J. Richard Jones is back with another episode of Vanguard Radio. This time he’s sitting down to speak with Tracy Medve, President & CEO of KF Aerospace and Board Chair of SkyAlyne. The discussion covers many topics, including Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) and SkyAlyne, the Canadian-Multi Mission Aircraft project (CMMA) and Team Poseidon.
Since she began her career in aviation in 1985, Tracy has held various senior airline management positions, including at Norcanair, Time Air, Canadian Partner, and Canadian Regional Airlines. Tracy was the co-founder of C.T. AeroProjects, a Calgary-based consultancy focused on air transport resource management, working with a wide range of public and private aviation clients around the world. From 2007 to 2012, Tracy was the President of Canadian North Airlines.
In May 2013, Tracy was appointed President of KF Aerospace and became President and CEO in August 2021. Tracy is a lawyer by training (University of Saskatchewan, 1982) and a graduate of the John Molson School of Business Global Aviation MBA program at Concordia University (2009). She is the 2007 recipient of the John Molson School of Business MBA Scholarship and was inducted as a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honour society in 2009.
Tracy also served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves as a Signals Officer from 1975 to 1981.
Founded by Barry Lapointe in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia in 1970, KF Aerospace is Canada’s largest commercial aviation maintenance, repair, overhaul, and modification (MRO) provider. With a workforce of over 1200 highly skilled employees, KF’s multi-faceted business operations include first-class engineering and design services, commercial aircraft leasing and decades of experience as a commercial cargo carrier. KF Aerospace also has a long history of supporting and working with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) including managing the CFTS pilot training contract for the RCAF at Southport, MB since 2005.
In this episode:
Join J. Richard Jones as he dives into conversation with Chris Earl, Vice President, Project Delivery, Victoria Shipyards to learn more about the history and future of Canada’s submarine program and how Victoria Shipyards is uniquely positioned to support it.
Chris Earl joined Seaspan Victoria Shipyards in 2021, and in July 2022, assumed his current role as Vice President, Project Delivery. Chris is a retired Rear-Admiral (RAdm) in the Royal Canadian Navy, where he spent the last 35 years serving Canada. During his last four years in uniform, RAdm (Ret’d) Earl served as the Chief Engineer of the Royal Canadian Navy and was appointed as the Chief of Staff (Material); the most senior military procurement and sustainment specialist within the Material group of the Canadian Armed Forces. In his current role as Vice President, Project Delivery, Chris is responsible for all Naval maintenance programs and National Shipbuilding Strategy build support activities conducted at Victoria Shipyards.
Chris is a graduate of the Royal Military College, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Defence Studies, and is a graduate of both the Canadian Forces College Joint Command and Staff and National Security Programmes.
Victoria Shipyards specializes in complex projects up to complete vessel conversions. It is an integral part of the Canadian Navy frigate and submarine maintenance programs, with its highly specialized and experienced team providing critical maintenance on Canada’s Halifax-class frigates for over 20 years and in-service support for its Victoria-Class submarines for over a decade.
Victoria Shipyards is one of the few North American shipyards executing work on international cruise vessels and performing the first major vessel LNG dual fuel conversion on two ships. Victoria Shipyards operates within the federally owned Esquimalt Graving Dock (EGD), the largest solid bottom commercial drydock on the West Coast of the Americas.
In this episode:
In the latest edition Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones sits down with Soledad Garrido, Senior Key Account Manager, North America, Navantia. Together they look back on the rich history of the Peral submarine. Launched on September 8, 1888, it was the first fully capable military submarine, and the first successful full electric battery-powered submarine.
Sol Garrido has more than 20 years of experience in the Defense and Aerospace sector, living and working in three continents. Working for Navantia since 2019, first as Strategy & Business Development Lead in the Australian branch of the company, nowadays Sol is Navantia´s Key Account Manager for North America. She has an extensive education that includes MsC Control Engineer - University Carlos III de Madrid (Spain), Thesis at the Ecole Supérieure d'Electricité de Paris (France), Master of Business Administration - University of New South Wales (Australia), and other business studies at IESE Business School as well as University of California, Berkeley.
Navantia is a state-owned company (SEPI Group), which designs and builds ships with a high technological content for the Spanish Navy and other navies. They integrate systems and provide life cycle support, repairs, modernization, and technology transfer (ToT) services in 20 countries. They are also a highly export-oriented company.
Navantia’s activity focuses on three areas: Shipbuilding and Ship Repairs, Systems and Services and Green Energy, where they are an international benchmark in offshore wind energy.
Digital transformation and sustainability are two of their future axes. With more than 300 years of history, Navantia is today a company that develops cutting-edge technology (digital twin, 5G, Internet of Things, eco-efficient design, hydrogen technologies) and has a tractor effect on the entire value chain, innovating and creating highly qualified employment and growth.
In this episode:
In this exciting new episode of the Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones speaks exclusively with Steve SK Jeong, SEVP, Naval Ship International Business, Hanwha Ocean, and Ret. VADM of Republic of Korea Navy/ Former Submarine Force Commander. The two discuss a range of topics, including the importance of a proven submarine design, the heritage of the Republic of Korea’s Navy Submarine Force, and the history and submarine expertise of Hanwha Ocean.
Sungkyun Jeong is the Head of the international business division for naval ships in Hanwha Ocean. He joined in 2023, bringing with him a distinguished career as a former vice admiral of the ROK Navy. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated expertise in military strategy, naval capabilities, and requirements, as well as successful leadership in various projects. He chaired Submarine Force Commander, Director for Joint Military strategy and WMD Center of JCS, and DCNO for Naval Capabilities, Requirements and Strategy for ROKN Headquarters.
His educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering from the USNA, a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Florida, a Master's degree in National Security and Strategy from the US National Defense University, and successful completion of the Royal British Navy International Senior Leadership Course.
Hanwha Ocean has made a remarkable impact on the global market since its foundation in 1973. Since its entry into the naval ship market, Hanwha Ocean has designed and built a wide range of advanced naval ships. It has established its solid position as a leading naval shipbuilder in Korea. Hanwha Ocean's KSS-III submarine design and construction aims to meet the requirements of Royal Canadian Navy.
In this episode:
In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones talks with Jack MacDonald, Technical Director, ADGA Group about ADGA’s core services, observations, and insights on defence procurement problems and how ADGA's Value-added Program Management service is part of the solution.
Jack MacDonald served 27 years in the Canadian Armed Forces before taking on leadership roles both within government and the defence industry. He brings years of experience in complex procurement, program management and technology innovation to his current role as Technical Director for ADGA Group.
ADGA Group is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated defence and security technology company. Their core services include value-added program management, agile software engineering development, and integrated security solutions. ADGA is recognized for employing advanced technology experts who bring unparalleled expertise in defence and security systems. For decades, ADGA have recruited CAF veterans to integrate their unique skill sets and highly specialized training into their workforce and work culture. ADGA’s social mandate is not only to hire veterans, but also family members and fellow citizens who share a passion to protect Canadians and Canada’s allies, and to give back to veteran causes in the community.
In this episode:
In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has a discussion with Ted Kirkpatrick, Director of Business Development and Government Relations, Heddle Shipyards about shipbuilding in Ontario, Team Vigilance eliminating the boom-and-bust cycles of shipbuilding and repair, and much more.
Ted Kirkpatrick, a seasoned maritime professional with a diverse background, joined Heddle Shipyards in 2019. In 2020, he assumed the role of Director of Business Development and Government Relations. Ted's journey began as a deckhand in 2012 with McKeil Marine, where he worked his way up to becoming a Captain and Navigation officer, obtaining his certificates while at sea.
Throughout his career, Ted has gained extensive experience on various vessels, from tugs to self-unloaders and pneumatic cement carriers. He has been actively involved in both vessel maintenance and operations, fostering deep connections within the Canadian commercial shipping industry.
In his current role, Ted is focused on enhancing Heddle's market presence and nurturing relationships with clients and government entities.
Heddle Shipyards is the largest Canadian ship repair and construction company on the Great Lakes operating shipyards in Hamilton, St. Catharines and Thunder Bay. A wholly Canadian owned company, Heddle has been in continuous operation since 1987 and is the leading vessel life cycle services provider on the Great Lakes. Their vision is to be recognized as the most reliable provider of ship repair and maintenance services in Canada and a meaningful partner in the shipbuilding industry.
In this episode:
In this exciting episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones speaks with Derek Buxton, VP Business Development & Ottawa about the Vigilance Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel, and the importance of the proposed Team Canada approach.
Derek Buxton has 32 years of combined service with the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard and is currently spearheading the development of new opportunities for VARD in the global government shipbuilding sector. After completing his engineering degree at the Royal Military College of Canada, Derek started his career in the military serving in many sea-going and shore-based roles. He spent four years on exchange duties in Australia with the COLLINS Class submarine program, and subsequently worked on the acquisition and in-service support of Canada’s VICTORIA Class submarines upon his return to Canada. He then finished his military career in 2007 as the design authority for submarine platform systems. Derek spent eleven years with the Canadian Coast Guard in key leadership roles supporting its renewal program, and most recently was responsible for the requirements definition and concept development for the Coast Guard’s future fleet.
Vard Marine Inc. is a consulting naval architecture and marine engineering company established in 1983 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of VARD Group AS in Norway, a Fincantieri company. These partnerships provide for access to design and construction databases from both VARD Group and Fincantieri that can be utilized in projects worldwide.
In this episode:
Join us for another insightful episode of Vanguard Radio. J. Richard Jones speaks with Philippe Perey, Head of Technology, CAE.
CAE is at the leading edge of digital immersion, providing solutions to make the world a safer place. Today and tomorrow, CAE is the partner of choice for customers who operate in a complex, highly dynamic, and largely unpredictable environment where safety, mission readiness and successful outcomes are critical.
The topic of conversation pits innovation against experience in modern military training.
In this episode:
Welcome back to another episode of Vanguard Radio with host J. Richard Jones. In this episode, we speak with Theo Zafirakos, CISO Coach and Professional Services, Security Awareness Speaker for Fortra's Terranova Security. Theo is an experienced security leader and trusted advisor known for his expertise in security awareness strategy, governance, privacy, and cyber security. He collaborates with CISOs and security leaders globally, assisting them in identifying, evaluating, and managing security awareness risks. Prior to joining Terranova Security, Theo spent two decades at Canadian National Railway (CN) as the CISO, where he was responsible for the information security and governance strategy. He currently leads the Fortra's Terranova Security Professional Services team, which focuses on implementing and executing security awareness programs to achieve measurable results.
Terranova Security is a valuable addition to Fortra's comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio, which aims to simplify the complex landscape with innovative solutions. Their risk-based campaigns and high-quality training content empower employees to understand critical practices like phishing and compliance. Customized options align with customer goals, strengthening long-term information security. Terranova fosters an inclusive workplace with equal gender representation and encourages diverse voices to drive innovative security awareness training.
Today’s conversation zeros in on the fact that a successful security awareness program should generate a security-aware organizational culture.
In this episode:
J. Richard Jones returns with a new episode of Vanguard Radio. This week he is speaking with Colonel (Ret’d) Rick Fawcett, Vice President Operations, ADGA Group Consultants Inc. Mr. Fawcett is no stranger to the show. With 34 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, he transitioned to executive roles in the Defense industry and joined ADGA in September 2020. He held various command and staff positions, served in multiple UN and NATO missions, and received notable honors. After retiring in 2013, he established a private consulting firm and later became the Director of Business Development at General Dynamics Canada, focusing on defense and security markets.
Founded in 1967, ADGA Group Consultants Inc. is a Canadian company specializing in Advanced Technology Solutions. They work closely with clients in Defence, Security, and Public Safety markets to solve complex business problems by designing, building, operating, and maintaining their systems and processes. ADGA is committed to initiatives and policies that contribute to jobs, innovation, and economic growth across Canada. In December 2021, ADGA was acquired by Commissionaires Ottawa, enhancing its capabilities to provide a full spectrum of security solutions.
This week the discussion revolves around industry support to the reconstitution and modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces.
In this episode:
Why is there such a need for additional support for the CAF?
What industry can do to support
What is PMO as a service?
How can ADGA support?
And much more!
J. Richard Jones is back with another episode of Vanguard Radio. This week he speaks with Owen Brine, Sales Director Defence (Canada) at Kongsberg Digital. In his role at Kongsberg Digital, Owen draws upon a distinguished 20 years of active naval service; including four NATO deployments conducting operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Among other Navy roles, he was assigned to National Defence Headquarters where he led the defence Human Systems Integration team in the design of the Combat Management System for the Halifax Class warship.
Kongsberg Digital is the provider of the K-Sim maritime simulation system that enables efficient and realistic training of students and crew, building vital skills that promote safety, cost-efficiency, and sustainability in operations at sea.
Also in this episode:
In this episode of the Vanguard podcast, J. Richard Jones is joined by Simon Carroll, President, Saab Canada, and Jason Howard, Saab CPSP Campaign Director. Simon Carroll leads the Canadian Saab teams in Ottawa, Halifax, Medicine Hat, and Burnaby. A former Officer in the Royal Australian Navy, he has many decades of experience in the defence and naval sectors. Jason Howard has 20 years of experience in the defence industry, where he has held positions in business development, strategy, and marketing and sales. Jason has spent the last 5 years working in Saab's naval division, Saab Kockums, where he has now taken responsibility for the company's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project campaign.
The conversation dives into a range of topics from Saab’s collaborative approach and the importance of future proofing submarines to Saab’s history with Canada and submarine development.
Also in this episode:
And to learn more about Saab, visit Saab.ca
Join host, J. Richard Jones, as he talks to Victor Khoo, Chief Engineer, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Alkarim Amlani, Director of Cyber Programs, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. Victor’s career has spanned many industries and experiences — from Oil & Gas, SCADA and Telecom to designing cell phones, international airport audio systems, and cryptographic algorithms. He has been with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada for the past 16 years. Alkarim has over 30 years of engineering and senior leadership experience with both Nortel Networks and General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, having joined the latter in 2002. Alkarim has profit and loss oversight for General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada’s growing Cyber business unit. This responsibility includes the delivery of existing cyber programs to Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) while providing oversight and leadership around various business development and opportunity pursuits related to emerging cyber operations programs in Canada and select international markets.
General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada is one of Canada’s most established defence and security technology companies, delivering solutions and tools that are battlefield proven and have earned the confidence of soldiers and leaders worldwide.
In this episode:
How the technical challenges of army digitization are progressing
Land C4ISR Modernization Programs
key considerations when bringing CAF infrastructure to the cloud
Making the CAF’s Digital Strategy a reality
And more!
In the latest episode of Vanguard Weekly, join host J. Richard Jones for the first of an ongoing series that will discuss the topic of training and upskilling using capstones. He is joined by guests Caleb Walker, Chief Strategy Officer for WithYouWithMe and Major General (Retired) Rupert Jones. Caleb is a 20-year combat veteran with a passion for HR and digital transformation as well as cultural change, and a frequent guest of the show. Rupert is a retired senior British Army officer, who served as the Standing Joint Force Commander from November 2018 to July 2021. Together, they tackle the questions of how to measure the returns on staff training and how to determine what value was gained.
Also in this episode:
Today, host J. Richard Jones is joined by Rick Fawcett, Vice President, Operations ADGA. Richard is retired Colonel who served 34 years in the Canadian Armed Forces before taking on executive roles in the defence industry and joining the ADGA team in September 2020. Founded in 1967, ADGA Group Consultants Inc. is a privately owned and operated Canadian company specializing in Advanced Technology Solutions. In December 2021, ADGA was acquired by Commissionaires Ottawa, converging its capabilities with allied companies to provide a one-stop, full spectrum of cyber, electronic, and physical security solutions. ADGA is also committed to initiatives and policies that contribute to jobs, innovation, and economic growth across Canada. Vanguard asks Rick to explain what and how ADGA delivers for Canada.
Also in this episode:
How can digitization be used to provide a tactical edge? That’s the question we answer in the latest episode of the Vanguard Podcast. Host J. Richard Jones sits down with Rick Bowes, Vice-President Digitization & Counter-Threat Products, KWESST Inc. to discuss C4ISR and first contact. Rick had a distinguished career as a senior officer in the Canadian Army, retiring in 2003 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He is a graduate of Royal Military College of Canada and served in various operational and staff roles in the Canadian military and on secondment to the British Army. Since retiring from the military, Rick has held various senior roles with defence contractors such as General Dynamics Canada, DRS Technologies Canada (now Leonardo DRS), ATCO Frontec, and ADGA Group Inc. KWESST develops and commercializes proprietary next-generation technologies that deliver a tactical advantage for military, security forces, and personal defence.
In this episode:
Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Vanguard radio with host J. Richard Jones. In this episode we speak about simulation training with two very special guests who come at the topic from two different areas. Anita Pawluk is the President of RaceRocks 3D and Cathy Press is the CEO of Chinook Helicopters. Since co-founding RaceRocks in 2010 Anita has led the company to be recognized as a leading high-tech firm delivering Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) and digital training solutions to the defence and aerospace industries. Cathy is the first female helicopter flight instructor in Canada, and she has grown the family business from two helicopters to an internationally recognized flight school. Both women are very accomplished entrepreneurs who are highly involved in their communities. In the discussion, the three explore what is currently available in terms of simulation training technology, its accessibility, and what the present challenges are in the field. They also discuss what the future holds and what benefits are on the near horizon.
Also in this episode:
Welcome back to a brand-new episode of Vanguard radio with host J. Richard Jones. In this episode we speak about simulation training with two very special guests who come at the topic from two different areas. Anita Pawluk is the President of RaceRocks 3D and Cathy Press is the CEO of Chinook Helicopters. Since co-founding RaceRocks in 2010 Anita has led the company to be recognized as a leading high-tech firm delivering Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) and digital training solutions to the defence and aerospace industries. Cathy is the first female helicopter flight instructor in Canada, and she has grown the family business from two helicopters to an internationally recognized flight school. Both women are very accomplished entrepreneurs who are highly involved in their communities. In the discussion, the three explore what is currently available in terms of simulation training technology, its accessibility, and what the present challenges are in the field. They also discuss what the future holds and what benefits are on the near horizon.
Also in this episode:
Recently the Chief of the Defence Staff issued a direction to begin the reconstitution of the CAF. This undertaking is being implemented on a large scale and is now considered a critical priority. Joining the discussion is Caleb Walker, Chief Strategy Officer from WithYouWithMe. Tune in as they discuss key factors such as modernization, growth, and retention strategies.
In this episode:
In this edition of Vanguard Weekly, J. Richard Jones chats about citizen development and how technology applications are enabling scalable solutions to help citizens. Joining the show are special guests Brian Macdonald, Executive Director with Aman Lara and Caleb Walker, SVP Global Pursuits at WithYouWithMe.
Aman Lara is a not for profit group of former veterans and volunteers helping "good people get out of bad places." They have had tremendous results, first in Afghanistan and now in Ukraine. Tune in to learn about the unique collaboration between WithYouWithMe and Aman Lara. We also explore the special app that has been developed to provide greater accessibility in helping extract people from dangerous places, all the way from the tracking and processing through to the final immigration stage.
In this episode:
In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, J. Richard Jones is joined by Duncan McSporran, Chief Operations Officer & VP Defence and Public Sector, Kognitiv Spark. Mr. McSporran is a former military officer with a background in applied remote sensing, cartography, and GIS. He is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Oxford Brookes University. In 2016, he helped to set up Kognitiv Spark which has grown into a global leader in the field of Augmented and Mixed Reality. His conversation with J. Richard Jones provides a brief over of Mixed Reality and its role in future deployments.
Also in this episode:
In this episode of Vanguard Weekly, J. Richard Jones catches up with Chief Strategy Officer, Caleb Walker from WithYouWithMe (WYWM). The topic of discussion is a new digital software factory for the Canadian Armed Forces by the WYWM team and how this new project will assist in driving digital solutions and innovation that remove silos and help increase connectivity across the enterprise.
Canada joins other allies who are embracing digital solutions to help streamline processes across the enterprise to help realize efficiencies when it comes to supporting defence teams. Do you have an idea on how to improve processes? Looking to participate in a design sprint?
Tune in to find out how you can submit your ideas to the software factory.
Join J. Richard Jones for the latest episode of Vanguard Radio as he dives into the weighty topic of digitization with Victor Khoo, Chief Engineer, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Infantry Officer Austin Douglas (Ret’d), Capture Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada. Army digitization presents many serious technical challenges and today’s conversation revolves around how TNaaS can solve these for the Canadian Armed Forces.
In this episode:
Join J. Richard Jones for another informative episode of Vanguard Radio. In this episode he speaks with Joseph McBrearty, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, and a world leader in developing nuclear technology for peaceful and innovative applications. With their unique expertise, they are restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technology, and making medical breakthroughs that improve the health of people around the world.
In this episode:
Join J. Richard Jones for another informative episode of Vanguard Radio. In this episode he speaks with Joseph McBrearty, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, and a world leader in developing nuclear technology for peaceful and innovative applications. With their unique expertise, they are restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technology, and making medical breakthroughs that improve the health of people around the world.
In this episode: