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Job Of The Week!
Commercial Manager (Defence)
Salary: 45,000 to 60,000 Location: Andover
Job Description:
One of the UK’s largest independent Consultancies is actively recruiting a Commercial Manager to be based in Hampsire. THE COMPANY My client is one of the leading Consultancies in the UK with a network of offices across the country as well as overseas. They have a great reputation in the market and are working on some of the South’s largest infrastructure and defence projects. THE POSITION They are actively looking to recruit a number of individuals at Commercial Manager level to get involved in taking full responsibility of projects from inception to completion. The successful Procurement Manager will be given the opportunity to take full control of the projects and help mentor junior staff. THE CANDIDATE The successful Commercial Manager must: Have at least 4 years experience working within a Commercial/ Procurement environment Have experience working within either Defence, Aerospace or Public Sector Have experience working on end to end procurement, with knowledge of Sourcing and Contract Management. Have good communication and client facing skills MCIPS is preferred but not essential Would ideally have Security Clearance or have had it previously WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY Opportunity to work on some of the regions largest projects. Excellent progression opportunities within clear outline on how to get to Director level Market leading Consultancy with a great reputation in the market Fantastic company culture and senior management INTERESTED? Apply in confidence to this advert or contact Niall Collins on for more information.
Flagship Consulting
LOCATIONS
LAND
30 Mar 21. Tyndall AFB Selected to Host 3 F-35 Squadrons. A Record of Decision was issued by the U.S. Air Force making Tyndall Air Force Base the official location to host three new squadrons of the F-35A Lightning II.
Air Force officials selected Tyndall AFB based on numerous attributes, including infrastructure capability, quality of life for Airmen, and airspace. The selection process included a thorough environmental impact analysis, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
The decision followed a 2018 proposal by the Air Force to base F-35s at Tyndall AFB after extensive damage from Hurricane Michael prompted the base’s redesign to become the Department of Defense’s first Installation of the Future. This has allowed the Air Force to rebuild the base to accommodate the unique needs of the F-35A.
“Adding F-35 squadrons at Tyndall (AFB) ensures Airmen will continue to have a strategic advantage as the 325th Fighter Wing enhances fighter training and combat readiness,” said Col. Greg Moseley, 325th FW commander.
The F-35s will be delivered to three fighter squadrons in multiple phases, with the first aircraft planned to arrive in September 2023. Each of the squadrons will have 24 Joint Strike Fighters assigned; totaling 72 aircraft assigned to Tyndall AFB’s 325th FW once full mission capability is achieved.
The installation adjoins the Gulf Range Complex, comprising 130,000 square miles of training airspace over the Gulf of Mexico, and is one of the few ranges in the U.S. capable of supporting large-scale air combat training. Direct access to this range is essential for fifth-generation fighter readiness and for live-fire testing and training.
“The airspace surrounding Tyndall (AFB) is a national treasure,” Moseley said. “The type of training conducted here integrates the DoD’s most advanced aircraft and builds a dynamic force.”
As threats evolve and change around the world, the 325th FW and Air Combat Command must train daily to deter and defend against any threat.
“Air dominance is critical to the National Defense Strategy and basing F-35s at Tyndall (AFB) will only further our service’s air superiority goals for 2030 and beyond,” Moseley said. (Source: USAF/ASD Network)
29 Mar 21. Terma opens offices in Indonesia. Terma has established itself in Indonesia with the opening of PT Terma Technologies Indonesia. The expansion emphasizes the company’s focus on the country, where it will pursue business opportunities within the aerospace, defense and security sector.
The new office represents the third expansion in the Asia-Pacific region after the establishment of Terma Singapore in 2007 and Terma India in New Delhi in 2012. Terma Indonesia joins the Terma Asia Pacific cluster, with direct report to Singapore, which remains the regional headquarters.
Terma’s business activities are established in Jakarta and supported by a Program & Service Office in Surabaya. The Surabaya office will include a workshop, and will ensure project management, support & services, engineering and maintenance tasks for Terma’s customers.
“Throughout the past decade, Terma’s operations in Asia-Pacific have grown significantly and Indonesia has played a key role in our regional development”, says Jes Munk Hansen, CEO & President of Terma. “Building and leveraging on our trusted relations in Indonesia has placed Terma in a strong position for growth and is a catalyst for us to make further investments into the country” he adds.
Terma’s high-tech solutions are operated on all theaters of operations (air, land and sea) by Indonesian customers including the Coast Guards (BAKAMLA), the Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP), the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST), the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) and several international airports, including Jakarta. In 2019 Terma was awarded a contract for the supply of complete C-Series Combat suite for four 60-meter Fast Attack Crafts (KCR-60). Most recently, the SCANTER radars have been selected to equip non-combatant vessels such as the Hospital Assistance Ships (BRS).
“Through our close-knit collaborations, we have developed valuable and long-lasting relationships with highly skilled Indonesian companies, paramount in ensuring the success of our programs” says Anupam Narain Mathur, VP & GM of Terma Asia Pacific “By starting local entities in Indonesia, Terma will offer even better support to the local customers while being much closer to them” he adds.
PT Terma Technologies Indonesia employs local workforce in an effort to develop sustainable presence and transfer value-added skills.
About Terma
The Denmark based high-tech Terma Group develops products and systems for defense and non-defense security applications, including command and control systems, radar systems, self-protection systems for ships and aircraft, space technology, and aerostructures for the aircraft industry.
AIR
30 Mar 21. Japan Coast Guard adds two H225s to growing fleet. Japan Coast Guard (JCG) will expand its fleet with two new H225 helicopters, taking its total Super Puma fleet up to 17, comprising two AS332s and 15 H225s. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received its tenth H225 in February this year. The new helicopters will join its growing fleet to support territorial coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.
“From the first Super Puma delivery nearly 30 years ago to the latest H225 orders, we greatly appreciate Japan Coast Guard’s continued trust in our products and services,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “This repeat H225 order reinforces the aircraft’s position as a reference in SAR operations and security enforcement. We are proud of how the deployment of the agency’s fleet has ensured mission success throughout the years. Airbus will continue to ensure the fleet’s high availability, in support of the agency’s safe operations.”
JCG’s H225 fleet is covered by Airbus’ highly adaptive HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support. This customised fleet availability programme allows the national coast guard agency to focus on its flight operations whilst Airbus manages its assets
Offering the industry’s best range, speed, payload and reliability in the 11-ton-category twin-engine rotorcraft, the H225 is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family that has accumulated more than 5.7 million flight hours in all-weather conditions around the world. Equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and renowned autopilot precision, the H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, and can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles.
Close to 30 helicopters from the Super Puma family are currently flown in Japan by civil, parapublic operators, and Japan’s Ministry of Defense for various search and rescue missions, VIP, fire-fighting, and passenger and goods transportation.
29 Mar 21. Singapore receives its first H225M helicopter. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has taken delivery of its first H225M helicopter in Singapore. Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with Singapore’s Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of H225M Medium Lift Helicopters in 2016. Congratulating Singapore on the H225Ms, Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said: “Airbus is very happy to celebrate this important milestone with the RSAF. This delivery is exceptionally significant as Airbus and the RSAF overcame the COVID-19 pandemic challenges in 2020 to achieve a smooth handover of the helicopter.”
“The RSAF has been a long-term partner of Airbus since its first Aerospatiale SA316B Alouette III entered into service more than 50 years ago. We appreciate the trust Singapore has placed in our helicopters, and we look forward to the H225Ms playing a critical role in the RSAF for many years to come,” added Even.
Singapore’s fleet of H225Ms is expected to assume a wide range of roles, including search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
A combat-proven multi-purpose and versatile asset, the H225M enables military forces to deploy wherever and whenever needed. 104 H225Ms are currently in service across the world, having accumulated more than 143,000 flight hours. The H225M is relied upon by Brazil, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, and Kuwait to support their most demanding missions.
26 Mar 21. Romania receives final F-16 from Portugal. The final Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft acquired by Romania from Portugal was delivered to the eastern European nation on 25 March.
NATO’s Allied Air Command announced that the 17th aircraft was delivered to Borcea Air Base. This completed an order that commenced in 2016 when Romania acquired 12 F‐16AM/BM Block 15 fighters (nine single-seat and three twin-seat), with a further five F-16s (four single-seat and one twin-seat) following for a final tally of 17.
Initial operating capability (IOC) was declared in March 2019. A follow-on F-16 order from the United States of a further 36 to 48 aircraft to equip a further two squadrons is anticipated.
Romania acquired the F-16 to replace its Warsaw Pact-era MiG-21 ‘Fishbed’ fighters that were later upgraded by Israel to the Lancer standard. While the country builds up its new inventory it is being supported by NATO, which is flying air policing missions out of Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near Constanta on the Black Sea. This Southern Air Policing mission also includes Bulgarian airspace as that country too begins the process of replacing its ageing Warsaw Pact-era MiG-29 ‘Fulcrum’ fighters with the F-16. (Source: Jane’s)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
31 Mar 21. RAF retires Sentinel. The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has retired its fleet of Raytheon Sentinel R1 Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) wide-area ground-surveillance aircraft. The formal withdrawal of the fleet on 31 March came just over a month after 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron flew the type’s final operational mission out of RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and near the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, as well as Belarus, on 25 February.
Based on the Global Express business jet, the Sentinel R1 entered RAF service in June 2007. The platform provided the air component of the wider ASTOR system that combined the dual-mode synthetic aperture radar (SAR)/ground moving target indicator (GMTI) fitted aboard the aircraft with mobile tactical ground stations and a containerised operational-level ground station. This capability provided UK forces with the ability to conduct long-range, battlefield-intelligence, target imaging and tracking, and surveillance.
During its service life, the Sentinel R1 was on almost continuous operations in theatres such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Mali, and Nigeria. Speaking on 30 March, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sir Mike Wigston, referred to the platform’s distinguished service during the relatively short time it was operational, noting, “The impressive operational record of the Sentinel [since] initial operating capability (IOC) was declared 14 years ago. It has been on operations almost continuously for over 12 of those 14 years and on every significant operation involving an air component.” (Source: Jane’s)
BATTLESPACE Comment: The ASTOR (Sentinel) contract was of particular significance to BATTLESPACE as it formed the basis for the first issue of our printed version BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR Technologies in 1998. Not only was this a milestone for us but we forecast that Raytheon UK and Bombardier would win the award against Lockheed Martin with Racal Avionics and Northrop with the MPRTIP radar. What followed following an announcement by Peter Robbie at BAE Systems in Edinburgh was that Raytheon became the first sponsor for BATTLESPACE Update. It was the first significant ISTAR award for Bombardier with Gulfstream being clearly shocked at losing. The basis for the Sentinel system was the ASARS-2 radar as used on the U2 spy plane hence one of the reasons for the early retirement was the cost of an upgrade to an AESA radar.
31 Mar 21. The RAF has today officially disbanded V (Army Cooperation) Squadron. The occasion was marked with a ceremonial parade at RAF Waddington with the Squadron Standard being lodged at RAF Cranwell. The disbandment of V (AC) Squadron follows the withdrawal of the Sentinel R1 aircraft from RAF service. The squadron has been operating the Sentinel R1 as part of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) Force based at RAF Waddington. The Squadron was first formed in 1913 and has a rich history that includes service during both World Wars, and the Gulf War. The squadron has operated aircraft such as the Avro 504, Lightning F6 and Tornado F3 and has been awarded many Battle Honours from all over the World. In recent years since the Squadron began operating the Sentinel R1, the Squadron has been committed to multiple operations including Op Shader in the Middle East and Op Ellamy in Libya. Squadron aircraft have also been used to directly assist Civilian Authorities in the UK delivering information to decision makers across government.
The Disbandment Parade was limited due to COVID-19 regulations however, Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew the RAF’s Deputy Commander Operations, Air Vice Marshal Allan Marshall, the Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group and members of Raytheon UK senior leadership were able to attend. Upon conclusion of the parade the Squadron Standard underwent the ceremonial process of being lodged at RAF Cranwell amongst similarly illustrious Standards.
The Squadron has called RAF Waddington home for a great number of years, something the Station Commander, Group Captain Steve Kilvington reflected on when he said: “The Sentinel R1 of V(AC) Squadron has been a familiar sight here at RAF Waddington for the past 14 years, during which time it has delivered exceptional support to numerous operations across the globe.
“Whether tackling insurgency in the Middle East or supporting NATO on Europe’s flanks, the Squadron’s output has truly epitomised the Whole Force concept. Whether military, civilian or contractor, everyone has performed time and again to assure delivery of vital Defence outputs.”
The Sentinel R1 was manufactured by Raytheon UK, Mr James Gray, the Managing Director of Raytheon Cyber, Space and Training said: “We are honoured to have worked side by side with V (AC) Squadron at RAF Waddington on the Sentinel R1 fleet. Raytheon UK continues to develop and invest in new multi-mission ISR solutions for both non-traditional and traditional ISR platforms and we look forward to partnering with the RAF for many years to come.”
As the Squadron disbands, the military personnel will be posted to new roles throughout the RAF, however the memories and achievements of the Squadron will live on. At the conclusion of the parade Group Captain Kilvington said: “It has been my privilege to work with the men and women of V(AC) Squadron and whilst the current situation means that we are not able to give them quite the send-off we would wish, everyone should feel immensely proud of what they have all achieved.”
29 Mar 21. HMAS Pirie decommissioned at Coonawarra. The HMAS Pirie was decommissioned in Darwin last Friday. The Royal Australian Navy decommissioned the HMAS Pirie in Darwin last Friday. Pirie, an Armidale Class patrol boat, was in service for 15 years and had undertaken a range of activities including intercept missions of foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegally entering Australian waters.
The decommissioning service held at HMAS Coonawarra was attended by Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO, Chief of Navy.
“HMAS Pirie and her Ship’s Company have lived up to the ship’s motto ‘mark of quality’. They have served the people of Australia, protecting our nation’s borders and offshore maritime interests with dedication and professionalism,” VADM Noonan said.
“Today, we reflect on their contribution and look to our future.
“Pirie is the first of two Armidale Class patrol boats to be decommissioned this year as we transition to our 12 Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels.
“While there is a nostalgia in farewelling one of our workhorses, it is an exciting time to serve, as Navy undergoes the most significant recapitalisation of the fleet.
“The new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels will provide a significant increase in capability and enhance our capacity to patrol our maritime territory and near region.”
Commanding Officer of the HMAS Pirie, Lieutenant Commander Sean Dalton, outlined that it had been an honour serving with the Pirie.
“Pirie has sailed more than 426,000 nautical miles in her lifetime, travelling from as far east as Samoa, west to the Cocos Keeling Islands, south to the Bass Strait, and as far north as Qingdao, China,” LCDR Dalton recounted. (Source: Defence Connect)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
29 Mar 21. New Zealand Defence Force withdraws remaining personnel from Afghanistan. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has withdrawn its remaining military troops from Afghanistan following a 20-year deployment. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has withdrawn its remaining military troops from Afghanistan following a 20-year deployment. Last month, the New Zealand Government announced that it was set to conclude the deployment. Since the US-led invasion in 2001, New Zealand has deployed more than 3,500 defence and other agency workforce to Afghanistan. During this period, ten New Zealanders lost their lives in the line of duty.
Final contingent Senior National Officer Colonel Ben Bagley said that the six personnel, who are the last set of troops, made a significant contribution to the nation.
According to NZDF, five of the six NZDF personnel have completed two weeks of managed isolation in New Zealand while the sixth person is based overseas with family.
Colonel Ben Bagley said: “While small in number, we had sizeable tasks ahead of us when we first arrived in Afghanistan last year. When we lowered the New Zealand flag, we were all quite proud to be the last Kiwis to represent our country in Afghanistan.”
Three NZDF personnel have been supporting the ‘UK-led mentoring for the Afghan National Army Officer Academy (ANAOA)’.
NZDF noted that the defence force’s role at the ANAOA changed from ‘training cadets to one of mentoring Afghan trainers’ over time.
ANAOA has now reached ‘self-sufficiency’ and does not require New Zealand’s contribution.
Bagley said that coronavirus-related measures had greatly ‘restricted movements’ and daily activities in Afghanistan, and added that ”it was good to be back in New Zealand’.
He added: “Gyms and messes were closed, everyone wears face masks, meetings are held virtually and there is no socialising.”
Last year, the NZDF conducted a critical training exercise in the South Auckland and Papakura areas to maintain its operational readiness. (Source: army-technology.com)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
29 Mar 21. Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines. Ms Laure Beaufils has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and Her Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau. Ms Laure Beaufils has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and Her Majesty’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau in succession to Mr Daniel Pruce. Ms Beaufils will take up her appointment during August 2021. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
31 Mar 21. CMMC body hires ex-CISA deputy as first CEO. The governing body in charge of implementing the Defense Department’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program has hired its first CEO: Matthew Travis.
Travis was previously the deputy director of the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and is expected to start his role April 1, according to a March 29 news release.
The move comes in the midst of key staff changes, including incorporating more professional staff to the volunteer-run organization, and following the resignations of two board members, Nicole Dean and training chair Ben Tchoubineh. (Source: Defense Systems)
29 Mar 21. New Officials Sworn-In at the Department of Defense. The following individuals have been sworn-in virtually or in-person from March 16, 2021, through March 29, 2021.
- Barbara McQuiston, Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Research and Technology, serving as performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering
- Kevin Fashola, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
- Jennifer Sosa, Deputy, White House Liaison Office
30 Mar 21. Navy Command Master Chief Kevin Guy, currently assigned as the command master chief, USS WASP (LHD 1), was selected to replace Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Brown as the command senior enlisted leader for Joint Task Force – Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Virginia.
30 Mar 21. The National Defense University Foundation Appoints Three New Executives from Cubic, Govini, and Textron Systems to Board of Directors.
Tara Murphy Dougherty, Frank Muth, and John Roberti Bring Expertise to Transform Board and Heighten Support of National Defense University. The National Defense University (NDU) Foundation today announced the appointment of three prominent private sector executives as independent members of the NDU Foundation Board of Directors.
New NDU Foundation Board Members:
- Tara Murphy Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer, Govini. Murphy Dougherty has held significant leadership roles in the private sector and served as Chief of Staff of Global Strategic Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
- MG Frank Muth (USA, Ret.), Vice President Military Sales and Strategy, Textron Systems. MG Muth is a graduate of the National Defense University’s National War College.
- RDML John Roberti (USN, Ret.), Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Strategy, Cubic Corporation. RDML Roberti is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College. (Source: PR Newswire)
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. Blake L. Converse will be assigned as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Converse is currently serving as commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. Frederick W. Kacher will be assigned as assistant deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy, N3/N5B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Kacher is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven; and commander, Amphibious Force, Seventh Fleet, Okinawa, Japan.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) James A. Aiken, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Southern Command; and commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet, Jacksonville, Florida. Aiken is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Joseph D. Noble Jr., selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as director, logistics operations, Defense Logistics Agency; and commander, Joint Regional Combat Support, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Noble is currently serving as commander, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Dean A. VanderLey, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific; and director, Fleet Civil Engineer, U.S. Pacific Fleet, with additional duties as fleet civil engineer, N46, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. VanderLey is currently serving as commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic with additional duties as fleet civil engineer (N01CE), U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Peter G. Vasely, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, special operations, Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan, U.S. Special Operations Command, Kabul, Afghanistan. Vasely is currently serving as director for operations, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Stephen D. Barnett will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Southwest, San Diego, California. Barnett is currently serving as commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Washington.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael A. Brookes will be assigned as director, J2, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida. Brookes is currently serving as director of intelligence, J2, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Timothy J. Kott will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Hawaii; and commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Kott is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group One, San Diego, California.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Carl A. Lahti will be assigned as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan; and commander, Navy Region Japan, Yokosuka, Japan. Lahti is currently serving as commandant, Naval District Washington, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Matthew N. Ott III will be assigned deputy chief of staff for Fleet Ordnance and Supply; and fleet supply officer, N41, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. Ott is currently serving as executive director, operational contract support, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Rear Adm. (lower half) Milton J. Sands will be assigned as commander, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Special Operations Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Sands is currently serving as commander, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Christopher D. Alexander, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, San Diego, California. Alexander is currently serving as commanding officer, Surface Warfare Officer School Command, Newport, Rhode Island.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Sean R. Bailey, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command; and deputy commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet, Manama, Bahrain. Bailey is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Thomas R. Buchanan, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for plans and policy, DJ5, U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Florida. Buchanan is currently serving as commandant of midshipman, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Christopher J. Cavanaugh, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director, Maritime Headquarters (N03), U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Cavanaugh is currently serving as director, submarine/nuclear power distribution (PERS-42), Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tennessee.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Brad J. Collins, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Northwest, Silverdale, Washington. Collins is currently serving as chief of staff, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Jennifer S. Couture, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois. Couture is currently serving as assistant chief of staff, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.
29 Mar 21. Capt. William R. Daly, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for policy, plans, strategy, capabilities and resources, J-5/8, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Daly is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, California.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Ronald A. Foy, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for global operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Foy is currently serving as deputy commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Patrick J. Hannifin, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for political-military affairs (Asia), J5, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Hannifin is currently serving as director, aircraft carrier requirements, N98, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Oliver T. Lewis, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for political-military affairs (Europe, NATO, Russia), J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. Lewis is currently serving as executive assistant to the chief of naval operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Benjamin R. Nicholson, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command representative, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau; commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas; and commander, Joint Region Marianas, Guam. Nicholson is currently serving as executive assistant to the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Randall W. Peck, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as president, Board of Inspection and Survey, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Peck is currently serving as commanding officer, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Norfolk, Virginia.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Ronald J. Piret, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. Piret is currently serving as chief of staff, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Benjamin G. Reynolds, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as director of Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa/Sixth Fleet, Naples, Italy. Reynolds is currently serving as director, Operations Division, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller; and director, Operations Division, Fiscal Management Division, N821, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
29 Mar 21. Capt. Mark A. Schafer, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Korea; commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea; and commander, Naval Component, U.S. Forces Korea, United Nations Command, Korea, Busan, Korea. Schafer is currently serving as deputy, staff operations and plans, Joint Special Operations Command, Tampa, Florida.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
29 Mar 21. New Australian Minister for Defence appointed. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed a new Minister for Defence, replacing Senator Linda Reynolds. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed former home affairs minister Peter Dutton as the new Minister for Defence at a press conference today. The recent announcement comes following senator Linda Reynolds’ leave of absence regarding health issues, during which time Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne served as acting Defence Minister. Karen Andrews will now serve as the Minister for Home Affairs, and senator Reynolds will serve as Minister for Government Services and NDIS. (Source: Defence Connect)
29 Mar 21. Australian Industry Minister rejoins cabinet. The Minister for Defence Industry will now sit inside cabinet, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed this afternoon.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price will join the new Minister for Defence Peter Dutton with the nation’s top lawmakers in cabinet, maintaining her current portfolio.
Minister Dutton’s former role as minister for home affairs will be taken over by Karen Andrews.
The elevation of the Minister for Defence Industry to cabinet is indicative of the growing importance of Australia’s defence industry and national sovereignty, and will ensure that the defence industry continues to receive national priority. (Source: Defence Connect)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
31 Mar 21. GreyNoise Intelligence and DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Partner to Bolster Security. Patented technology reduces internet noise and false positives while improving security analyst efficiency.
GreyNoise Intelligence, eliminators of internet background noise and alert fatigue, has announced a strategic partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to optimize the Department of Defense’s (DoD) investigations. Through this agreement, GreyNoise delivers insight to help the DoD identify and understand internet-wide scan and attack activity.
“It’s challenging for any organization to make sense of internet-background noise: irrelevant internet-wide activity that contributes to security analyst alert fatigue, employee turnover and lost productivity,” said Andrew Morris, CEO of GreyNoise Intelligence. “We’re excited to partner with DIU to bring our understanding of this problem to the DoD. We’re aligned in our mission to help analysts complete investigations more efficiently.”
The DoD and GreyNoise have been working to reduce time to remediation and save investigation cycles. In fact, during the initial stages of the engagement, DoD identified an unknown IP address attempting to communicate with a high-value system that was escalated to higher leadership. At that point, an analyst stepped in and looked up the IP address in GreyNoise, finding that the activity was an opportunistic scan, not a targeted attack. This allowed the leadership team that was investing time in investigating this potential threat to refocus their team’s attention on more pressing national security issues.
Moving forward, GreyNoise will continue to help the DoD reduce alert fatigue and increase analyst efficiency by scaling its product offerings across the organization. GreyNoise hopes to also expand its collaboration with DIU to identify opportunities to increase awareness into internet-background noise for other US government teams.
About GreyNoise
GreyNoise helps security analysts save time by revealing which events and alerts they can ignore. We do this by curating data on IPs that saturate security tools with noise. This unique perspective helps analysts confidently ignore irrelevant or harmless activity, creating more time to uncover and investigate true threats. This data is delivered through our SIEM, SOAR and TIP integrations, API, command-line tool, bulk data and visualizer. GreyNoise is trusted by the DoD, Fortune 500 enterprises, top security vendors and thousands of threat researchers. For more information, please visit greynoise.io. (Source: PR Newswire)
PERSONNEL
28 Mar 21. BAE Systems has for the first time revealed the significant contribution the Dreadnought submarine programme makes to the UK economy, supporting almost 30,000 jobs across the country. While nearly half of these jobs reside in the North West of England, the supply chain for Dreadnought extends to every region of the UK. Working with partners Rolls-Royce and the Submarine Delivery Agency as part of the Dreadnought Alliance, BAE Systems estimates it will spend in the region of £7.5bn with 1,500 supply chain companies over the life of the programme across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Dreadnought class boats will be the Royal Navy’s biggest, most powerful and most technically advanced submarines when they begin to enter service from the early 2030s and will play a pivotal role in the nation’s defence and security for decades to come. Work on the first two boats in the class is well underway at the Company’s shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The research, which highlights the scale and influence the programme has on the UK’s industrial base and its contribution to the country’s economic prosperity, comes as the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. Key findings of the research include:
- £2.5bn worth of contracts have already been placed with suppliers across the UK, including:
o North West – £400m spent to date, including on power systems and sensors, supporting 13,500 jobs;
o Yorkshire and Humber – £350m spent to date, including on gear boxes and steel, supporting 2,500 jobs;
o South East – £235m spent to date, including on electrical systems, antenna systems and control panels, supporting 2,500 jobs;
o Scotland – £215m spent to date, including on periscopes, supporting 2,000 jobs.
- Of the 30,000 jobs which are sustained by the Dreadnought programme, nearly 8,000 are directly employed by BAE Systems, with 11,800 jobs in the programme’s supply chain and a further 10,200 (induced) jobs supported across the country.
- Dreadnought will have a sustained and lasting impact on UK employment, supporting thousands of jobs reaching all UK regions to at least 2035.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “The Dreadnought programme is delivering critical sovereign defence capability that is fundamental to our national security and makes an important contribution to the country’s economic prosperity.
“It will sustain thousands of jobs and generate billions of pounds of investment into the middle of the next decade, benefitting every region of the UK. Barrow may be the birthplace of the UK’s submarines, but the programme is truly a national endeavour that we, the suppliers who help deliver the programme and the whole country, should be proud of.”
Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, said: “We maintain and develop the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent to counter the most extreme threats to the national security and way of life of both ourselves and our allies.
“This sovereign showcase in science and engineering highlights the prowess of British industry whilst investing billions into the economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and benefiting 1,500 companies across the four corners of the UK.”
Alongside Submarines colleagues, engineers at the Company’s Electronic Systems business in Rochester, Kent, are taking decades of flight controls expertise underwater, adapting systems which are usually used in fly-by-wire aircraft and applying them to Dreadnought. The Active Vehicle Control Management system will oversee all major aspects of the submarines’ manoeuvring capability, controlling the heading, pitch, depth and buoyancy of the Dreadnought class among other critical elements.
The manufacture of the four boat fleet, each designed to remain undetected for months at sea, is one of the largest and most complex engineering projects in the world. It is estimated that it will take in the region of 150 million work hours to design and manufacture the four Dreadnought class submarines.
The business continues to invest in and develop its employees and recruit new talent for this complex programme, with engineers from across 40 disciplines and specialisms needed to support the delivery of Dreadnought. More than 600 apprentices and 50 graduates are currently in training in the Submarines business and over the next five years, a further 200 graduates and 1,500 apprentices will be recruited.
The findings, published in the year the Barrow shipyard celebrates its 150th anniversary, emphasises the vital role that the business continues to play, both strategically within the UK’s defence sector and to the wider economy. To maintain its position as the custodian of the UK’s submarine design and build capability, the Barrow site is being transformed to accommodate the new class of boat, with approximately £1bn of investment in facilities and infrastructure. A further £450m is being invested in new technology to optimise the design and manufacturing processes and enhance the capability of the submarine.
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
31 Mar 21. Babcock. Group Organisation & Development Director. We recently announced the appointment of Nikki Fox to the new role of Chief Human Resources Officer. Nikki’s appointment follows Kevin Goodman’s decision to retire as Group Organisation & Development Director following a long and successful career. Kevin is stepping down from his main day-to-day role on the Executive Committee with effect from 1st April but will continue to serve on a number of the Group Pension Scheme Trustee Boards.
01 Apr 21. Shortly after establishing its new governance, the Franco-German defence technology group KNDS is also strengthening its administrative management at its headquarters in Amsterdam (Netherlands). On 1 April 2021, Nicander Johannes (Nick) Surber, a Dutch national, joined the company as Legal Counsel. He is thus responsible for Legal, Corporate Governance and Compliance and also assumes the function of Corporate Secretary. In this role, he succeeds Margaret Hill, who is leaving KNDS of her own accord on the best amicable terms after four successful years.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
01 Apr 21. Alion Science and Technology announces that Glenn Goodman has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of Alion’s newly created LVC Solutions Group (LSG). Glenn is responsible for the strategic growth and expansion of Alion’s integrated live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) solutions to an extended customer set within DoD. (Source: PR Newswire)
30 Mar 21. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) announced that Emily Harding, former deputy staff director of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI), will join the International Security Program as senior fellow and deputy director. She will advance CSIS’s research agenda on intelligence, disinformation, emerging technologies, and hybrid warfare.
30 Mar 21. Dedrone, the leading provider of airspace security, today announces the retention of Daniel Elwell, former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Deputy and Acting Administrator, to their advisory board. Dedrone delivers complete airspace security to G7 governments, Fortune 500 companies, military operations, airports, and critical infrastructure facilities around the globe, protecting against unauthorized and malicious drones. At Dedrone, Elwell will advise the multi-national company on regulatory affairs and support the development of strategic initiatives in aviation and defense industries. Mr. Elwell served as Deputy and Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from June 2017 to November 2020, where he was responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation within the U.S., as well as operation and development of the National Airspace System, including the safe integration of drones into the national airspace. Before being appointed deputy administrator, Mr. Elwell was a senior advisor to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. During his tenure as deputy administrator, Mr. Elwell served as Acting FAA Administrator from January 2018 until August 2019. Lieutenant Colonel Elwell retired from military service as a Command Pilot with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air Force Reserve, including combat service during Operation Desert Storm. (Source: PR Newswire)
25 Mar 21. Exiger, the global market leader in technology-enabled compliance and risk management solutions, has announced the appointment of The Honorable Ellen Lord as Chair of Exiger’s Advisory Board and Strategic Senior Advisor. Having most recently served as the first Under Secretary for Acquisition & Sustainment at the Department of Defense (DoD), Ms. Lord will advise Exiger’s senior leadership on securing the U.S. industrial base by drawing on her experience overseeing defense programs and protecting critical infrastructure in both private sector and government executive level positions. Ms. Lord’s expertise will empower Exiger to continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients across companies and government agencies that are tackling the increasingly complex threat landscape of third-party and supply chain risk. (Source: PR Newswire)
01 Apr 21. Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global communications company, today announced the appointment of Former National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) Chief and former Oklahoma Congressman James “Jim” Bridenstine to its Board of Directors. Bridenstine will serve as a Class II director, with an initial term expiring at the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. With the appointment of Bridenstine, the Board now consists of eight members, six of whom are independent directors. Bridenstine will provide Viasat’s Board of Directors with extensive experience in space technology, innovation and safety based on his leadership role at NASA, as well as defense and aerospace expertise based on his public service in the United States Navy and Congress. (Source: PR Newswire)
25 Mar 21. Vita Inclinata, which makes life-saving technology to stabilize chaotic motion with a touch of a button, today announced the appointment of Will Roper, PhD, former US Air Force Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to its Board of Directors. Roper joins the company’s leadership at an inflection point: after applying its lessons from the Air Force’s AFWERX accelerator —which Dr. Roper advised on and eventually ran—Vita was the only startup included in the 2021 National Defense Appropriations Act. Since then, the company has expanded its core technologies to civilian applications, including stabilization technology for cranes as well as helicopters. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
29 Mar 21. Australia-based cyber and information company Penten confirmed on Monday morning that Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson has been appointed to Penten’s board. Thompson served for 30 years in the Australian Defence Force, and was the inaugural head of the Department of Defence’s Information Warfare Division (IWD). In his capacity as head of the IWD, Thompson oversaw Australia’s electronic, cyber, AI and space defence capabilities. Dr Thompson welcomed the appointment, and noted that the cyber warfare battlespace is growing rapidly. (Source: Defence Connect)
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