BATTLESPACE Updates

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MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

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Job Of The Week!

 

DevOps Engineer – Defence

 

Job Description:

The Defence and Space Business Unit in BAE Systems Applied Intelligence delivers mission focused solutions in cyber & electronic warfare, digital transformation and special communications to clients across Land, Sea, Air, Space and Cyber.

Role Purpose

We are looking to hire DevOps Engineers for our Navy Digital programme who will be assisting in the provision of various services on a Kubernetes cluster, this will include Hadoop, Nifi and Scala.

This will include/transition to supporting the development of CICD across the teams and progress to include core feature provision across one of the associated projects.

Role Accountabilities

  • Provide advice and guidance to projects on good practice and effective use of engineering toolsets
  • Create, maintain and manage an ecosystem of scripts, techniques, patterns and templates that can be used by projects to assist them in starting quickly and in-line with business objectives, reusing standards and exemplars wherever possible
  • Through a strong grasp of automation tools for both infrastructure and software build assist the software and testing teams in the build, deployment and verification of software making maximum use of automation
  • Code and script to create build pipelines across the engineering tooling
  • Detailed knowledge of infrastructure scripting languages to create automated infrastructure implementations on physical, virtual and cloud platforms
  • Exhibit analytical problem solving to help teams solve common engineering issues
  • Administration of source control systems including devising branching policies and strategies
  • Implement and maintain of Continuous Integration (CI)
  • Implement and maintain Build pipelines
  • Implement and maintain software delivery mechanisms used to deploy, patch and verify software artefacts
  • Understanding change control and release management practices
  • Knowledge of automated testing practices in order to support test teams
  • A solid knowledge of Agile methodologies, SCRUM, BDD, TDD
  • Demonstrates the professionalism to reflect on and improve personal performance
  • Provides accurate estimates of effort needed to support projects in the delivery of an integrated DevOps approach
  • Plan and undertake environment provisioning for projects (either through cloud services or in consultation with infrastructure teams as appropriate)
  • Plan and undertake installations on all test, reference and operational environments
  • Deliver consistent high quality software and environmental builds through automation
  • Creation and maintenance of automaton frameworks for environment provisioning, software deployment and ongoing operation
  • Managing and controlling the software configuration for projects including the source repository
  • Managing and controlling the environment configuration for projects
  • Working with the dev teams to manage software build ‘pipelines’ and provide visibility of success / automated test success
  • Work actively with the development team to ensure that the environments are fit for purpose and that the developers are producing software in accordance with best environmental and operational practices
  • Ensuring that production environments comply with policy
  • Carries our regular system checks to ensure product performance
  • Defines processes and procedure at the project level & operates within the wider community to adopt best practice at the project level
  • Communicates well with project and client teams
  • Exemplary team working and communication skills

Security Clearance

Only those with the permanent and unrestricted right to live and work in the UK will be considered for a position within BAE Systems Applied Intelligence. Due to the nature of our, work successful candidates for this role will be required to go through Government SC clearance prior to starting with us.

Life at BAE Systems Applied Intelligence

We are embracing Hybrid Working. This means you and your colleagues may be working in different locations, such as from home, another BAE Systems office or client site, some or all of the time, and work might be going on at different times of the day. By embracing technology, we can interact, collaborate and create together, even when we’re working remotely from one another. Hybrid Working allows for increased flexibility in when and where we work, helping us to balance our work and personal life more effectively, and enhance wellbeing.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of BAE Systems Applied Intelligence. We are proud to have an organisational culture where employees with varying perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds – the best and brightest minds – can work together to achieve excellence and realise individual and organisational potential.

About BAE Systems Applied Intelligence

We use our intelligence-led insights to help defend Governments, Nations and Societies from cyber-attacks and financial crime. Our customers depend on our evolving capabilities to help them safely grow their organisations. Our unprecedented access to threat intelligence, world-leading analysts and market-leading technology means we can help them to adapt, evolve and stay ahead of the criminals.

Division overview: Capabilities

At BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, we pride ourselves in being a leader in the cyber defence industry, and Capabilities is the engine that keeps the business moving forward. It is the largest area of Applied Intelligence, containing our Engineering, Consulting and Project Management teams that design and implement the defence solutions and digital transformation projects that make us a globally recognised brand in both the public and private sector.

As a member of the Capabilities team, you will be creating and managing the solutions that earn us our place in an ever changing digital world. We all have a role to play in defending our clients, and this is yours.

 

BAE Systems

 

VACANCIES

 

FLAREBRIGHT VACANCIES

 

IT Systems Administrator to be responsible for administering all our IT systems within our main Westcott office and for our remote workers. The role provides opportunities to work along-side the drone engineering team, including managing compute resources for machine-learning activities, software configuration and testing, and flight testing.

 

Senior Software Engineer and a Senior Embedded Software Test Engineer to join our team as we take on more contracts. The Senior Software Engineer will be responsible for our machine learning, digital twins, and embedded software to support the complete operation of our autonomous drones. The Senior Embedded Software Test Engineer role will involve all aspects of testing, working closely with the development and flight test teams, and with a full spectrum of test work.

 

Office Administrator to support the COO and CEO directly with the company-wide organisation and administration.

 

https://flarebright.com/#careers

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

09 Mar 22. Innovaero joins AAI’s Team Albatross. Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Innovaero Industries for the development of an Albatross G-111T aircraft factory in Darwin.

The MoU between the companies was confirmed during a visit to Darwin where it was revealed that the new Darwin Aerospace Manufacturing Precinct would be established at the Darwin International Airport.

AAI was confirmed as the precinct’s inaugural client.

“Aircraft manufacturing demands an extremely broad range of very specialised technologies, and we are very fortunate that some of the world’s most advanced providers like Innovaero are right here in Australia,” Dan Webster, chief executive of AAI, said.

“We see Innovaero as an important addition to the depth of engineering skills in Team Albatross and we are looking forward to working with them on the launch of the G-111T.”

Innovaero Group CEO Simon Grosser applauded the signing of the MOU, welcoming the opportunity to partner with AAI to develop sovereign Australian aircraft manufacturing expertis

“We are delighted to begin working with Amphibian Aerospace Industries on areas of mutual interest. I am  very proud that as a wholly Australian-owned and operated company, Innovaero has been able to demonstrate a manufacturing capability across a broad range of aerospace disciplines,” Grosser said.

The announcement of the partnership between AAI and Innovaero follows a series of strategic alliances formed by AAI for the development of the Albatross G-111T aircraft.

“AAI has always been committed to creating this new advanced manufacturing industry in Australia, for  Australia and by Australia and we’re very excited about the capability we are assembling,” Webster continued.

WA-based Innovaero Industries specialised in aerospace engineering and is an entirely Australian-owned enterprise.

Earlier this month, AAI partnered with Dassault Systèmes on the project.

Under the partnership, Dassault Systèmes would create a virtual twin of the aircraft via the 3DEXPERIENCE program and work alongside AAI to develop a robust supply chain and business ecosystem to support the development of the updated aircraft.

According to AAI, throughout the engagement, the pair will work intimately with the Northern Territory government to facilitate the development of an aviation manufacturing precinct in Darwin.

Not built since 1961, it is hoped that the development of the plane will create a new industry for the city – resulting in more jobs, skills and education for Darwin. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

09 Mar 22. Saab Australia secures grant to fund local expansion. The defence contractor has received a multimillion-dollar award to support the expansion of its national facility. Saab Australia has announced plans to expand its South Australia-based defence infrastructure after securing $22.6m in funding from the latest round of the Commonwealth government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative. This is in addition to Saab’s own $55m investment, helping to increase the size of the current Adelaide facility by up to 80 per cent over an 18-month construction timeframe. The expansion is set to include the establishment of a new Sovereign Combat System Collaboration Centre. Other key features are expected to include a Combat Systems school, production and prototyping facilities, and system integration and test facilities. This forms part of Saab’s internationalisation strategy as the company looks to bolster its global market footprint. Saab Australia managing director Andy Keough said the expansion reflects growth in local demand for its defence offering.

“After three decades of commitment to Australia, and twenty years after we built our Mawson Lakes headquarters, we are proud and excited to invest further in our continued evolution and the growth of Australian defence and manufacturing,” he added.

Keough said the project would support the local industry by generating new work and employment opportunities.

“The larger facilities will create over 450 long-term jobs, which include Saab employees, small and medium-sized enterprises’ employment and flow on through the industry eco-system and supporting services,” he continues.

“It will also support over 500 jobs during the construction process across the next 18 months.”

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to commence later this year. This latest announcement comes just months after Saab Australia opened a new office in Victoria. The facility, tipped to generate 50 new local jobs, was co-funded by the state government and Saab. The centre is expected to serve as Saab’s Asia-Pacific hub for integrated communications systems – creating software and systems engineering roles. As a result, Saab’s global Deployable Health Care Centre of Excellence will be relocated from Sweden to Victoria. The arrangement includes the transfer of technology and IP to Victoria. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

07 Mar 22. New base announced for future nuclear-powered submarines. Three locations have been shortlisted as potential sites for a new naval base to be built to support Australia’s next-generation nuclear-powered submarine fleet.  Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced plans to develop a new naval base on Australia’s east coast to support the operation of the Royal Australian Navy’s future nuclear-powered submarines promised under the AUKUS agreement. The new base is expected to include specialised wharfs; maintenance facilities; administrative and logistics support; personal amenities; and suitable accommodation for submarine crews and support staff, including visitors.  Brisbane, Newcastle and Port Kembla have been shortlisted among 19 locations reviewed by the government.  The Commonwealth government is reportedly favouring development in Wollongong’s Port Kebla, as outlined in a submission to the cabinet’s National Security Committee.

However, according to the prime minister, all three locations meet many of the criteria needed to support ustralia’s strategic objectives, including:

  • close proximity to sufficient industrial infrastructure that could support the complex demands of maintaining and preparing high-tech submarines in an efficient and affordable manner;
  • close proximity to large population centres to attract recruits and retain the substantially larger uniformed submarine workforce needed to crew and support future submarines;
  • reasonably approximate to primary maritime training and operational areas to deep water and to weapons storage and loading facilities; and
  • provide strategic depths as far as possible for potential threats and support the mounting and sustaining of operations.

Defence has commenced consultations with the NSW and Queensland governments, as well as relevant local authorities.

“The decision to establish an east coast submarine base has been many years in the making, as part of the transition from Collins,” Prime Minister Morrison said during an address to the Lowy Institute.

“The government has now determined that to support our decision to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, establishing a second submarine base in the east coast would enhance our strategic deterrent capability with significant advantages in operational training, personnel, and industrial terms.”

Prime Minister Morrison stressed that the new eastern base would complement existing naval infrastructure, including Perth’s HMAS Stirling (Fleet Base West), which currently supports the Collins Class submarine fleet.

“This is about additional national capacity, not relocating any existing or planned future capacity for Fleet Base West,” the prime minister added.

“Fleet Base West will remain home to our current and future submarines, given its strategic importance on the Indian Ocean.”

The new facility is set to be the first major defence base built in Australia since the Robertson Barracks in Darwin in the 1990s.

Initial works are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, ahead of a final decision on the nuclear-powered submarine options — the United States’ Virginia Class or the United Kingdom’s Astute Class vessels.

The Commonwealth government’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Task Force is currently consulting with stakeholders in the US and UK.

The group’s considerations are expected to include requirements for design, construction, maintenance, infrastructure, industry capacity, nuclear safety, environmental protection, crewing and training.

The Task Force will also advise on building timeframes, costs and supply needs.

Last November, Minister for Defence Peter Dutton and representatives from the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement — a legally-binding arrangement granting Australia access to advanced nuclear technology under the AUKUS deal. The agreement establishes a framework for the disclosure and use of information related to naval nuclear propulsion, supporting the local development of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. Civilian and military personnel in Australia would be provided with critical training and education from US and UK counterparts, ensuring the submarines are developed safely and effectively. The agreement also aims to develop the skills necessary to establish a best practice regulatory and safety regime, ensuring Australia complies with its international obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

MARITIME

 

09 Mar 22. Japan commissions first Taigei-class submarine with better underwater endurance. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned the first vessel in a new class of diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) with better underwater endurance than its predecessors. The boat, which has been named Taigei with pennant number SS 513, was commissioned on 9 March at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries‘ (MHI’s) shipyard in Kobe, said the JMSDF in a statement published via an official social media channel on the same day. Taigei was launched by MHI in October 2020. It has an overall length of 84.5 m, a beam of 9.1 m, an estimated draught of about 8.5 m, and a standard displacement of about 3,000 tonnes. Notably, it is equipped with lithium-ion cells instead of lead acid batteries found on the JMSDF’s older boats. The lithium-ion cell is similar to the ones found on the service’s final two Soryu-class SSKs that were commissioned in March 2020 and March 2021, respectively. (Source: Janes)

 

07 Mar 22. Austal launches new Evolved Cape Class vessel. Defence’s Evolved Cape Class project has achieved a new milestone, with the second patrol boat launched by shipbuilding prime Austal. The second of six next-generation Evolved Cape Class patrol boats to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy has rolled off the production line at Austal’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. The vessel will now receive finishing touches and undergo sea trials before officially being delivered to Navy later this year. Once operational, the next-generation patrol boats will be deployed for border protection, fisheries and constabulary duties ahead of full operational capability of the Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels. The remaining four Evolved Cape Class patrol boats are currently under construction, and are scheduled to be delivered at four-month intervals up until late 2023. The first vessel was delivered in October, and is currently undergoing sea trials.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price welcomed the launch of the second vessel, noting the patrol boats’ contribution to bolstering naval capability and supporting the shipbuilding effort.

“I am proud to see Australian and in particular West Australian industry delivering our future naval capability,” Minister Price said.

“We are also providing significant opportunities to workers both locally and in the broader Australian economy.”

The $334m project is tipped to directly supports around 400 jobs.

“This ensures continued employment of Australian shipbuilders and provides positive flow-on effects for small and medium Australian businesses, crucial to the success of sovereign naval shipbuilding,” Minister Price added.

Assistant Minister for Defence Andrew Hastie said the new vessels would strengthen Australia’s border security and protect sovereignty.

“I was pleased to launch this vessel. Building these vessels here in Western Australia means a stronger defence force that will protect our borders and our national security interests, and create long-term local jobs,” he said.

“We are an island nation and these vessels will play a crucial role in the protection of Australia’s maritime and national security interests.” (Source: Defence Connect)

 

03 Mar 22. Ireland to procure two patrol vessels from New Zealand. The deal is expected to include two decommissioned Lake Class ships. Ireland is reportedly set to procure two patrol vessels from New Zealand in a bid to bolster maritime security. According to local publication The Irish Examiner, several months of negotiations have led to an agreement to purchase the two Lake Class ships. An official announcement on the deal is expected soon, the publication added. Other details including the financial terms of the deal are not immediately available. The two vessels were decommissioned by New Zealand as they didn’t meet the country’s long-range patrolling requirements. However, the vessels can fulfil Ireland’s short-range requirements such as patrolling and surveillance operations in the Irish Sea. Additionally, the Lake Class ships can operate with less crew compared to Irish Navy’s P60 vessels. The acquisition will also enable the larger vessels to focus on operations in the Atlantic Sea. The Irish Examiner further added that the British-built New Zealand ships is expected to be based on the east coast and will be used for fisheries patrols. The potential acquisition comes at a time when Ireland’s naval service launched a major recruitment to address staff shortages. Currently, Irish Naval Service has less than 200 people, significantly less compared to its minimum strength of 1,094 personnel. Last month, Babcock secured an additional seven-and-a-half-year Maritime Fleet Sustainment Service contract from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Under the contract, Babcock will provide asset management services to the entire Royal New Zealand Navy fleet. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

08 Mar 22. USS George HW Bush conducts live-fire test of RIM-116 RAM. The test proved the aircraft carrier’s weapons systems’ capabilities and crew’s readiness. The US Navy’s Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush (CVN 77) has concluded a live-fire test of the RIM-116 rolling airframe missile (RAM). The missile launch was carried out as part of the live fire with a purpose (LFWAP) exercise. The US Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) led the exercise. During the LFWAP, CVN 77 identified, traced, and engaged drone targets and proved the accuracy and capability of its weapons systems aboard. It also helped to validate the readiness of the crew to deliver lethal combat capability.

George HW Bush fire control officer and chief warrant officer 3 (CWO3) Benjamin Wappelhorst said: “There was a lot of focused training and intense maintenance in the weeks leading up to this event.

“This evolution should instil confidence in every sailor aboard that our ship’s self-defence system is ready to go and will keep us safe during deployment.

“The equipment is operational and our tactically minded watch standers in Combat Direction Centre are prepared for any threat.”

A lightweight surface-to-air missile, RIM-116 RAM is used as a point-defence weapon against anti-ship cruise missiles.

For the first time in three years, the aircraft carrier launched a missile. This is also the first coordinated exercise with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26.

In addition, George HW Bush completed Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) in cooperation with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. The CSG-10 and CVW-7, along with the carrier, will join DESRON-26 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). This will mark the start of Optimized Fleet Response Plan’s advanced and integrated phases, including Group Sail, a combined exercise. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

AIR

 

08 Mar 22. Tunisian Air Force to add Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to fleet. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is designed and produced by Textron business Textron Aviation. The Tunisian Air Force is to add four Cessna Grand Caravan EX utility aircraft to its fleet to bolster intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Textron Aviation, the manufacturer of Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft, has secured a contract from ATI Engineering Services to deliver the utility airplanes.

As agreed, ATI Engineering Services will equip the aircraft with an electro-optical/infrared sensor, tactical radio, operator console, video data link and night-vision compatible lighting to meet requirements.

Textron Aviation Special Mission Sales vice-president Bob Gibbs said: “The fleet of Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprops will aid the Tunisian Air Force in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in the country.

“The aircraft is engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, unimproved runways while delivering single-engine economy and simplicity. It is a perfect match for this mission throughout Africa.”

According to Cessna’s website, the Grand Caravan EX has a maximum range of 912 nautical miles and can travel at a speed of up to 185ktas. More than 2,900 units have already been delivered clocking a total of nearly 24 million flight hours.

The US Government has supported the transfer of 16 Grand Caravan EX aircraft throughout Africa through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) process since 2014. Tunisia is set to become the latest recipient of the aeroplane. Headquartered in Rhode Island, US, Textron is a multi-industry company with operations in several sectors. Last month, another Textron unit Bell Textron started AH-1Z Viper twin-engine attack helicopter production for the Czech Republic Air Force. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

04 Mar 22. RAAF F-35 fleet bolstered, new jets touch down. A new tranche of fifth-generation fighter jets has arrived in Australia, marking the first delivery of 2022.  The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed its receipt of four additional F-35A Lightning II aircraft, taking the total size of the fleet to 48. The jets, which touched down in RAAF Base Williamtown late last month, travelled from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, following Exercise Cope North 22. The jets were accepted by No. 77 Squadron of No. 81 Wing, led by Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Tim Ireland.

“The F-35A Lightning II capability is fundamental to ensuring the RAAF remains ready and able to conduct integrated high-end warfighting,” WGCDR Ireland said.

“It was useful that No. 77 Squadron accepted these aircraft during Exercise Cope North. The activity is critical in enhancing our trilateral military interoperability with the US and Japan.

“The F-35As are exceptional at multiplying the effectiveness of surrounding platforms and capabilities.” The arrival of the four additional F-35 jets came amid concern over the fleet’s operational capacity.

Budget estimates documents filed by the Department of Defence revealed the expected flying hours of the aircraft have been revised down over the next four years.

Flying hours have been cut by 25 per cent in the 2021-22 financial year (FY22), and are set to be reduced by 17 per cent in FY23, 14 per cent in FY24, and 13 per cent in FY25. (Source: Rumour Control)

 

PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES

 

08 Mar 22. US DOD shuts down Indo-Pacific fuel storage facility.  The Pentagon has announced the closure of a fuel storage facility in Hawaii, built during World War II. Following consultation with civilian and military stakeholders, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced plans to defuel and permanently close the Red Hill bulk fuel storage facility in Hawaii. According to Secretary Austin, the facility, which was built in 1943, is no longer suited for the US’ Indo-Pacific force posture.

“[Red] Hill has served our armed forces well for many decades [but] it makes a lot less sense now,” he said.

“The distributed and dynamic nature of our force pure in the Indo-Pacific, the sophisticated threats we face, and the technology available to us demand an equally advanced and resilient fuelling capability

“To a large degree, we already avail ourselves of dispersed fuelling at sea and ashore, permanent and rotational.”

Secretary Austin said the Pentagon would now look to “expand and accelerate” its strategic distributio

The news comes amid the commissioning of preliminary work to construct a new fuel storage facility in Darwin, expected to hold up to 300 million litres of fuel to support the transfer, management and storage of military specification jet fuels used by US forces.

A US delegation, led by US Indo-Pacific Command’s Director for Logistics and Engineering, Brigadier General Jered Helwig, has also visited bases and facilities in Australia to advance commitments announced following the Australian-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021.

These commitments included the establishment of combined logistics, sustainment, and maintenance enterprise to support high end warfighting and combined military operations in the region.

Meanwhile, the US DOD will work with the Hawaii Department of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency to safely defuel the Red Hill facility.

The US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Director of the Defense Logistics Agency Vice Admiral Michelle Skubic have been tasked with providing an action plan for decommissioning the facility by 31 May.

“[As] soon as we have made corrective actions to ensure that defuelling will be safe, we will begin defuelling,” Secretary Austin said.

“Then we will move to permanently close the Red Hill facility, including conducting any and all necessary environmental remediation around the facility. “This is the right thing to do.” (Source: Defence Connect)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

07 Mar 22. The MDP bids farewell to Assistant Chief Constable Dave Long on his retirement today, after serving for more than 37 years with the force. Dave joined the MDP in March 1984, following an early career in metallurgy engineering. His first MDP posting was as a beat patrol officer at RAF Caerwent, followed in 1985 with a move to USAS Menwith Hill. In 1987, Dave was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Royal Ordnance Radway Green, later transferring to HQ Hereford Garrison in 1990, where he specialised as a Quik-Kuf Instructor, a Rifle Officer, and a member of the Augmentation Force (supporting nuclear convoy operations). He completed secondments to the then Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and undertook periods of Acting Inspector duties. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

08 Mar 22. Sam des Forges, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Ministry of Defence (MOD), has been appointed as the new Defence Co-Chair for the Women in Defence Charter. Sam succeeds Morag Stuart, who has served as the MOD Co-Chair of the Charter since 2019. Sam will work alongside Angela Owen OBE, Women in Defence UK Co-Chair, and Sophie Thomas, Industry Co-Chair, to drive forward the Charter’s ambitions. She is committed to working with the Charter’s growing network of signatories to improve gender balance and enable women to succeed at all levels in the Defence sector. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

08 Mar 22. The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Richard Harrington as a Minister of State (Minister for Refugees) jointly in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Home Office. Her Majesty has also been pleased to signify Her intention of conferring a peerage of the United Kingdom for Life on Richard Harrington. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

04 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Gregory N. Todd for appointment to the grade of rear admiral, with assignment as the chief of chaplains of the Navy, Washington, D.C.  Todd is currently serving as chaplain of the Marine Corps and deputy chief of chaplains of the Navy, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Jeffrey T. Anderson for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Anderson is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, Bremerton, Washington.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Anthony C. Carullo for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Carullo is currently serving as director, plans and operations, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Sixth Fleet; deputy commander, Sixth Fleet; and commander, Submarine Group Eight, Naples, Italy.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Richard J. Cheeseman Jr., for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Cheeseman is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten, Norfolk, Virginia.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Craig A. Clapperton for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Clapperton is currently serving as commander, Combined Joint Task Force, Cyber, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher M. Engdahl for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Engdahl is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Seven; commander, Task Force 76; and commander, Amphibious Force, Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Robert M. Gaucher for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Gaucher is currently serving as commander, Submarine Group Nine, Silverdale, Washington.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Nicholas M. Homan for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Homan is currently serving as director of intelligence, J-2, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Carl A. Lahti for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Lahti is currently serving as commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan/commander, USN Region Japan, Yokosuka, Japan.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) John S. Lemmon for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Lemmon is currently serving as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division; and assistant commander for research and engineering, Naval Air Systems Command (AIR-4.0), Patuxent River, Maryland.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) John V. Menoni for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Menoni is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas J. Moreau for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Moreau is currently serving as director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division, N41, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) William P. Pennington for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Pennington is currently serving as deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Curt A. Renshaw for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Renshaw is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eight, Norfolk, Virginia.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Scott F. Robertson for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Robertson is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Norfolk, Virginia.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Milton J. Sands III for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Sands is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Special Operations Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Christopher J. Sweeney for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Sweeney is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, Everett, Washington.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Douglas C. Verissimo for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Verissimo is currently serving as director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

 

09 Mar 22. USN Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael J. Vernazza for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Vernazza is currently serving as commander, Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, Norfolk, Virginia.

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

08 Mar 22. Draken Europe and SNC ICT announce long-term in-Kingdom partnership. On Day Two of the World Defence Show in Riyadh, Draken Europe and SNCICT have announced their long-term in-Kingdom partnership. SNC ICT’s provision of in-Kingdom logistics support, system network services and supply chain management, will be central to Draken’s plans for expansion in the Middle East.

Paul Armstrong, Draken Europe CEO explained the central benefits of the relationship: “We have been working with the team at SNC ICT for several years, and the opportunity to announce formally our partnership here at the inaugural World Defense Show in Riyadh is great news for both of our teams. The strength of the working relationship with our colleagues at SNC ICT reflects the significance Draken Europe places on the Middle East-market in general and the importance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s defense sector in particular. Having SNC ICT as in-Kingdom partner will be of enormous benefit to us as we look to broaden our services in Saudi Arabia.”

General Mahmoud Hassainan, chairman of SNC ICT, commented: “Draken Europe is a company that places great value on service, innovation and delivery, all values that we share at SNC ICT. As a company they are notably enthusiastic about the development of indigenous capabilities in-Kingdom, clearly in alignment with Vision 2030. We look forward to supporting them in this endeavour – and in the expansion of their services in Saudi Arabia – in the years ahead.”

Together Draken Europe and SNC ICT will adopt a working approach that is aligned to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 – notably with aspirations to support in-Kingdom academic research into electronic warfare flying training and operational readiness training – the key services that Draken Europe has provided globally for more than 30 years to militaries and government agencies.

 

PERSONNEL

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

10 Mar 22. Adarga Appoints Sir Donald Brydon CBE as Chair. Adarga Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Sir Donald Brydon CBE as Chairman of the Board with immediate effect. Sir Donald brings with him a wealth of expertise, gained as Chairman for a number of listed companies across the technology, public and financial sectors including the London Stock Exchange Group, Smiths Group plc, Royal Mail, and most recently for a nine-year tenure as Chair for FTSE-100 global software leader Sage Group plc. He currently chairs the Fintech businesses Tide and PrimaryBid. Adarga is a British AI software company helping National Security organisations to rapidly identify threat and opportunity signals buried within huge volumes of in-house and open-source information – such as news, PDFs, presentations, reports, videos etc. Sir Donald’s appointment follows a period of commercial growth for Adarga with deployment of its AI-driven software platform to organisations across the UK Ministry of Defence and the wider Defence and National Security market. Adarga’s software platform is helping organisations to quickly and effectively understand the broad array, and overwhelming amount of information at their disposal so they can answer difficult questions at speed, mitigate risk and maintain a competitive edge. Sir Donald Brydon succeeds Rupert Fane who has been instrumental in leading the board to date and will remain in a non-executive position.

 

07 Mar 22. Seraphim Space (Manager) LLP, the manager of Seraphim Space Investment Trust plc (LSE: SSIT), the world’s first listed Space Tech Fund, is delighted to announce that the partner of Development Partners International, Sarah Shackleton, has been appointed as the Company’s new Chief Operating Officer. The appointment is effective immediately. Sarah joins Seraphim Space as Chief Operating Officer following a long and distinguished career in the private equity and investment banking sector, working for almost 15 years as a partner of Development Partners International, one of the leading private equity firms investing in Africa and overseeing c$2.8bn in AUM.  Her role included actively managing and administrating the funds which have invested in over 23 different companies operating across 30 countries in Africa in a variety of sectors that are helping to make Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) impacts on the continent. She was responsible for legal, compliance, HR, IT, operations, facilities and ESG at the firm. Before that, she was an Associate Director for UBS and was responsible for the financial analysis and valuation of large-cap European telecoms equipment companies.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

09 Mar 22. Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), a global business that designs, manufactures and sells critical equipment for the defense/space, energy/new energy and chemical/petrochemical industries, announced today that Christopher J. Thome will join Graham Corporation as Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer effective April 4, 2022. He joins Graham from Allied Motion Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: AMOT) where he served as Corporate Controller and Treasurer. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in finance and accounting leadership, audit, public company financial reporting, treasury, operational accounting and shared services implementation. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

10 Mar 22. Mercury Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ: MRCY, www.mrcy.com), a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, today announced that Church Hutton has joined the Company as vice president, government relations, effective March 7, 2022. Reporting to chief growth officer Mitch Stevison, Mr. Hutton will lead an enhanced government relations practice at the federal and state level aligned with the Company’s growth objectives. Mr. Hutton, a 23-year U.S. Army Reserve veteran, brings to Mercury more than 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. He comes to Mercury from Volansi Corporation, where he served as vice president of Government Affairs. Prior to that, he was the head of legislative affairs for Sierra Nevada Corporation. Prior to the private sector, Mr. Hutton spent 12 years in senior national security staff positions on Capitol Hill including on the professional staff of the Senate Appropriations and Senate Armed Services Committees, and in the offices of Sens. John McCain and Joe Manchin.  Mr. Hutton holds a bachelor’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University.

 

10 Mar 22. OneWeb Technologies, the premier provider of innovative and secure commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) application solutions, has named former astronaut Tim Kopra as President. In his new role, Tim will be responsible for leading the company’s growth as it continues to expand its partnerships and solve secure, mission-critical real-time connectivity challenges for the U.S. government, its allies, and global enterprise customers. A dedicated leader with a passion for space innovation, Kopra was Vice President for Robotics and Space Operations at MDA immediately prior to joining OneWeb Technologies. Before that, he held various leadership and operational roles as an engineer and astronaut at NASA. Kopra lived and worked on board the International Space Station (ISS) during two spaceflights and served as ISS Commander during one of its missions. During his time with NASA, Kopra completed three spacewalks and spent 244 days in space. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

08 Mar 22. SpiderOak, a company specializing in Zero-Trust cybersecurity software for commercial and military operations, is pleased to announce that Charles Beames has been elected Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. Beames is an accomplished executive and thought leader with over three decades of success in the aerospace industry. This role will lend his expertise to addressing cyber threats to the new space economy with novel and innovative products and services. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

09 Mar 22. Secmation Announces New Advisory Board. To support Secmation’s continued growth as a leader in cybersecurity products and technologies for automated systems, we are pleased to announce the formation of an Advisory Board. This Advisory Board will work with Secmation’s CEO, Dr. Hal Aldridge, to refine company business strategy, build strategic relationships with customers/partners, and capture new investment.

To this end, Secmation is excited to announce our first Advisory Board member, Mr. Bill Irby.

Prior to its acquisition by Shield AI, Bill served as Chief Operating Officer of Martin UAV, joining the Shield team after serving as a key exec team member achieving a successful closure of the sale. Prior to joining Martin UAV, Bill served in key executive roles with defense and technology related companies to include:

  • President of the Reconnaissance Mission Systems sector of L3Harris Technologies, a $1.5B business focusing on Air-Ground Surveillance and Intelligence for critical US customers and International allies.
  • SVP/GM of Textron Systems’ Unmanned Systems business, which is known for its Group 3 and Group 2+ Unmanned Aircraft Systems as well and multi-aircraft control stations and a US Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel.
  • VP of two business units at Northrop Grumman in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Tactical Communications.

Bill is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served in the United States Marine Corps as a combat engineer. He holds two degrees from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and a Master of Science in Technical Management. Bill has also completed Harvard Business School’s General Manager Program.

For the past several years, Bill has served as a board member and treasurer for the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). He currently serves as AUVSI’s executive vice chair and as a Senior Advisor to Ghost Robotics. Previously, he served on the advisory council for Johns’ Hopkins University’s Graduate Engineering Programs for Professionals.

Bill is married with three children and two dogs, living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He enjoys shooting, just about anything outdoors, and is now a devoted SEC football fan (go ‘Bama and Razorbacks!).

Secmation will be announcing additional Advisory Board members in the coming months. For more information on Secmation, please visit Secmation.com or send a message to our Business Development and Marketing Manager, Mr. Jamie Roseborough. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

09 Mar 22. Vita Inclinata (Vita), developer and producer of helicopter and crane load stabilization and precision hardware, today announced Randy Gifford has joined the company as the Executive Vice President of Operations. As a member of the executive team, Gifford will help boost existing manufacturing and establish new global facilities to produce the company’s Vita Load Navigator and Vita Rescue System. In addition, his leadership role in GE Aviation for accelerating edge processing technology, and aircraft connectivity SaaS solutions, are directly applicable to the future development of Vita’s rescue and construction product lines. (Source: PR Newswire)

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Introduction:

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Benefits of applying through the Partner Job Board:

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