m849jn said, adding an appointment was unlikely to be announced until well into next year.
“The chairman will have served nine years in March 2022 and it is best practice that he will stand down by then,” Rolls-Royce told Reuters in an emailed statement.
“The Board will ensure an orderly transition.”
Davis was appointed as chairman in May 2013, according to the company’s website. The company has also been forced into a search for a new finance chief following Stephen Daintith’s resignation to join Ocado, the online grocer, the report added. (Source: Reuters)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
15 Dec 20. Babcock, the aerospace and defence company, announces that Will Erith has been appointed as CEO of its Marine sector, effective immediately. Will was previously Managing Director of the Surface Ships Business Unit within the Sector, and before this held a range of leadership roles at Rolls Royce including international appointments based in the Asia Pacific region. He succeeds Derek Jones who will return to his role of Corporate Services Director, Marine.
17 Dec 20. Angus Cockburn, Serco’s chief financial officer, will step down from the outsourcer’s board in April and “retire from full-time executive life”. Mr Cockburn joined Serco in 2014 shortly after Rupert Soames’ appointment as chief executive and the pair were instrumental in the group’s turnaround. Nigel Crossley, Serco’s group director of finance, will take the vacant CFO role. (Source: FT.com)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
21 Dec 20. Huntington Ingalls names new COO, CFO. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has promoted chief financial officer (CFO) Christopher Kastner to the new position of chief operating officer (COO), giving him oversight of the company’s three operating divisions, the US shipbuilder announced on 18 December.
HII said that Kastner will work closely with the presidents of the three divisions – Newport News Shipbuilding, Ingalls Shipbuilding, and Technical Solutions – to “drive execution” on HII’s backlog, which recently set a record high.
“We are establishing this position to signal our continued and strong commitment to performance and execution, to better reflect the business dynamics associated with our historic USD45bn backlog, and in recognition of the importance of the [US] Navy’s new long-range shipbuilding plan,” HII spokeswoman Beci Brenton said. The shipbuilding plan calls for a larger fleet.
Thomas Stiehle, CFO of Ingalls, will replace Kastner as HII’s CFO. Kastner and Stiehle will begin their new jobs on 12 February and will report to Mike Petters, HII’s president and CEO.
Asked whether Kastner’s appointment means he is being groomed to succeed Petters someday, Brenton said, “there is no change to Mike’s role, and he will continue to be the president and chief executive officer of HII for the foreseeable future”. (Source: Jane’s)
17 Dec 20. Metamaterial Inc. (“Company” or “META”) (CSE: MMAT) a developer of high-performance functional materials and nanocomposites, today announced that Jonathan Waldern, Ph.D., has joined the Company as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Dr. Waldern brings 25 years of experience in commercialization of holographic and lithographic/nanomaterials for display applications. He has pioneered the development of a wide range of displays, scanners, optical components, and active and passive devices for LED and laser illumination. He is an inventor of over 170 patents to date, principally in XR (Extended Reality) display applications. Dr. Waldern joins META from DigiLens, Inc. a company he founded in 2004 and held various positions including Chairman, CTO and CSO. (Source: PR Newswire)
14 Dec 20. Metamaterial Inc. (“Company” or “META”) (CSE: MMAT) a developer of high-performance functional materials and nanocomposites, today announced it has appointed Mr. Kenneth L. Rice MBA, JD, LLM, as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President. Mr. Rice brings over 30 years of experience as a public and private company CFO, in-house counsel, operations and corporate development executive in technology and life sciences companies. Mr. Rice has raised over $250m in public and private debt and equity capital. META would like to thank Mr. Keith Abriel for his valuable contributions as interim CFO since June 1, 2020 and has engaged him as an Advisor to the Company. (Source: PR Newswire)
18 Dec 20. Radiance Technologies, Inc. announced the promotion of Ms. Kristi Looney as the company’s Vice President, Director of Human Resources. Ms. Looney oversees Radiance’s Human Resources Department focusing on recruiting, benefits, compensation, and workforce planning. In her role as the Vice President and Director Human Resources, she will continue to support all Radiance employee-owners, the organizations mission and talent strategy. (Source: PR Newswire)
————————————————————————-
BATTLESPACE Publications has launched a jobs board that incorporates a multi award winning talent attraction and recruitment management system that goes well beyond any traditional jobs board management system.
This powerful platform utilises the latest parsing, AI and machine learning software which sits behind a simple and easy to use jobs board and intuitive dashboard that delivers real tangible results.
The System not only allows you to post on to the Battlespace Jobs board but also provides access to over 5000 other jobs board platforms, many of which are free.
The candidate management system automatically grades applications and there are numerous best of breed screening and filtering tools including online interviewing technology.
Companies can register and post jobs immediately free of charge by visiting www.battle-technology.com and selecting the Jobs board option. If you need any help using the job board please contact our partner Customer support team on freephone 0800 634 1818.
You have a free 3 Month Trial Period on Application.
www.battle-technology.com
————————————————————————