BATTLESPACE Updates

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MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE

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Job Of The Week!

 

Risk Scheduler – Defence

Job Description:

Crypt Key/MOD Risk Schedulers

People Source Consulting are currently seeking experienced Risk Schedulers with a background in Defence and Ideally Crypt-Key projects to take on a 24 month contract with our MOD Client.

You will be joining the Joint Crypt Key Programme (JCKP) has designed and developed the next generation of CK capabilities (standards, services, components, and infrastructure) that have transitioned to business as usual. These CK capabilities will continually evolve to stay ahead of the threat. JCKP is a transformational programme to modernise how crypt key is used within MOD. It is a joint programme between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Problem to be solved:

In order to continue to deliver this transformative requirement, the joint NCSC/MOD team has been reconfigured and requires additional Client Side Support to augment the current team of Crown Servants.

Although the majority of work may be undertaken remotely, the JCKP team’s parent working site will be MOD Corsham, Wiltshire, where most in-person meetings would be located, with a requirement to visit the nearest regional NCSC office for face-to-face classified discussion and collaboration. Work at other UK sites may be required, but the majority of working can be remote using MS Teams.

Due to the nature of this role, candidates must hold Valid DV Clearance prior to work starting.

In Return:

  • £550 – £650pd
  • 24 month contract
  • Predominantly remote work

People Source Consulting Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. People Source specialise in technology recruitment across niche markets including Information Technology, Digital TV, Digital Marketing, Project and Programme Management, SAP, Digital and Consumer Electronics, Air Traffic Management, Management Consultancy, Business Intelligence, Manufacturing, Telecoms, Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance and Oil & Gas.

 

People Source

 

VACANCIES

 

22 June 22. EDA Vacancies. Ready to work on European defence cooperation?

TEMPORARY AGENT

Project Officer Capability Development Plan

For the position of Project Offices CDP (Capability Development Plan), we are looking for a highly skilled individual who has good knowledge of European Defence and security environment at large and CSDP in particular, and experience in defence planning and capability development.

Closing: 01 September 2022

TEMPORARY AGENT

Project Officer Airworthiness

For this role, the candidate will have experience of European defence cooperation structures, experience of working with national and international airworthiness regulations and a good understanding of aviation regulations and airworthiness issues.

Closing: 01 September 2022

SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERT

Project Officer Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD)

Closing: 30 June 2022

SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERT

Project Officer Land Programmes

Closing: 16 August 2022

SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERT

Project Officer Project Officer CBRN and Human Factors

Closing: 01 September 2022

SECONDED NATIONAL EXPERT

Project Officer

Medical

Closing: 01 September 2022

(Source: EDA)

 

LOCATIONS

 

LAND

 

20 Jun 22. Sierra Nevada Corporation opens Nigeria office. Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), having delivered a dozen A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force, has opened an office in Abuja. The company last week said it opened the office in partnership with Nigerian firm AVISTAR Consulting. The new in-country presence supports SNC’s ongoing work with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as well as other business opportunities in the region, it said. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Kathleen FitzGibbon hosted Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) at the US Ambassador’s Residence on 15 June to inaugurate SNC’s new office. Guests included members of Nigerian armed forces, the Ministry of Defence, National Assembly, and other government officials to mark “a substantial step taken by the company.” (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

MARITIME

 

21 June 22. Operational testing and evaluation is Sekhukhune’s first tasking. The latest addition to the SA Navy (SAN) fleet, SAS Sekhukhune (P1571) following commissioning last week, is now an “active” platform with operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) her first priority.

The multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) is the first new platform in the SAN patrol squadron joining the 40 plus year-old SAS Makhanda (P1569) as the only two active patrol vessels. The arrival of MMIPVs two, expected later this year, and three next April, will boost the Navy’s patrol capacity.

Ahead of any operational tasking, Sekhukhune and her crew, led by Commander Jabulani Mashamba and Executive Officer (XO) Lieutenant Commander Mapula More, will undergo OT&E to “determine  whether the ship can perform operations she was designed for,” according to the SAN.

Home port for Sekhukhune is the naval station at the port of Durban with logistic and back-up issues dictating OT&E will be done from fleet headquarters in Simon’s Town. A SAN response to defenceWeb has it the ship’s company are “intimately acquainted” with all systems aboard. This is one outcome of the MMIPV – and its sister ships – being built at nearby Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) saw regular visits and interaction during installation and testing of systems. “They are already familiar with the ship,” the SAN said.

Another reason Simon’s Town was selected for OT&E above Durban is warranty. “The ship is still in warranty and should any problems occur, she will be close to DSCT to address issues”.

Sekhukhune was, the SAN said, “procured to be utilised in South African territorial waters, but can also operate in international waters”.

Missions in her future, post successful OT&E, include curbing illicit activities, such as smuggling, maritime resource poaching and IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

20 Jun 22. Keel laid for Indian Navy’s fourth SVL and two ASW-SWC ships. The four new vessels will replace existing fleet of the Indian Navy’s Sandhayak-class survey ships. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the start of construction of the fourth Survey Vessel Large (SVL), along with the second and third anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft (ASW-SWC) ships. It was marked by a keel laying ceremony at L&T, Kattupalli in Chennai, India on 17 June. The keel was authenticated by Indian Navy vice chief of naval staff (VCNS) vice admiral SN Ghormade in the presence of several officials and dignitaries. According to VCNS Ghormade, about 39 of total 41 warships of the Indian Navy, which are currently under order, are being built indigenously to support the nation’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. Under the Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding programme, the MoD signed a contract with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) to construct four SVLs in October 2018. GRSE later subcontracted L&T Shipbuilding to support part construction of three SVL ships and four ASW SWC ships at L&T, Kattupalli, as part of the yard’s build strategy. Recently, GRSE launched the second SVL ship Nirdeshak (Yard 3026). SVL ships are primarily designed to undertake deep-water and full scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and to determine navigational channels. They will also collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications. The contract for eight ASW SWC was awarded to GRSE in April 2019. The new ASW SWC will be equipped with rockets, torpedoes, low frequency variable depth sonar (LFVDS) and hull mounted sonar (HMS). The ships will enhance Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and serve as a deterrent against submarine threats. GRSE authenticated the keel for the first ASW SWC vessel in 2021. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

17 June 22. US Navy Christened Guided-Missile Destroyer John Basilone. The US Navy christened the future USS John Basilone (DDG 122) during a 10:30 a.m. EDT ceremony on Saturday, June 18, at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Troy Black delivered the christening ceremony’s principal address. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine; Vice Adm. Francis Morley, principal military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition; Vice Adm. Scott Conn, deputy chief of naval operations for warfighting requirements and capabilities; Don Basilone, brother of the ship’s namesake; and Charles Krugh, president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works also provided remarks. The ship’s sponsors are Ryan Manion and Amy Looney Heffernan, president and vice president of the Travis Manion Foundation. Ms. Heffernan is unable to attend the event. In a time-honored Navy tradition, Ms. Manion will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.

The ship’s namesake, Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, received the Medal of Honor for heroism displayed in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II, where he led his heavy machine gun sections in defense of a critical position and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Basilone later returned to action at the Battle of Iwo Jima in February of 1944, where he single-handedly destroyed an enemy blockhouse and led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield. He was killed in action later that day and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his unwavering devotion and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice.

“The future USS John Basilone will serve as a constant reminder of the immense impact that actions taken by any one Sailor or Marine can truly have,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “Gunnery Sgt. Basilone is a national hero and this ship and crew will honor his legacy for decades to come.”

This is the second ship to honor Basilone. The first, USS Basilone (DD 824), was a Gearing-class destroyer in service from 1945 to 1977.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, providing protection to America around the globe. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct various operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface domains. These elements of seapower enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad. (Source: US DoD)

 

AIR

 

23 June 22. ILA 2022: Luftwaffe formally receives A321neoLR jet into service. The Luftwaffe formally received into service its first Airbus A321neoLR passenger aircraft during a ceremony at the ILA Air Show on 23 June. The event, which was attended by senior officials from the German Ministry of Defence (BMVg), the Luftwaffe, Airbus, and Lufthansa Technik, saw the handover of the first of two aircraft to be used for medium- to long-haul liaison and aero-medical evacuation (medevac) duties. Previously designated A321-251NX, these aircraft were contracted in July 2020 with the first being rolled out in September 2021, ahead of receiving its mission fit from Lufthansa Technik. The two aircraft will come with a variety of cabin configurations depending on the nature of the particular role being flown. These will comprise passenger transport of between 136 and 163 people, and medevac of up to six stretchered patients or up to 12 ‘mildly ill’ patients. The underfloor hold can be utilised for cargo in both configurations. (Source: Janes)

 

23 June 22. ILA 2022: Lockheed Martin progresses German Hercules programme. Lockheed Martin is progressing Germany’s KC/C-130J Hercules programme, with the arrival of the second aircraft into Évreux-Fauville Air Base in northern France, in the coming days.

Speaking at the ILA Berlin Air Show on 22 June, Tony Frese, Lockheed Martin’s vice-president, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, said that aircraft 55+02 will arrive at the home of the joint Franco-German C-130 unit in Normandy in the coming days, with the third to follow in 2023, and the remainder by the end of 2024.

With 55+01 having been delivered in February, 55+02 is the second of three ‘stretched’ C-130J-30 airlifters that Germany is contributing along with three ‘short‘ KC-130J tanker-transports to the new joint transport squadron. The French Air and Space Force is contributing two C-130J-30s and two KC-130Js. (Source: Janes)

 

21 June 22. RAAF F-35A fleet hits half a century. Australia’s fifth-generation strike capability has been strengthened by the arrival of new Lockheed Martin-built F-35A fighter jets. Lockheed Martin has delivered a further two F-35A Lightning II aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), taking the total size of the fleet to 50.

The jets arrived in RAAF Base Williamtown in May, accepted by No. 3 Squadron following a successful ferry across the Pacific Ocean from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada in the United States.

Before being ferried to Australia, the RAAF F-35A aircraft participated in Exercise Black Flag 22-1, engaging in integration activities with the United States Air Force’s (USAF) 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron.

“Exercise Black Flag was a large force integration activity, which enabled us to operationally test our tactics and capabilities with the United States Air Force,” Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Adrian Kiely said.

“Operationally representative scenarios such as Exercise Black Flag support the continuous development of our tactics, people and overall preparedness in highly demanding environments.”

Exercise Black Flag aimed to enhance interpretability between the USAF and RAAF through teaming activities against a peer adversary.

The exercise particularly focused on strengthening the integrated tactical procedures against an advanced air-to-air threat.

“As our F-35A fleet continues to increase, we’re opening the door to new opportunities such as the first ever forward area refuelling of an Australian F-35A with a United States HC-130J,” WGCDR Kiely said.

“We’ve brought back not only more aircraft to Australia, but also a more highly skilled workforce to further benefit the wider Air Force.”

This latest delivery follows the arrival of two jets in late February, travelling 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.

Thus far, RAAF F-35A aircraft have clocked over 15,000 flight hours.

The Joint Strike Fighter program has delivered two operational squadrons, with the third scheduled to enter service later this year.

The Commonwealth government has ordered 72 F-35A aircraft under the $16.6 bn JSF contract with Lockheed Martin. All 72 jets are expected to be fully operational by 2023, with an option to expand the fleet to a maximum of 100 aircraft.  (Source: Defence Connect)

 

17 June 22. Uganda acquires Mi-28 attack helicopters. The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) appears to be a new operator of the Mil Mi-28 attack helicopter, which has been spotted for the first time in UPDF markings.

Three Mi-28s were seen at Entebbe Air Base on 15 June during a visit by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who was there to thank members of the Air Force for their assistance in neutralising ADF rebels during Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Our Air Force can do many things easily. This is a capacity we should enhance,” Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, said in his address.

“You have done a good job in operation Shujaa. Aircraft hit targets quickly, accurately, in surprise attacks and quite devastatingly. The artillery and infantry were all doing great. Let me take this opportunity to thank you and to encourage you all,” he said.

It is not clear how many Mi-28s have been acquired by Uganda, or when they were delivered. The fact that several European officials were present with the helicopters this week indicates delivery may have just occurred. It has been speculated that six aircraft have been ordered.

The Mi-28 first flew in November 1982 as a replacement for the Mi-24/25. The Mi-28N Night Hunter day/night version flew in November 1996 and features a radar mounted on the rotor mast. The Mi-28N is armed with up to 16 Shturm and Ataka anti-tank missiles. Shturm is a short-range, radio command-guided missile while the Ataka missile’s guidance is by narrow radar beam. Maximum range of the missile is 8 km. The helicopter can also carry 80mm or 122mm rockets and gun pods. The helicopter is equipped with a turreted 30mm cannon.

Other Mi-28 operators include Algeria, Iraq, and Russia.

The UPDF has about a dozen Mi-24/35 attack helicopters in service along with several Mi-8/Mi-17s, several AB 206 Jet Rangers, half a dozen Bell 205s, and a couple of Bell 212 helicopters. Five refurbished Huey II helicopters were delivered from 2017.

In January this year Museveni commissioned a helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, which is refurbishing UPDF Mi-24 helicopters. The facility at Nakosongola Air Base is a joint venture by the UPDF’s commercial arm, the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), and Pro-heli International, a Russian company.  (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

17 June 22. SAAF keeping its C47-TPs in service. The venerable C-47s have been in service with the SA Air Force (SAAF) since 1943 in configurations ranging from transport (cargo and passengers) to jump aircraft for Parabats, and maritime patrol and surveillance. The upgrade to turbine from piston engines in 1994 was seen as a short term replacement in the maritime role following retirement of the Shackletons, military aviation enthusiast and historian Dean Wingrin told defenceWeb.

That no replacement platform for maritime patrol and surveillance was ever acquired means the remaining nine C-47TPs, with the TP suffix indicating “turbo prop”, still fill that role to a certain extent today.

The limitations in maritime ability are made even more glaring when taking into consideration there are officially nine C-47TPs on the strength of 35 Squadron at Air Force Base (AFB) Ysterplaat with five “realistically available for use”. Wingrin paints an even gloomier picture saying only one is presently operational but is undergoing servicing.

As to why Armscor, presumably at the request of the SAAF, is looking for parts, he is of the opinion it’s because the maintenance budget of the C-47TP fleet is the lowest of all types in service with the airborne arm of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF).

“Given its lack of sophistication, with no offence to the aircraft or those flying and maintaining them, the C-47TP is generally regarded as a cheap aircraft to maintain. The engines are popular and in service worldwide in large numbers with spares easy to acquire. The avionics, civilian in standard, are ageing and require replacement/upgrade, but still maintainable. As the fleet of Dakotas internationally becomes smaller, accessing spares will be progressively more difficult and expensive to acquire,” he told defenceWeb.

Taking what Wingrin calls “the dire financial situation” of the SAAF and the greater SANDF into account, he points out there is no budget for acquisition – either new or previously operated – to fulfil the roles “intended” for the C-47TP.

“The SAAF has no option but to keep the C47-TP fleet in service for as long as possible.”

In late May, Armscor issued a tender for “maintenance support for the Dakota C-47TP aircraft fleet”. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT

 

PERSONNEL

 

21 Jun 22. Final barriers removed for UK Armed Forces personnel with HIV.

People with HIV, but no detectable virus, are now able to join the military and fully deploy on operations. From today, serving personnel who are taking suppressive treatment for HIV, and whose blood tests show no detectable virus, will now be recognised as fully fit for all service. The policy change also applies to anyone wishing to join the military, meaning living with HIV is no longer a barrier for those wishing to serve.

Today’s announcement follows the significant policy changes made on World Aids Day last year to allow those taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to prevent HIV infection could join the Armed Forces with immediate effect.

The changes demonstrate Defence’s recognition of advances in the management, treatment and prevention of HIV and its commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces become a more modern and inclusive employer.

Chief of Defence People, Lieutenant General James Swift said:

Our people are our greatest asset and as part of the drive to modernise our Armed Forces we are making these long overdue policy changes so people with HIV, but no detectable virus, are now able to join the military and those serving will be declared fully fit.

This welcome change in policy is a recognition of the superb medical advancements that have been made and the decisive work by those that helped to bring about these changes. We will continue to ensure that all our people have the best experience possible, where their health and wellbeing is prioritised, and they can serve with pride and feel valued and supported in a modern Armed Forces.

Ian Green, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

Forty years since the start of the HIV epidemic, this historic rule change shows the truly remarkable progress that’s been made. We’ve made huge strides in the fight against HIV and you can now live a long, healthy life with the virus. That means no career should be off limits – including serving in our armed forces.

It’s crucial it is now properly implemented to see the real-life impact of this momentous change for both existing serving personnel and those wishing to join. We also need to see an end to the final barrier in place which stops military aircrew and air traffic controllers taking HIV prevention pill PrEP to protect themselves against the virus. This must be reviewed and implemented as soon as possible.

Lieutenant Commander Oli Brown said: “From today I can be considered fully fit by the Royal Navy for the first time since I told them about my HIV diagnosis. Being labelled as limited deployable made me question myself and doubt my capability – it took a toll on my mental health. The biggest thing about this change is knowing that no-one else will feel how I did. The message is loud and clear – people living with HIV are not limited in any way. I take one tablet a day which makes my HIV undetectable and that I can’t pass it on. There is no reason why I, or anyone else, should be restricted in the Armed Forces and today’s change reflects that reality.”

The changes announced today will be welcome news to those currently unable to deploy on operations. The new policy will ensure that people living with HIV will be provided personal medical supplies to last throughout their deployment. If this should get lost or damaged, it can be replaced using the same process that already exists for other personnel needing regular medication.

The policy changes aim to remove unnecessary restrictions and processes and ensures that HIV is managed in the same way as any other comparable medical condition. These changes will remove the stigma around HIV and encourage everybody to get tested and treated, ensuring a better outcome for everyone.

Alongside this Defence continues to provide a comprehensive and high-class clinical service for those serving personnel who are living with HIV.

This delivers on commitments made at the end of last year to ensure our Armed Forces remain at the forefront of medical advancements and continue to be a world leader in the treatment of our serving personnel.

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

22 June 22. The Rt Hon. The Lord Etherton PC, Kt as chair of the review examining the experience of LGBT veterans affected by the pre-2000 ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

 

22 June 22. The Prime Minister has reappointed Hugh Bullock and Lt Gen Andrew Figgures for second terms of 3 years and 5 months, from 1 September 2022 until 31 January 2026. Mark Urban has been reappointed for a second term of 3 years and 5 months from 16 October 2022 until 15 March 2026 at the Imperial War Museum.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

22 June 22. Michael Bloomberg Sworn In as Defense Innovation Board Chair. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presided today over the swearing in of Michael R. Bloomberg as chair of the Defense Innovation Board.  Bloomberg is the first chair of the Defense Innovation Board appointed since the completion of Secretary Austin’s zero-based review of all DoD advisory boards and committees.

 

22 June 22. DOD Announces New Reserve Forces Policy Board Members. On November 29, 2021, the Secretary of Defense directed that the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) can resume operations after his Zero Base Review, and on June 09, 2022, he appointed the following new Board members: MajGen (Ret) Arnold L. Punaro, USMCR, Chair; Ms. Margaret Sydney Ashworth; MG Susan E. Henderson, USAR; RDML Miriam L. Lafferty, USCGR; BG Haldane B. Lamberton, ARNG; Brig Gen Michele K. LaMontagne, ANG; Ms. Michelle Lenihan; MajGen Michael S. Martin, USMCR; Brig Gen (Ret) Carlos E. Martinez, USAFR; Maj Gen Eric S. Overturf, USAFR; Ms. Kathryn Roth-Douquet; RADML Eric C. Ruttenberg, USNR; CSM (Ret) John F. Sampa ARNG;  Loren D. Schulman; Mr. Paul N. Stockton;  Mr. Atul Vashishta; Dr. Ms. Debra S. Wada; and CW5 (Ret) Phyllis J. Wilson, USAR.

 

22 June 22. DOD Announces Appointment of DACOWITS Members. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has appointed 14 members to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). Consistent with guidance directed by Secretary Austin, the Defense Department explored a larger pool of the nation’s talented, innovative private and public sector leaders, whose service will provide a more diverse and inclusive membership promoting variety in background, experience, and thought in support of the Committee’s mission. Members were sworn-in today, ahead of tomorrow’s first public DACOWITS business meeting. This will be the first meeting held since the Defense Department conducted a Zero-Base Review which suspended committee operations in January 2021.

Committee member appointments include:

  • Retired Colonel Nancy P. Anderson, U. S. Marine Corps
  • Retired Captain Kenneth J. Barrett, U. S. Navy
  • Retired Captain Catherine W. Cox, U. S. Navy Reserve Nurse Corps
  • Dr. Trudi C. Ferguson
  • Retired Sergeant Major Robin C. Fortner, U. S. Marine Corps
  • Retired Colonel Many-Bears Grinder, U. S. Army National Guard
  • Ms. Robin S. Kelleher
  • Ms. Marquette J. Leveque, U.S. Navy Veteran
  • Retired Sergeant Major Caprecia A. Miller, U. S. Army
  • Ms. Ann M. Norris
  • Retired Rear Admiral Mary P. O’Donnell, U. S. Coast Guard Reserve
  • Retired Colonel Dawn E. B. Scholz, U. S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps
  • Retired Brigadier General Allyson R. Solomon, U. S. Air National Guard
  • Retired Colonel Samantha A. Weeks, U. S. Air Force

On March 22, 2022, as part of resuming Committee operations, the DACOWITS leadership cadre was sworn-in:

  • Chair, Ms. Shelly O’Neill Stoneman
  • Vice Chair, Retired Vice Admiral Robin R. Braun, U.S. Navy
  • Recruitment and Retention Subcommittee Chair, Retired Lieutenant General Kevin W. Mangum, U.S. Army
  • Employment and Integration Subcommittee Chair, Retired Command Master Chief Octavia D. Harris, U.S. Navy
  • Well-Being and Treatment Subcommittee Chair, Retired Brigadier General Jarisse J. Sanborn, U.S. Air Force

The DACOWITS is composed of civilian women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well-being, and treatment of women in the Armed Forces. Members perform a variety of duties including visiting military installations each year, conducting a review and evaluation of current research on military women, and developing an annual report with recommendations on these issues for the Secretary of Defense.

 

22 June 22. Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase Jr. will be assigned as commander, Defense Logistics Agency – Distribution, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.  Chase is currently assigned as director, Joint Reserve Forces, J9, Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

 

22 June 22. Capt. Michael L. Baker, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as senior defense official/defense attaché – India, New Delhi, India.  Baker is currently serving as International Affairs Branch head, N5, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

22 June 22. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the appointment of Jan Adams AO PSM as the new Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, effective from 1 July. Adams, a senior career officer with DFAT, currently serves as Australia’s Ambassador to Japan. The new appointee has previously served as Ambassador to China, as a senior trade negotiator, and as Ambassador for Climate Change.  Adams has also been posted to Washington and to the OECD Secretariat in Paris. She replaces Kathryn Campbell AO CSC, who has served as Secretary of DFAT since July 2021. Prime Minister Albanese has revealed Campbell would now assume an unspecified “senior appointment” in the Defence portfolio in an “AUKUS-related role”. Prior to joining DFAT, Campbell served as Secretary of the Department of Social Services from September 2017 to July 2021 and Secretary of the Department of Human Services from 2011 to 2017. (Source: Defence Connect)

 

INDUSTRY

 

INDUSTRY TEAMINGS

 

PERSONNEL

 

22 June 22. EVONA – specialist space sector recruiter rewrites the rules on finding the best talent on the planet.

The space sector has an issue; an issue that can only be solved through innovation, thought-leadership and a fresh approach to how the human capital flows through it.

It’s well-known that there is a deficit of talent moving into the sector and pursuing STEM occupations. At an early age we see potential talent discouraged from STEM careers and the space sector, not seeing themselves reflected within, or simply not deeming their skill relevant. EVONA is on a mission to change this.

As recruiters that work exclusively within the space sector, EVONA have already made a huge impact in the United States. Rewriting the rules for space companies sourcing and retaining key talent, EVONA headhunt relevant skill from outside of the space sector to meet current demand and make a genuine difference to NewSpace start-ups.

Through grass-root change and education as STEM ambassadors EVONA see their role as pivotal to fostering diversity and inclusion in the sector and portraying the sector as accessible to all, regardless of background to solve future workforce shortages. It is only through challenging behaviours within, and encouraging change, that the UK space sector can explode at the proposed rates and meet its potential to improve the UK prosperity agenda.

The UK space infrastructure is part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and as such, is just as much under threat from foreign intervention as its terrestrial counterparts. EVONA is well placed to support the UK Defence entities scale quickly in order to deliver its defensive objectives. EVONA embodies a revolution; a change to the way space companies source key new talent and a solution to the future workforce issues that will prevent it from reaching its potential.

About EVONA:

  • EVONA (www.evona.com) was born when four passionate recruitment specialists teamed up to apply their skills to improve the long-term prospects of the international space industry. Set up in 2018 by Tom Kelly, Jack Madley, Ryan Hill and Richard Joyce, our co-founders represent more than 40 combined years of recruitment experience and 30+ years of recruiting for the space sector.
  • EVONA’s HQ is in Bristol, UK.
  • Now at 50 + heads, we use our expertise to match amazing abilities to incredible opportunities in the space sector. The result is that we’re one of the fastest growing space sector recruiters in the world.
  • EVONA’s mission is to demystify the space sector so everyone feels they can have a successful career in one of the most exciting industries in the universe
  • EVONA has a team of purpose led STEM ambassadors who dedicate or free time to advancing the importance of STEM initiatives amongst the younger generations.
  • EVONA won UK New Business of the Year from Lloyds Bank British Business Excellent Awards in Nov 2021
  • For further information or images please contact Adele Fox – Head of Marketing EVONA on (+44) 7989 691 486

 

EUROPE APPOINTMENTS

 

14 June 22. Andy Thurling joins DroneUp to lead the company’s UTM strategy. DroneUp has today announced the appointment of Andy Thurling as the company’s first Vice President of Airspace Innovation. In this role, Mr. Thurling will lead the development and execution of DroneUp’s airspace and Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) strategies. He will also help create standards and policies that support the company’s path to commercial beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. Mr. Thurling previously was Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at NUAIR, a New York-based nonprofit organization focused on the safe integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace. At NUAIR, he led technical research on UAS technologies, evaluated potential paths to implementation, set industry standards for approval by regulators, and tested techniques to verify compliance in one of the largest drone operating corridors—from Rome, NY to Syracuse. Prior to NUAIR, Mr. Thurling was Director of Product Safety and Mission Assurance at AeroVironment, where he led airworthiness, certification, and airspace access strategic efforts. For more information: https://www.droneup.com. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

 

21 Jun 22. Brendan Nolan Appointed as new Managing Director of Inzpire Limited. QinetiQ and Inzpire are pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan (Bren) Nolan as the new Managing Director (MD) of Inzpire Limited, effective 22 June 2022. Bren has spent the last three years as the business development director for QinetiQ’s Air and Space business where he has been responsible for all aspects of business growth, from strategy through to sales. Prior to QinetiQ, Bren worked at Leonardo Electronics (formerly Selex) and also has small business and entrepreneurial experience, having worked for a maritime security start-up. He also has extensive military experience, having spent 18 years in the RAF with front line tours on both the Tornado GR1 and Chinook aircraft.   Bren’s appointment comes following the decision of Hugh Griffiths to step down from the role of CEO to become Executive Chairman, with his last day as CEO being 21 June 2022. Hugh is one of the original founders of Inzpire, having established the company in May 2005 alongside two ex-military colleagues. In his 17 years with Inzpire, Hugh has seen the company grow from three people to almost 300. He originally served as the company’s Chairman from 2005 – 2012, before taking up the role of CEO for the next ten years.

 

U.S. APPOINTMENTS

 

21 June 22. Boeing Elects David L. Gitlin to Board of Directors. The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Board of Directors today announced that it has elected David L. Gitlin as its newest member. Gitlin will join the Aerospace Safety Committee and the Finance Committee. Gitlin, 53, currently serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Carrier and brings to the Board more than 20 years of aerospace industry experience. He previously served in several executive leadership roles, including as president and chief operating officer of Collins Aerospace Systems, and as president of UTC Aerospace Systems.

 

21 June 22. C3 AI (NYSE: AI), the Enterprise AI software company, today announced the addition of U.S. Air Force retired General John E. Hyten to its advisory board. General Hyten recently retired after serving as the 11th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2021. As the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Hyten was the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer. An engineering graduate from Harvard University in 1981, he spent the bulk of his military career in space operations and engineering. Among his numerous commands, he led the United States Strategic Command from 2016 to 2019 and Air Force Space Command from 2014 to 2016. He has received numerous awards and recognitions including: Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and Commendation Medals from both Air Force and the Army. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

21 June 22. Capewell, a global leader in engineering aviation and life support solutions, announced Gail Baker has joined the company’s Board of Advisors. Gail Baker’s career began in engineering at Hamilton Standard, a division of UTC Aerospace Systems, now Raytheon Technologies, and has included 35+ years of leadership positions in engineering, program management, business development, mergers and acquisitions, global factory management, and P&L oversight. In 2020, she retired from the corporate world as President, Aftermarket Services for Collins Aerospace, with responsibility for more than $11bn in revenue. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

22 June 22. Capewell, a global leader in engineering aviation and life support solutions, announced Elayna Roberts has joined the company as Director of Human Capital.. As Capewell’s Director of Human Capital, Roberts will report to Gregory Bloom, Capewell’s CEO, and be accountable for developing, managing, and executing the company’s talent management and human capital strategies. She will also be responsible for daily oversight of the Human Resource (HR) operations across all Capewell locations, including talent development, compensation and benefits, compliance, and acquisition integration activities. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

22 June 22. J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government and environmental sectors, announced the appointment of Dr. Will Roper to its Operating Executive Board (“OEB”).  JFLCO’s OEB is a group of senior executives and general and flag officers with deep expertise in the firm’s target markets.  Through broad relationships and unique expertise, OEB members contribute to sector-specific strategy development, investment origination, due diligence and portfolio company oversight and support.  Dr. Roper joins the OEB after serving as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (“SAF/AQ”), where he was responsible for research, development and acquisition activities across over 550 programs with an aggregate annual budget of more than $60 bn.  Dr. Roper is widely credited for leading transformative approaches at the Pentagon focused on rapid acquisition and disruptive innovation.  He pioneered the creation of AFWERX and SPACEWERX, fast-moving teams focused on investing in startups and smaller high-growth companies for the Air Force and Space Force.  Additionally, he worked with new prime contractors at a larger scale to foster competition with traditional industry participants and drive innovation, especially in agile software and digital engineering.

 

21 June 22. Virgin Orbit (Nasdaq: VORB) announced the addition of Stephen Zhang as the company’s first Vice President of Investor Relations. Zhang will work as the company’s primary liaison to the investor community, while serving as a key advisor to the leadership team. He will also manage the earnings process and other shareholder-related matters as part of the company’s comprehensive investor relations program. Prior to joining the Virgin Orbit team, Zhang was Director of Investor Relations at Raytheon Technologies, where he supported the company’s executive team in engaging top shareholders. Zhang helped guide the company through several transformational corporate initiatives and a merger of equals with Raytheon Company to form Raytheon Technologies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

17 June 22. ZeroEyes, Inc., creators of the only A.I.-based platform focused on weapons detection that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced the promotion of JT Wilkins to Senior Vice President of Government Solutions and Dustin Kisling to Senior Vice President of Strategy. These promotions position ZeroEyes for accelerated growth of its first-of-a-kind A.I. weapons detection platform into government markets and through targeted strategic partnerships. In his newly expanded role, Mr. Wilkins will be responsible for the strategic and targeted growth of the ZeroEyes government solutions across federal and municipal government markets. He will focus on growing A.I. threat detection into the DoD requirement cycle, developing ZeroEyes’ Air Force SBIR into a program of record, expanding ZeroEyes’ solution into federal civilian agencies, and establishing strategic defense partnerships. In Mr. Kisling’s newly expanded role as Senior Vice President of Strategy, he will be responsible for strategic alignment with ZeroEyes’ industry and technology partners, go-to-market opportunity evaluation and strategy development, industry M&A, VC and PE landscape evaluation and initiatives, and overseeing business development initiatives.

Mr. Kisling and Mr. Wilkins are both military veterans. Previously, Mr. Wilkins served as a Marine Gunnery Sergeant and led intelligence and targeting operations in the Special Operations Forces. Throughout his career in the Marines, Mr. Wilkins operated at every level of the Department of Defense, working directly with the Intelligence Community, Department of Justice, and other governmental agencies to mitigate threats against the United States and Allied Nations. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS

 

20 Jun 22. The Ontario Aerospace Council announced today that Dwayne Charette, president and chief operating officer of Airbus Helicopters Canada, was elected board chair and assumed the role on May 27. His responsibilities include chairing OAC executive committee and board of directors’ meetings, providing oversight of organizational operations, as well as advocating for Ontario’s aerospace industry within the province, at the federal level and globally. Dwayne Charette was appointed president of Airbus Helicopters Canada on August 1, 2019, adding to his previous role of chief operating officer. As president, Charette’s responsibility was expanded to include all facets of the enterprise in Canada and he is the accountable executive for the Canadian helicopter business line. He is a member of Airbus Helicopters’ North American Executive Committee as well as the representative of Airbus Helicopters within Airbus in Canada’s senior leadership team. Charette began his career with Airbus Helicopters in 2003 and has been a member of the OAC board since 2016, including chair of the scholarship committee since 2017.

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