Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala

In this episode I am on the flight line at Canadian Forces Base Comox where I speak with Lieutenant-Colonel Claude Rivard, the Commanding Officer of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron which is based at 19 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Comox on Canada’s west coast.In this exclusive interview, LCol Rivard provides insight into the critical mandate of 442 Squadron — one of Canada’s premier Search and Rescue (SAR) units responsible for saving lives across some of the most challenging and diverse terrain in Canada.From the rugged Pacific coastline to the demanding high-altitude environments of British Columbia’s mountains, 442 Squadron operates at the sharp end of SAR operations, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.Our chat covers the yet-to-be-delivered upgraded CH-149 Cormorant helicopter; and the introduction of the CC-295 Kingfisher, Canada’s new fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft which is now integrated into 442 Squadron’s daily operations. LCol Rivard discusses how the Kingfisher is enhancing mission effectiveness, improving response capabilities, and shaping the future of SAR in Canada.In addition, we discuss the 2025 National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), which is again hosted by 442 Squadron and 19 Wing Comox. Widely regarded as the most optimum SAR training areas in the country, the Comox region offers unparalleled geographic diversity spanning from open ocean, dense coastal terrain and high mountain elevations, which makes it an ideal location to exercise and refine SAR capabilities.LCol Rivard also speaks about the importance of the international partner nations at SAREX 2025 who train for interoperability, and who observe and share insight to tactics, techniques and procedures.My thanks to LCol Rivard for sharing his insight on 442 Squadron and SAR in Canada.GO BOLD!

In this exclusive episode of "GO BOLD with Joetey Attariwala" we cover a historic milestone for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) — the first-ever international rescue mission conducted by Canada’s new Airbus CC-295 (C295) Kingfisher Search and Rescue aircraft.The 24 July 2025 mission took place 300 km off the coast of Oregon and was in assistance to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) who were responding with a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to a person in medical distress onboard a commercial vessel.The Kingfisher, belonging to 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at 19 Wing Canadian Forces Base Comox, was tasked to provide critical top-cover over-watch and coordination while the Jayhawk helicopter was over open ocean. My guest to provide a detailed, first-hand account of the five-hour mission is Capt. KP Brar, an Air Combat Systems Officer, and the Tactical Coordinator who was onboard the Kingfisher during this rescue.You will hear Capt. Brar share how the Kingfisher and its sensors and communication systems change the way the Air Force is able to affect rescues.This episode has historic significance to the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Armed Forces as this mission marked the first time ever that Canada’s new fixed-wing search and rescue platform undertook a rescue tasking outside Canadian airspace.For additional context on the Kingfisher’s operational debut, I encourage you to listen to Episode 99 of GO BOLD which covers the aircraft’s first operational rescue, and Episode 102 of GO BOLD for the Kingfisher's first night rescue mission.GO BOLD does what few others can — we profile service members in uniform and document milestone operations. These are the stories behind the missions, told by the professionals who execute them!My thanks to Capt. Brar for sharing his time and insight on this milestone mission for the RCAF.GO BOLD!

In this episode of GO BOLD, we are honoured to welcome Royal Canadian Navy Commodore David Mazur, Commander of Canada’s Pacific Fleet, for an in-depth and candid discussion as he approaches the conclusion of his historic tenure.As the longest-serving Commander of the Pacific Fleet, Commodore Mazur brings four years of unmatched perspective on fleet readiness, operational tempo, and the evolving strategic realities of the Indo-Pacific theatre.His insights — shaped by sustained command during an era of unprecedented global disruption — offer a rare and authoritative view into the present and future of Canada’s naval presence on the West Coast.In this episode, Commodore Mazur explains how the Pacific Fleet emerged from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and restored operational momentum. He provides a detailed overview of the fleet’s ships, the increasing demand signal from the Government, and the complexities of deploying, sustaining, and supporting naval forces on exercises and operations at home and abroad.Listeners will hear a deep exploration of the evolving role of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), including how the Navy is examining their potential as command platform for Mine Countermeasure operations, their possible contributions to anti-submarine warfare, operating helicopters without an embarked air detachment, potentially hosting allied helicopter detachments, and we discuss the prospects for further weaponization.The conversation also covers new and emerging capabilities for the Halifax-class, including a new radar, the Multi-Role Boat, and the Underwater Warfare Suite Upgrade (UWSU) — with specific discussion on advancing UWSU on HMCS Ottawa. Commodore Mazur also outlines the development of the Advanced Naval Capabilities Unit, highlighting how uncrewed systems are shaping the Navy’s future operational concepts.Throughout the episode, Commodore Mazur speaks thoughtfully about the future of the Pacific Fleet. You will get an appreciation for his leadership style, all in the context of the responsibility of command in an increasingly complex maritime environment.What comes through clearly is the passion, professionalism, and strategic clarity of a leader we greatly respect.This is an authoritative and exclusive conversation — the kind of insight you will only find here on GO BOLD — and it's another example of why GO BOLD remains the trusted platform for serious defence discourse.My thanks to Commodore Mazur for the kindness, time and insight that he has shared with me, and congratulations on his promotion to Rear-Admiral. I wish Admiral Mazur all the best as he continues to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy.GO BOLD!

In this episode, we focus on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which is hosted by Australia.Exercise Talisman Sabre is the largest military exercise in the Indo-Pacific this year, and it took place in Australia from July 13 to August 4.My guest is Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Maltais, of the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC). Lieutenant-Colonel Maltais was the Joint Task Force Commander for Canada's participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre, and he provides us with a senior leader’s perspective on the scope, complexity, and importance of this biennial exercise.Exercise Talisman Sabre is bilaterally designed between Australia and the United States, and is a multilaterally planned and conducted exercise. This years exercise was the 11th and largest iteration with 19 nations participating. Approximately 600 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed to Australia for the exercise, which consisted of live fire, field training exercises incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, and air combat and maritime operations.Canada’s participation featured key assets including the C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Hercules aircraft for transport missions, a CC-144 Challenger configured for aeromedical evacuation, and the Halifax-class surface combatant HMCS Ville de Québec with its CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.In a key serial, HMCS Ville de Québec successfully conducted the firing of a Block II Harpoon missile, and completed a forward rearmament in Darwin, marking only the second time a Royal Canadian Navy ship has done so outside North America. Exercise Talisman Sabre also enabled another first for Canada with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) transporting a U.S. Army HIMARS long range precision strike weapon system, demonstrating combined capability. Not only did the RCAF transport the HIMARS weapon system but they also integrated it with the C-17 to receive location information, enabling a capability called HIMARS Rapid Infiltration (HIRAIN).There is much more to the Canadian participation in this years Exercise Talisman Sabre and Lieutenant-Colonel Maltais does a wonderful job of explaining the highlights, so I hope you will enjoy this episode.My thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Maltais for his time and insight.GO BOLD!

In this episode, we welcome Commodore Jacob French, the Commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic to discuss Exercise Cutlass Fury 2025, one of Canada’s premier multinational maritime exercises, which was conducted from June 9 to 18 off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia.Commodore French provides a senior leader’s perspective on the scope, complexity, and importance of this biennial exercise which brings together the Canadian Atlantic Fleet, joint elements of the Canadian Armed Forces, and key Allied partners including the United States Navy, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Danish Navy, to advance collective defence, strengthen maritime security, and deepen international cooperation.Along with three Halifax-class surface combatants of the Royal Canadian Navy, a key participant this year was the U.S. Navy's Los Angeles-class submarine, USS Albany. Also participating was the HDMS Vædderen, a Thetis-class ocean patrol vessel of the Royal Danish Navy.Supporting the surface ships was the Combat Support Ship Asterix, which provides fuel and provisions to Royal Canadian Navy ships, and to allies and partners.In the air was the CH-148 Cyclone and CP-140 Aurora aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Also participating was a P-8 Poseidon from the Royal Air Force.New to this year's iteration of Exercise Cutlass Fury was the participation of 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron, which used their CH-149 Cormorant helicopter as part of an integrated joint Search and Rescue exercise. For this serial, a Cormorant helicopter lowered Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) to the Asterix to help augment the Asterix's hospital capability during a practice SAR event. Commodore French breaks down how Exercise Cutlass Fury sharpened core warfighting competencies, with a particular emphasis on anti-submarine warfare and air–maritime integration, while improving interoperability across allied forces. He also reflects on what Exercise Cutlass Fury signals about Canada’s role as a reliable and capable defence partner, committed to working with allies to meet complex and evolving security challenges. We conclude our conversation with Commodore French sharing what is in store for the Atlantic Fleet.This is a very informative conversation with a senior leader, so I truly hope you enjoy this episode. My thanks to Commodore French for his time and insight.GO BOLD!

In this episode of Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala, we take listeners inside a historic Search and Rescue (SAR) mission that underscores the evolving capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).Our guest is Major Dan Faux, a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot who was part of the crew which executed the first-ever operational nighttime parachute rescue from Canada’s new Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft.The mission spanning from July 14 to 15 was to rescue a person who was critically injured when crushed by his horse.The response was led by 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from 19 Wing Comox. They launched a CC-295 Kingfisher and a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter at approximately 9:45 p.m. for what would become a 16-hour round-trip mission to an austere area roughly 185 kilometres west of Fort Nelson, BC.Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on 15 July, two SAR Technicians parachuted from the Kingfisher into a remote canyon about one kilometre from the casualty location. They navigated challenging terrain along a river to reach the injured person, delivered urgent medical care, and coordinated a successful helicopter extraction roughly two hours later.Following the extraction, the patient was transferred from the Cormorant helicopter to the Kingfisher in Fort Nelson and then flown onward to Prince George for higher-level medical treatment.The CC-295 Kingfisher entered operational service on 1 May 2025, replacing the legacy Buffalo and Hercules fleets and representing a generational shift in Canada’s fixed-wing search-and-rescue capability.You will hear Maj. Faux speak about the rescue, how the technologies in the Kingfisher is revolutionizing search and rescue in Canada, and how the platform continues to evolve.This episode, with its historic significance and first-hand perspective, is a great example of what we do best at Go Bold.For additional context on the RCAF CC-295 Kingfisher’s operational debut, I encourage you to listen to Episode #99 of Go Bold which covers the aircraft’s first operational rescue!Our thanks to Maj. Faux for his time and perspective on this milestone event in aviation and RCAF history.GO BOLD!

Welcome to a very special episode of Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala!Today’s conversation represents exactly what Go Bold is known for — direct, substantive, and authoritative discussions with the most senior leaders in defence and national security.In this episode, I speak in person with the senior most officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, and that is the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, and her colleague Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, the senior enlisted leader of the Canadian Armed Forces.Our wide-ranging discussion covers the full spectrum of issues facing the Canadian Armed Forces today — from operational readiness and institutional transformation, to the strategic challenges facing Canada at home and abroad.General Carignan shares her perspectives as the country’s senior military leader, offering clarity and context on where the CAF stands, where it is heading, and what it will take to meet the demands of an increasingly complex global security environment.Episodes like this are a hallmark of the Go Bold podcast — thoughtful, serious conversations that bring listeners inside the minds of senior military leaders, with depth, professionalism, and insight you will not find anywhere else.My thanks to General Carignan and Chief McCann for joining me on Go Bold, and for their time and insight.GO BOLD!

Welcome to a very special episode — today we mark a milestone of 100 episodes of Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala.Reaching 100 episodes is no small feat, particularly in a niche as demanding and discerning as defence and national security. Many podcasts never reach this milestone, let alone with the caliber of guests that we feature. Go Bold has not only reached it, but has done so by demonstrating that we are a trusted, authoritative platform for in-depth conversations with senior leaders across the military and defence industry.For this landmark 100th episode, we welcome back a leader we have been proud to host previously, Royal Canadian Navy Commodore David Mazur, Commander of Canada’s Pacific Fleet.Anyone who has heard previous episodes with Commodore Mazur will, I believe, share my view that he is a standout leader by way of his professionalism, passion and candor.In this episode I join Commodore Mazur on the high seas of the Eastern Pacific Ocean aboard his command ship, HMCS Regina, a front-line surface combatant of the Royal Canadian Navy.Our focus is on Exercise Trident Fury, a Canadian-led, multinational and multi-domain exercise that represents one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s most complex and operationally relevant training events.Commodore Mazur provides detailed insight into the scope of the exercise, the participating nations and units, and the strategic goals and objectives of Exercise Trident Fury 2025. Of particular note is a significant first for the Royal Canadian Navy: the Mako Demonstration, which experimented with the use of an unmanned surface vessel as a weapon system — highlighting the Navy’s focus on innovation and future warfighting concepts.You will hear that there were many firsts during Exercise Trident Fury 2025, and I'm proud to say that only here on Go Bold will you find true contextual detail about them.This 100th episode is an example of what we strive for at Go Bold: detail-packed, candid, and substantive conversations with senior leaders who are shaping today’s military operations and tomorrow’s capabilities.We are proud that leading defence companies see value in supporting Go Bold discussions, and we extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, our exceptional guests, and — most importantly — our listeners.Your engagement and trust have helped make Go Bold a leading outlet for informed, credible discussion on military operations, defence industry developments, and emerging technologies — here and on our YouTube channel.Thank you for being part of the journey with us, and here’s to the next 100 episodes!Go Bold!

This episode of Go Bold preserves a defining milestone in Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) history! We are covering the first operational rescue conducted by the RCAF's new fixed-wing Search and Rescue aircraft, the Airbus CC-295 Kingfisher.The Kingfisher officially entered operational service on 1 May 2025. Just weeks later, on 21 May, the aircraft was tasked with its first real-world mission — responding to an aircraft crash in north eastern British Columbia near Mount Kinney.What you will hear in this episode is a firsthand account of that first operational mission, told by the Search and Rescue personnel who carried it out.Joining us are Captain Greg Harris, the pilot and mission commander who flew the Kingfisher on this historic mission, and Master Corporal Alain Goguen, a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) who parachuted from the aircraft during the rescue.Together, they walk us through what the Kingfisher is, how it performs, and how its advanced capabilities are already reshaping the way the Royal Canadian Air Force conducts Search and Rescue across Canada’s vast and demanding geography.We are deeply grateful to Captain Harris and Master Corporal Goguen for sharing their insight and firsthand perspective, and for trusting Go Bold to share this pivotal moment in RCAF operations. This is what we do best at Go Bold! This episode has historic significance, and we are proud to document and preserve this story for future generations.This is one episode you don't want to miss.Go Bold!

For this episode we welcome back United States Navy Commander Mike Huntsman for a deeply informative and authoritative conversation on one of naval aviation’s most important and complex programs - the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Commander Huntsman is a combat seasoned U.S. Navy fighter pilot who has just served as the Officer in Charge of VX-9 Detachment Edwards, and that placed him at the center of operational test and evaluation for the U.S. Navy’s most advanced tactical aircraft, the F-35.In this episode, Commander Huntsman explains how VX-9 Detachment Edwards was established at Edwards Air Force Base, and how the Detachment plays a critical role in advancing U.S. Navy and joint warfighting capabilities. Drawing directly from his leadership role, he walks us through the mission of VX-9 and how operational test bridges the gap between developmental testing and fleet units, ensuring that aircraft and systems are ready for combat employment.A major focus of the discussion is the F-35C, the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. Commander Huntsman provides an in-depth look at what makes the F-35C unique, including its design for carrier operations, its handling characteristics, and the capabilities that distinguish it from legacy naval fighters. He breaks down the nuances of the aircraft offering a rare insight into how the F-35C performs.Commander Huntsman also shares details on current and emerging efforts within the operational test community to validate the F-35C’s capabilities across a wide range of mission sets. From weapons like the GBU-53/B StormBreaker, to systems integration, this conversation offers a level of perspective that is seldom available outside the test and evaluation enterprise.This is a standout episode featuring a senior leader with first-hand experience at the leading edge of tactical aviation. The depth, clarity, and credibility of the insights shared underscore what sets Go Bold apart as a global leading platform for authentic, first-hand accounts from senior leaders in the military and industry.If you are interested in tactical aviation, or operational test and evaluation, or the F-35, this episode is essential listening!Our thanks to Commander Huntsman for his time and insight.Go Bold!

We are proud to welcome back United States Navy Commander Mike Huntsman, a guest whose depth of experience and operational insight have made his previous episodes among some of the most compelling conversations on Go Bold!In this episode, we continue exploring Commander Huntsman’s extraordinary flying career in the U.S. Navy — beginning with his time flying the legacy F/A-18 Hornet in combat, and moving into his work with the Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler at VX-9, the Navy’s premier operational test squadron.This discussion is packed with unique, first-hand perspectives. You’ll hear how Commander Huntsman became the first U.S. Navy pilot to destroy an ISIS-controlled T-72 tank in Iraq. He also takes us into the high desert of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, where he flew and tested frontline fighter aircraft and contributed to some of the Navy’s most advanced weapons programs.Commander Huntsman provides rare insight into the Navy’s newest long-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-174B “Gunslinger” — a weapon derived from the ship-launched SM-6 Standard Missile and now adapted for fighter aircraft. His role in this cutting-edge program offers a first-hand look at how naval aviation is evolving for future combat.We also head out to sea, figuratively, as he brings us aboard a U.S. Navy Super Carrier, describing his involvement in shaping the “Air Wing of the Future.” From the integration of the F-35C, to the CMV-22B Osprey, to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Commander Huntsman explains how these platforms are transforming carrier air power for decades to come.This is a detailed, candid, and insightful conversation with a highly decorated, combat-experienced U.S. Navy aviator, and it is the kind of senior-leader perspective that defines what we do at Go Bold.We hope you enjoy this episode.Go Bold!

We are thrilled to welcome back Commander Mike Huntsman of the United States Navy, whom we first featured in Episode 95. In that conversation, we began exploring his remarkable career and insights, but there was much more to uncover.In this episode, we continue our discussion with CDR Huntsman as we dive into his experiences flying the venerable S-3 Viking.Originally designed as an anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the S-3 was far more versatile than many realized. As you’ll hear, the Viking possessed a range of capabilities, both tapped and untapped, and many argue it was retired long before its time as the airframes have years of life left in them. In addition, the S-3's departure has left a gap in US Navy Carrier Air Wings that has yet to be filled.Commander Huntsman, who was the final U.S. Navy pilot to go through the S-3 training pipeline, shares his firsthand perspective on what made the jet so special. He walks us through memorable moments from his time in the cockpit, including the VS-22 Checkmates’ deployment to Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, and everything that came with operating the Viking in that environment.This is a rare and insightful look at an aircraft that continues to evoke admiration and it’s brought to you by a highly respected leader whose career has, in part, been shaped by the S-3 and its legacy.Go Bold!

My guest is United States Navy Commander Mike "HFM" Huntsman, who started life with very modest means. Despite challenges, he has showed focus and dedication to achieve his professional goals, so I am honored to share his story with you. From a military perspective, you will hear that Commander Huntsman started his journey as a United States Marine, and then transitioned to the Navy where he learned to fly.Ultimately, Commander Huntsman worked hard to achieve many goals as a tactical aviator. He's flown the S-3 Viking, the F-18 Hornet, the F-18 Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler, and the F-35C Lightning II.His most recent position was Officer in Charge for the VX-9 Detachment at Edward's Air Force Base -- for those of you that don't know, VX-9 is an operational test squadron of the US Navy. It is here where many new advancements and capabilities are validated for operational use.This episode is one which inspires me, and I hope everyone who listens. I am excited to feature Commander Huntsman as my guest because he truly epitomizes our namesake - Go Bold - so I hope you enjoy this episode and the ones following where we will hear about his career and flying high-performance jets in the United States Navy.My thanks to Commander Huntsman for his time, insight and perspective.Go Bold!

Today's episode is all about the U.S. Air Force Special Operations mission to rescue Vega 31, a downed pilot of a F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter that was shot down behind enemy lines.My guest is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jim Cardoso, who flew in the rescue package. At the time, Cardoso,was a young Air Force Captain flying the impressive MH-53 Pave Low helicopter with the 20th Special Operations Squadron.Cardoso led the rescue helicopter package on a daring night mission behind Serbian enemy lines to bring Vega 31 back — and they did it navigating through dangerous airspace, pushing the limits of both man and machine — and for his extraordinary actions, he was awarded the Silver Star.In this episode, you'll hear an inside perspective of Air Force Special Operations, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and the raw courage it takes to fly into the unknown to bring a fellow warrior home.You'll hear how the mighty MH-53 Pave Low — a beast of a helicopter — was a key to that mission's success. But more importantly, you will hear all about the rescue from the man who was there, guiding his crew into harms way, and out again.This is the kind of story that defines Go Bold! We don't just talk history — we talk to the people who made it!As a special note, we are publishing this episode on March 27, exactly 26 years after the event you will hear.My thanks to Colonel Cardoso for his time and kindness in sharing this story of duty, professionalism and bravery. Strap in everyone, this is one episode of Go Bold you cannot miss!Go Bold!

We are honoured to welcome our guest, Commodore Matthew Coates of the Royal Canadian Navy.On 1 July 2024, during a formal Change of Command ceremony in Toulon, France, Commodore Coates assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two — known as SNMG2 — from Rear Admiral Yannick Bossu of the French Navy. SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. SNMG2 is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance's solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.Under Commodore Coates' leadership, HMCS Charlottetown, which deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE, served as the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two.This was the second time Canada commanded SNMG2, although Canadian ships have often served in NATO Standing Naval Forces, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to the Defense of Alliance vital interests.During Commodore Coates’ tenure as Commander of SNMG2, Canada led two NATO multinational groups — SNMG2 and the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. This is all part of the largest reinforcement of NATO’s collective defence in decades.In this conversation, Commodore Coates reflects on training and leadership, and his tenure commanding SNMG2. Under the Canadian deployment, Commodore Coates commanded ships from five different Allied navies, ranging from two to a peak of five ships under his command at any one time. The group took part in the multi-domain vigilance activity Exercise Neptune Strike 24-2 and in Exercise Dynamic Guard - a NATO MARCOM-led electronic warfare and anti-ship missile defence exercise. SNMG2 also collaborated on numerous occasions with American, British, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Moroccan, Romanian, Turkish, and Spanish units under national operational control. This included HMCS Charlottetown escorting the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), made up of United States Ship (USS) Wasp (LHD 1), USS New York (LPD 21), and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, as it sailed through the Mediterranean Sea.Commodore Coates handed over command of SNMG2 to Rear Admiral (LH) H. İlker Avcı of the Turkish Navy on 3 December 2024, during a ceremony at Aksaz Naval Base.We hope you enjoy this candid and compelling discussion with a senior naval leader.Our thanks to Commodore Coates for his time and insight.Go Bold!

In this powerful episode of Go Bold, we sit down with former fighter pilot and test pilot Billie Flynn to dive deep into one of the most groundbreaking — and life-saving — technologies in modern aviation: Auto-GCAS (Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System).Billie played a key role in the testing and validation of Auto-GCAS, a system designed to automatically take control of a jet when a pilot becomes disoriented, incapacitated, or unaware of impending terrain impact. This tech has already saved dozens of lives — and counting. But astonishingly, not all high-performance aircraft are equipped with it.Why? That’s one of the hard-hitting questions we tackle in this conversation.With firsthand insight from a pilot who has flown the edge of the envelope and lost friends to preventable crashes, Billie speaks passionately about why Auto-GCAS matters, and how it could —and should — expand beyond military aviation into general and commercial aviation.Whether you’re a pilot, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about cutting-edge technology, this episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of a system that is truly changing the game — and saving lives.Strap in for an unforgettable conversation with a test pilot who helped bring Auto-GCAS to life. Only on Go Bold!

In this compelling episode of Go Bold, we welcome Commodore David Mazur, Commander of Canada's Pacific Naval Fleet, to discuss two pivotal exercises that underscore the Royal Canadian Navy’s evolving strategic capabilities.Commodore Mazur begins by unpacking a landmark event: the forward re-arm of a Halifax-class warship in Australia with Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles. This marks the first time Canada’s Navy has demonstrated the ability to re-arm a major warship in a remote or non-traditional location. With clarity and insight, Commodore Mazur explains why this capability is a game-changer. From operational flexibility in distant theaters to real-world readiness in uncertain environments, this exercise highlights the Navy’s ability to project power and sustain operations far from home waters.Next, we dive into the Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise (JoLTEX) — a major milestone in Canadian naval operations. For the first time, a Halifax-class warship not only launched Harpoon missiles but did so by executing the full targeting chain, including real-time command, control, and targeting directives from higher headquarters. Commodore Mazur guides us through the complexity and significance of this breakthrough, which signals a new era in dynamic targeting and land attack capabilities. As the Royal Canadian Navy looks ahead to the future River-class destroyers, this exercise lays essential groundwork for greater operational reach and lethality.This episode of Go Bold offers a rare inside look at the strategic decisions shaping the Navy’s future. Commodore Mazur’s leadership and vision shine through as he explains how these exercises are not just tactical achievements — they are steps toward a more agile, capable, and forward-thinking maritime force.Listen in for a masterclass in maritime strategy and capability development, straight from the front lines of naval innovation.Our thanks to Commodore Mazur for his time, kindness and professional insight.Go Bold!**Don't forget to like and subscribe to the "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" YouTube channel for exclusive videos!

Our guest for this episode is Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Faith of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).Lieutenant-Colonel Faith is a CF-18 Hornet fighter pilot and a true subject matter expert in Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT), so our episode today is a front-row seat to what it’s really like to train and fly as a fighter pilot in today’s Royal Canadian Air Force.LtCol Faith shares his motivation to serve, and he describes highlights of his career flying fighter jets in Canada as part of NORAD, and in combat over Libya.We then dive into the world of advanced pilot training, including Canada’s involvement in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) which takes place at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. Lieutenant-Colonel Faith takes us into the cockpit, sharing his perspective on new technologies like Virtual Reality which is facilitating modern pilot training, and he provides his insight on the Hawk jet trainer that was used by the RCAF, and the T-38 Talon supersonic trainer that is used at ENJJPT.This is more than just an interview - it’s a masterclass from someone who is passionate about training the next generation of fighter pilots.Our thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Faith for the time he shared with us, and for his expert perspective.Go Bold!

In this episode we have the privilege to speak with Commander Tyler Smith of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Commander Smith is the Chief Operations Officer for Maritime Forces Pacific, and he shares insight into a recent landmark exercise called the Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise 2024 (JoLTEX 24).For this exercise, the Royal Canadian Navy for the first time successfully executed the entire strategic planning and targeting chain to project power from the sea to the shore, which ultimately led to the launch of Harpoon Block II Missiles from HMCS Regina, a Halifax class surface combatant warship which was operating in the United States Navy's Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California.JoLTEX developed and tested targeting processes, including firing a surface-to-surface missile against a simulated surface combatant. The exercise supported the Royal Canadian Navy’s ability to employ sea-based weapons against targets on or near land.JoLTEX 24 progressed several capabilities, including synchronizing communication pathways with a deployed warship, the development of targets in the maritime domain, and certifying that the tasked asset was able to successfully engage its onboard Harpoon Block II missile system.This episode dives into details of the exercise, offering you an unparalleled look into how the Navy is honing its capabilities.These are the kinds of insights you won’t find anywhere else, making this a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the cutting edge of naval operations.Our thanks to Commander Smith for his time and insight.Go Bold!

For this episode of Go Bold we are proud to welcome back Royal Canadian Navy Commodore David Mazur, the Commander of Canada's Pacific Fleet.Our topic is Exercise Kakadu, which is a biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and is supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).Exercise Kakadu is the RAN’s flagship regional international engagement activity and has grown in size and complexity since its inception in 1993.Exercise Kakadu provides an opportunity for regional partners to undertake multinational maritime activities through a broad spectrum of activities, from constabulary and humanitarian operations, to high-end maritime warfare in a combined environment.For those that are interested for more context, please listen to Episode 45 of Go Bold, where we spoke with Australian Navy Captain Pete Bartlett about the previous iteration of Exercise Kakadu.  For this year, Exercise Kakadu took place from September 9 to 20, and was the largest and most diverse iteration of the exercise yet.Nearly 3,000 personnel from over 30 countries, ships from 10 countries, and aircraft from five nations all gathered at the North Australian exercise area which was centered at Darwin.Canada was one of the participants with HMCS Vancouver taking part, and Commodore Mazur had the privilege to lead a Task Group at sea during the exercise.You will hear Commodore Mazur's reflections on the exercise, which started with a large Fleet Commanders Conference.You'll hear about the ships that participated and the type of warfare they exercised, including serials against a submarine and 5th Generation fighter jets.The Commodore shares lessons from the exercise and how he will leverage them for Canada's upcoming Exercise Trident Fury in 2025.This wide-ranging discussion offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of one of the world’s most complex maritime exercises so it is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the strategic importance of maritime operations and the leadership behind large-scale multinational exercises.This is a conversation that you will only find here on Go Bold, the platform that is uniquely known to feature the voices of senior military leaders from Allied Forces.Our thanks to Commodore Mazur for his time and kindness. Go Bold!

This is another special episode of the "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" podcast as we are coming to you from Camp Adazi in Latvia.Camp Adazi is a major military installation of the Latvian National Armed Forces, and it is also the main base for the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.Joining me for this episode is Lieutenant-Colonel Philippe Tremblay, a Canadian Army Officer who is serving as the Chief of Staff for the NATO Multinational Brigade.As Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Tremblay has detailed institutional knowledge about the makeup and activities of the Brigade. You will hear context on how it is evolving, and some of the intricacies that Canada faces in leading this critical defensive force on the Eastern flank of the NATO Alliance.It's a fascinating perspective from a senior leader in the Brigade, and one that will give insight on how land warfare is evolving.I want to thank LtCol Tremblay for his time and kindness to help explain how Canada is leading the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.Go Bold!

We are honored to be joined by Commodore Kristjan Monaghan, a Flag Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy who served as the Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for the 2024 iteration of the RIMPAC exercise.For those who are unfamiliar with RIMPAC, it is the largest military exercise in the world in the maritime domain, and is hosted by the United States Navy 3rd Fleet. RIMPAC brings together forces from multiple nations to enhance interoperability and readiness in complex maritime operations.During RIMPAC 2024, Commodore Monaghan had the responsibility of commanding and controlling a multinational force comprised of several Task Forces, including 40 ships and 3 submarines, as they executed a series of challenging scenarios.In this episode, Commodore Monaghan will walk us through some of the major aspects of the 2024 RIMPAC exercise, including a large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) serial, the innovative use of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and the SinkEx serials that showcased the US Air Force’s QUICKSINK weapon capability.Additionally, Commodore Monaghan will share insights on the significant contributions made by Royal Canadian Navy ships; including the first-ever participation of a Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, new records set by the Combat Support Ship Asterix, and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile firings by HMCS Vancouver.This wide-ranging discussion offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of one of the world’s most complex military exercises and the advanced capabilities of Allied Forces.This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the strategic importance of maritime operations and the leadership behind such large-scale multinational exercises.Tune in to this episode for exclusive insights from a senior military leader in the Royal Canadian Navy, which you only will find here on Go Bold, the platform that is trusted to feature the voices of senior military leaders from Allied Forces.Our thanks to Commodore Monaghan for his time and kindness.Also, don't forget to like and subscribe to the "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" YouTube channel which has unique and exclusive videos!Go Bold!

Welcome to a special episode of the "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" podcast! For this episode, we are coming to you straight from the front lines at Camp Adazi in Latvia, where we had an exclusive opportunity to sit down with Canadian Army Colonel Cedric Aspirault, the Brigade Commander of the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade.Our visit coincided with Exercise Silver Arrow, a major combat readiness evaluation, which gave us an inside look at NATO's efforts to reinforce its Eastern flank.Colonel Aspirault takes us through NATO’s strategic importance in the region, and highlights Canada's leadership role as the framework nation for the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.We’ll dive into how the Brigade has evolved from a Battlegroup, and how Canada is expanding its presence in Latvia with a new camp and Brigade headquarters, and new air detachment facilities.Plus, you’ll hear how Canada is taking its renowned Maple Resolve high-end training exercise and moving it to Latvia and is rebranding it as Exercise Oak Resolve so the entire NATO Multinational Brigade can train together.This is an important conversation with a senior leader, straight from the heart of NATO's mission in Latvia!Note: If you haven't already listened to them, I encourage you to listen to Episodes 74 & 75 where we spoke with Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley, who discussed Operational Planning for the Canadian Army. Those were wonderfully detailed and insightful episodes which will help add context to this episode.I also want to share that this episode is accompanied by exclusive videos that you can find on the "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" YouTube channel, where we’ve posted videos of the Canadian-led NATO Multinational Brigade in action at Camp Adazi!Please make sure to subscribe to the "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!Our thanks to Colonel Aspirault for his time, and to the men and women who helped facilitate our visit to Camp Adazi in Latvia.Go Bold!

Today, we have the incredible privilege of sitting down with Major-General Sylvain Menard, a distinguished fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).With a career built on flying fighter jets, including flying in combat, the General is now leading critical modernization efforts for Canada's fighter force. General Menard's position at the time of our interview was the Chief of Fighter Capability and Chief of NORAD Capability for the RCAF.General Menard is uniquely positioned to offer an insider's perspective on the modernization of the CF-18 Hornet and all that entails, including the introduction of new weapons for the fighter force, while also being focused on the future of Canada’s fighter capability.In this episode you will hear the General take us through his personal journey of flying the CF-18 Hornet, the evolution of Canada's fighter force, and the complex efforts that are shaping the transition to the 5th Generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The General also shares details about NORAD Modernization.Having leaders of the caliber of Major-General Menard as guests on Go Bold is what sets us apart from all other podcasts — Go Bold is the GO-TO platform where senior military leaders come to discuss their work and their vision in ways that you won't hear anywhere else. We want to thank Major-General Menard for his time and kindness, and for his service to the Nation.Go Bold!

For this episode we are honored to be joined by Royal Canadian Air Force Major-General Darcy Molstad, a distinguished fighter pilot who is serving as the Deputy Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC).As one of the leaders responsible for employing Canadian Armed Forces members on domestic and international operations, Major-General Molstad brings a wealth of insight from the front lines of global security.In this episode, he’ll take us through his personal journey flying CF-18 Hornet fighter jets, and he'll offer his perspective on the global security environment which is more tenuous today than it has been in decades.The General will discuss Canada's defence posture, the challenges of coordinating operations across the globe, and how the Canadian Armed Forces are rising to meet those challenges.Having leaders like Major-General Molstad as a guest reinforces what makes Go Bold stand out: this is the GO-TO podcast where senior military leaders come to discuss their work and vision in ways you won't hear anywhere else!If you want an in-depth understanding of Canada’s role on the world stage, and the men and women behind its military operations, this episode is for you!Please make sure to subscribe and follow us, because the insights shared here on Go Bold are truly one-of-a-kind.Our thanks to Major-General Molstad for his professionalism, and for the time he shared with us.Go Bold!

For this episode I thought we would continue on the wonderful momentum of our last episode where we featured Capt. Stephen Kane, the only Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot currently flying a 5th Generation fighter jet -- and that is the mighty United States Air Force F-22 Raptor!That chat was a wonderful insight into flying and fighting the F-22 Raptor, so if you haven't heard it, you're definitely missing out!For this episode, I thought we would continue the theme of employing military platforms, so the topic of this episode is fighting the Halifax Class warship, which is a surface combatant frigate that is operated by the Royal Canadian Navy.My guest is Commander Sam Patchell, the Commanding Officer of His Majesty's Canadian Ship Ottawa (FFH 341). We visited with Commander Patchell in his Captains quarters on HMCS Ottawa, and we also chat with him on the bridge of the ship. We also had the very rare opportunity to visit the Operations Room of the warship -- an area that is often restricted to military personnel only!Commander Patchell was kind to share his motivation to serve, and he does a wonderful job explaining the weapons capabilities of the Halifax class frigates, and how the Navy would fight the ship in combat.It's a fascinating and informative discussion which I really hope you will enjoy.If you want to see our discussion and the ship, please check out our YouTube channel which is the same name as this podcast: Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala, and look for Go Bold Season 2 Episode 1. I think you'll really enjoy it, and I hope you will like and subscribe to the channel which has a lot of great videos, so please subscribe so you don't miss any of our great guests and topics!My thanks to Commander Patchell, and to the sailors of HMCS Ottawa for making our visit a great one!Go Bold!

I am very proud to say that this episode is a global exclusive and is the first interview that my guest has given in his current role, so I'm thrilled that Go Bold is being recognized for the high profile guests that we feature, and the for the topics we discuss.My guest for this episode is Captain Stephen Kane, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 Hornet fighter pilot who is currently on exchange with the United States Air Force (USAF).Capt. Kane is the only active-duty Canadian fighter pilot currently flying the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, the most advanced and only air dominance fighter on the planet!The F-22 is a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, and is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances. The F-22 is a combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics that represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities when compared to previous generation fighter aircraft.Capt. Kane is assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, also known as the Bulldogs, which is stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.Capt. Kane is the second RCAF pilot to participate in the F-22 exchange program, making him one of a select few foreign pilots to fly the F-22 Raptor which is unique to the U.S. Air Force.The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor fleet is currently based at Joint-Base Langley-Eustis, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Eglin AFB, Nellis AFB, and Edwards AFB. The type previously operated from Tyndall AFB and Holloman AFB.The Raptor’s primary missions consist of Offensive Counter-Air (OCA), Defensive Counter-Air (DCA), and an air-to-ground capability.As a mission qualified fighter pilot with the 525th Fighter Squadron, Capt. Kane can be deployed worldwide as required by the USAF.We’ll dive deep into what it’s like to fly the F-22, and how 5th Generation capabilities are reshaping air combat.We also delve into what that means for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s future as the service eyes cutting-edge advancements as it prepares to induct the 5th Generation F-35 into service.This episode is packed with insights, and of course, we’ll also get a rare, inside look at the training and missions of an elite fighter pilot who’s pushing the boundaries of modern warfare.My thanks to Capt. Kane, and to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and the U.S. Air Force for enabling this conversation.To get another perspective of the mighty F-22 Raptor, please visit our "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" YouTube channel for a video which features Capt. Samuel Larson, a U.S. Air Force F-22 fighter pilot and the demo pilot for the F-22 Raptor Demo Team! It's a great video which describes the Raptor, and the newly modified demo routine!Go Bold!

I am happy to welcome Royal Canadian Navy Captain Colin Matthews, who I chat with while he was in Command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150).Captain Matthews was speaking to me from the CTF-150 headquarters at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which is also the headquarters for the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational naval partnership of 46 nations that focuses on counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, maritime security, and regional cooperation. The Combined Maritime Forces is the world’s largest international naval partnership, and it's goal is to promote stability, security, and prosperity in international waters, including some of the world's most important shipping lanes. CTF-150 is one of five task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces, and its core staff consists of Australians, Bahrainis, Canadians, and New Zealanders.In this episode you will hear about Canada's leadership of CTF-150, which began in January 2024.Highlights during the nearly seven month tenure of Canada's leadership included seven successful drug interdiction's at sea, with more than 11,600 kg of illegal narcotics seized.Notably, you will hear how CTF-150 used space-based intelligence from Canada's RADARSAT-2 satellite, a capability that will be an ongoing asset to the Combined Maritime Forces as appropriate.The tenure of Canada's command of CTF-150 has been concurrent with the kinetic actions that are happening in the Red Sea, so I asked Captain Matthews how that combat action impacted CTF-150.Other notable events you will hear about during Canada's command of CTF-150 was the interdiction of a ship transporting advanced conventional weapons.You'll also hear how India participated for the first time, and how they conducted their largest ever drug interdiction to date.This is a fascinating chat with a senior military leader, so I hope you enjoy this episode with Captain Colin Matthews, the Commander of CTF-150 (until July 22, 2024).Go Bold!

We are proud to welcome back to the Go Bold podcast Colonel Chris Horner, a senior officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).We first featured Colonel Horner in Episode 69, where he shared his memories of serving in the Afghanistan theatre, and that was to honour the 10 year mark of Canada's withdrawal from that country. If you haven't heard it, you're missing out on a great chat, so I strongly recommend you tune in to Episode 69 for that discussion.Our focus for this episode is the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre (CJWC) where Colonel Horner is the Commanding Officer.The Canadian Joint Warfare Centre is a centre of excellence that assists the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in finding ways to operate as a Joint Force to face the ever-evolving operational environment by implementing best practices, novel concepts and accelerating the adoption of available and emerging tools and technologies.Part of the reason of doing this is because the Canadian Armed Forces, and allied militaries for that matter, need to be able to quickly and efficiently absorb data, like that from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, among others, and be able to process, exploit and disseminate it to the Joint Force.If some of that sounds familiar, then you have likely heard our last 2 episodes (Episodes 77 and 78), where we had the great pleasure to speak with Brigadier-General Andy Clark, the Commanding General of NATO's ISR Force.Those two episodes are some of the most informative you will hear about the capabilities of NATO's ISR Force, and they are a wonderful precursor to this episode about the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre, which works around a core of Command, Control and Intelligence.Colonel Horner does a fantastic job to explain the multi-domain challenges faced by the Joint Force and how the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre has a number of initiatives which are focused on the goal of continually preparing the Canadian Armed Forces to be better able to achieve operational effects across the full spectrum of conflict.You'll hear about Canadian Joint Warfare Center experimentation activities which includes collaboration with NATO and Allies. Examples include wargaming in the Space domain; and wargaming and modeling and simulation on the future of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for the Royal Canadian Air Force.All said, the efforts of the Canadian Joint Warfare Centre are about evolving doctrine and enabling the Joint Force to make decisions faster than adversaries.This is an incredibly fascinating discussion, so I want to thank Colonel Horner for his time and insight on CJWC's march towards decision superiority.We also congratulate Colonel Horner on his recent promotion to Brigadier-General!Go Bold!

In our last episode we introduced you to Brigadier-General Andy Clark, the Commanding General of the NATO ISR Force, which is headquartered in Sigonella, Sicily.We spoke about the formation and makeup of the NATO ISR Force, which as one would understand with an active war in Europe, is experiencing tasking demand that is greater today than ever before.In this episode we continue our exclusive chat with General Clark as we speak about the NATO ISR Force and its RQ-4D Phoenix high-altitude long endurance uninhabited aerial vehicle, and its Synthetic Aperture Radar and Moving Target Indicator technology.We talk about how the autonomous aircraft is operated and how it is tasked. We also discuss synergy with similar aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy.We also talk about training, and the future of the NATO ISR Force, and we get some insight on what the General is thinking for the future of the capability that he is focused on.The two episodes with General Clark are arguably some of the most detailed and insightful perspectives you will find on the NATO ISR Force, so we hope you enjoy these conversations and we hope you will come away with a true appreciation for the organization, its capabilities, and a sense of what the future may hold. I want to thank Brigadier-General Clark for his time, kindness and insight. Go Bold!

In keeping with our focus to bring you senior military leaders from Allied Forces, we are very proud to welcome to this episode, Brigadier-General Andy Clark, a United States Air Force General who is currently serving as the Commanding General of the NATO ISR Force (NISRF).(ISR = Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance).Having General Clark as a guest is a true honor as I've found him to be a wonderfully personable leader who is forthright and passionate in his remit.My exclusive chat with General Clark spanned two wide ranging conversations, so in this episode you'll hear a bit about his operational history, but the majority of our chat focuses on NATO's ISR Force, which some may remember by its previous name of the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force.The NATO ISR Force currently has 25 member nations active in the organization, and it operates a fleet of five RQ-4D Phoenix high-altitude long endurance uninhabited aerial system aircraft. These aircraft are fitted with a Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Moving Target Indicator technology. The ISR information that these platforms collect, along with other contributions, are processed and made available to all 32 member nations of the NATO Alliance.I'm particularly honored to have the privilege to speak with General Clark as 2024 marks the 75 Anniversary for NATO, which arguably has a renewed focus on defence of the Alliance in light of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Since that time, NATO’s ISR Force has become increasingly important in generating ISR data for the Alliance.You'll hear all about that and much more in this episode and in the next as there are many aspects about NATO's ISR Force that we discussed.These episodes are incredibly informative so I want to thank Brigadier-General Clark for his time, kindness and insight.Go Bold!

It is the eve of the 2024 iteration of RIMPAC -- the Rim of the Pacific exercise -- which is hosted by the United States Navy.RIMPAC is the biggest naval exercise in the world and it is held primarily in the waters around Hawaii. RIMPAC 2024 will see 29 nations, 40 ships and numerous aircraft participate. One of those ships is His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays, the newest ship in Canada's Pacific Fleet.HMCS Max Bernays is a Harry DeWolf class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV). These ships operate primarily in a constabulary role and have the ability to carry out a number of missions.At approximately 6,500 tons, Canada's AOPVs have a lot of capability with their special spaces, large quarterback, large flight deck, and the ability to operate in first year sea ice. Being a new class of ship means that they are not without issues however, so we will discuss some of them in this episode.What's not commonly known however are some of the operating limitations that exist due to the lengthy process to certify capabilities for the class.Joining me to speak about the Royal Canadian Navy's participation in RIMPAC 2024 is Commodore David Mazur, the Commander of Canada's Pacific Fleet. It is ships under his command that are participating in RIMPAC, They are: HMCS Max Bernays, HMCS Vancouver, and the Combat Support Ship MV Asterix.  Our focus of this episode is to discuss the rationale for the Navy to deploy HMCS Max Bernays to RIMPAC 2024 -- it will be the first of Canada's new AOPVs to take part in the exercise -- and to discuss the process to configure the ship to best contribute to the exercise. You'll learn that there is a lot of forethought to this decision, and much effort to unlock capability in the ship. In doing so, the Canadian Pacific Fleet is unlocking capability for the entire Harry DeWolf class.Our chat took place on 18 June 2024, the day that HMCS Max Bernays set sail for Hawaii. This episode is a fascinating discussion with candid perspective, so I'm confident you will come away from this episode with a better understanding of Canada's Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, and an appreciation for a senior military leader who I have great respect for.My thanks to Commodore David Mazur for his time, insight and candor.Go Bold!

This episode is a continuation of Episode 74, where were chatting with Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley, G35, Section Head of Operational Plans for the Canadian Army. Our last episode provided amazing insight on Canada's growing mission in Latvia, which is in support of NATO efforts to strengthen the Eastern flank of the Alliance in the wake of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. As one would expect, the mission centers on land forces, and Colonel Kieley did a wonderful job to help define the mission and how it is growing.We spoke about the evolution of the Army's major training exercise, and reasons for pivoting that to Europe.We pick up from our last episode with Lieutenant-Colonel Keiley speaking about Urgent Operational Requirements for the Army, which includes anti-armour weapon systems, ground-based air defence systems, counter-UAS systems, and so much more!We also discuss the Army's combat vehicle fleet, which includes the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) 6.0, the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), and Leopard tanks. In addition, we discuss the logistics fleet including mention of the Logistics Vehicle Modernization project and the resurrection of the Army's Armoured Heavy Support Vehicle Systems (AHSVS) fleet.We also discuss how the Canadian Army is evolving with a view to embrace new capabilities and new concept of operations.These two episodes (74 and 75) are some of the most detailed and forthright perspectives one will hear about the Canadian Army, and is a clear example of the wonderful, professional leader that LtCol Kieley is.I am confident listeners will come come away from these two episodes with a much better understanding of the Canadian Army, and its focus for the immediate future.I want to thank LtCol Kieley for his time and insight.Go Bold!

I am thrilled to welcome back to the podcast, Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley of the Canadian Army. We previously featured Colonel Keiley in Episode 65 where he was kind to share his memories and reflections on combat deployments in Afghanistan.For this episode, Colonel Kieley is speaking in his position as the Army's G35, and that means he is the Section Head for Operational Plans for the Canadian Army.In our wide-ranging discussion, we discuss the structure of the Army, its capabilities, signature training exercises, and we delve into the vehicles and weapon systems that the Army utilizes, and what it might need moving forward.Our chat focuses heavily on the Army's plans for its growing presence in Latvia, which is its biggest commitment and therefore the most important driver of operational plans for the Army.The mission in Latvia is in support of NATO's efforts to strengthen the Eastern flank of the Alliance in the wake of Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.We discuss the Canadian Armed Forces current posture in Latvia, and what is planned for its growth from a Canadian-led multinational Battlegroup to a Canadian-led multinational Brigade.The Colonel also shares how the evolution of this mission is leading the Army to shift its major training event from Canada to Europe.Our conversation provides some of the best insight into the Army of today and the immediate future so I can assure you that you will not find more detailed information, along with context, than you will here!This is Part 1 of our 2 episode chat, so please look for our next episode where we continue our chat with Lieutenant-Colonel Kieley to discuss Operational Planning for the Canadian Army, including vehicles, weapon systems and Urgent Operational Requirements for the Army.Our thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Kieley for his time and insight on the Canadian Army.Go Bold!

The Canadian Coast Guard operates a fleet of vessels ranging from large ice breakers to small rescue boats. Arguably the most unique in the fleet are the hovercraft that the service operates.There are four hovercraft in service with the Canadian Coast Guard. Two are based in Eastern Canada, and two are based in British Columbia.Hovercraft are incredibly versatile platforms. In the military, the best known examples are the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), which are operated by the United States Navy. These hovercraft are used by well deck-equipped amphibious landing ships, Expeditionary Sea Base, and Expeditionary Transfer Docks to transport large vehicles and cargo to shore. The US Navy LCACs are being replaced by the Ship to Shore Connector, which is also known at the LCAC 100 class. These newer generation craft will offer a number of improvements including more powerful and efficient engines, and increased capacity to cope with the growing weight of equipment used by the United States Marine Corps, Navy and Army.In Canada, I had the privilege to go aboard the Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft Moytel when it was in Victoria, British Columbia, and I had the pleasure to speak with Paul Tobin, the Officer in Command.In this episode you will hear about the capabilities of the hovercraft Moytel, and future plans for the capability -- those plans are part of the Canadian Coast Guards fleet renewal plan, which in part calls for the acquisition of four new Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV), which are otherwise known as hovercraft. The new Canadian Coast Guard ACVs will be designed with fully modernized systems, and a propulsion system integrating green technologies to reduce carbon emissions.The procurement of the four ACVs falls under the Small Vessels construction pillar of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, and it is expected that all four ACVs will be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard starting in 2030.I want to thank Paul Tobin of the Canadian Coast Guard for his time and kindness, and I want to thank him and his crew for the great tour of the hovercraft Moytel.You can see the Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft Moytel on our YouTube channel -- search for "Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala" and please like and subscribe so you don't miss any of our great videos!Go Bold!

Many of us who follow aerospace and defence pay a lot of attention to the war in Ukraine, and particularly new tactics and capabilities.Our episode today is an effort to discuss the transformation that the Ukrainian Air Force is making from former Soviet Union or Russian aircraft to western fighter aircraft.Ukraine has been defending themselves against Russian forces since they invaded Crimea in 2014, and then re-attacked in early 2022.At the start of the war Ukraine had around 125 warplanes. Reports indicate that have lost around 80 jets, but numbers of aircraft have been bolstered by the donation of similar types of aircraft from some of the former Soviet states. There is no doubt that Ukrainian pilots have performed heroically against overwhelming odds. With that said, the Ukrainian Air Force has faced significant challenges with aging fleets of aircraft and sustainment issues which make their fleets increasingly difficult to field.Ukraine has therefore spent many months lobbying for western combat aircraft, especially F-16's, which they believe will help them better defend their country.A number of countries like Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands and Norway, have pledged F-16s to Ukraine; and Ukrainian Air Force pilots have been training in a number of countries to get proficient on flying the western jet, with Denmark being one of those countries.For this episode, I thought it would be informative to get a sense of what Ukrainian pilots are experiencing as they transition to a new platform like the F-16.To do this I am pleased to introduce a wonderful friend to me and to this podcast, fighter pilot Nick Graham, who flew the Tornado F3 and the Eurofighter Typhoon in the Royal Air Force (RAF), and also the F-16 when on exchange in Denmark.I've asked Nick to participate in this chat because his experience of learning to fly the F-16 in Denmark provides excellent insight on what Ukrainian pilots are experiencing as they shift from MiG and Sukhoi aircraft to the F-16.I am very thankful to Nick for taking the time to share his professional fighter pilot experience, and his insight and perspectives on this topic.We wish Ukraine success in their fight to defend their country!Go Bold!

2024 marks the 110th Anniversary of the Canadian Submarine Force, so I thought its appropriate to honor this milestone by talking about Canadian submarines and their amazing capabilities with my guest, Royal Canadian Navy Captain Alex Kooiman, the Commander of the Canadian Submarine Force.Submarines are high-value strategic platforms. They are incredibly complex, and they utilize stealth and deceptive tactics to carry out their roles -- these include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, mine warfare, land attack, multi-spectrum intelligence operations, special forces support, and so much more. Getting to the point to employ these capabilities takes many years of training and specialization, which you will learn in this episode.Canada operated the Oberon-class submarines from the 1960s to the 1990s, after which the service brought into service 4 Victoria-class diesel-electric submarines, which are former Upholder class subs from the Royal Navy. These submarines have been challenging to support, but they provide incredible capability to the Navy when deployed.You can see inside Canada's Victoria-class submarines on our Go Bold YouTube channel, where we were privileged to visit with the crew of HMCS Corner Brook. We have two videos on there where you'll get an appreciation for what its like to be a submariner in the Royal Canadian Navy.Canada has now begun the process to acquire new conventional submarines through the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, so we will highlight that program in future episodes of Go Bold.For this episode you will get a sense of the process to become a submariner, and also a commanding officer of a front line attack submarine as Captain Kooiman shares his journey in the Royal Canadian Navy, and his experiences on exchange with allies.I want to thank Captain Kooiman for his time and kindness, and we look forward to having him back on Go Bold in the near future.Happy 110th Anniversary to the Canadian Submarine Force!Go Bold!

In this episode I have the honor to speak with Major Brent Handy, of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).Maj. Handy is fighter pilot and instructor pilot, and he is currently the Boss of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, which is better known as the Snowbirds Air demonstration team.The Snowbirds are truly ironic, and they are world renowned for the majestic 9 aircraft formation and aerobatic routines that they perform all over North America. The team is tasked with representing the Royal Canadian Air Force, and in fact the entirety of the Canadian Armed Forces, and 2024 is an extra special year as this is the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF!I'm thrilled that we have Maj. Handy as a guest to speak about service, flying fighter jets, and leading the Snowbirds team for 2024. You'll hear us discuss the CT-114 Tutor aircraft that the Snowbirds fly, modernizing that aircraft, and the hurdles the team faces. We also discuss the future of the team.It's a great chat with a leader who is kind, pragmatic and sincere, so I hope you enjoy our conversation. I guarantee you will find it interesting and you'll learn a lot.Our thanks to Maj. Handy for the time he spent with us.Go Bold!

It has been 10 years since Canada withdrew from Afghanistan, so to commemorate that milestone we invited senior leaders of the Canadian Armed Forces to reminisce on experiences and lessons learned from combat in Afghanistan.In Episode 64 we had the privilege to speak with Major-General Mike St-Louis, and in Episode 65 with Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley, both of whom are senior leaders in the Canadian Army. They were great conversations with wonderful perspectives, so I highly encourage you to listen to those discussions.For this episode, I am very happy to welcome another great leader, and that is Colonel Chris Horner of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Colonel Horner's experience in Afghanistan is from a different perspective from that of his Army colleagues because he was thousands of feet above the ground while on exchange with the United States Air Force (USAF), where he was serving as an Air Battle Manager on a E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft of the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron.It's a perspective one doesn't hear too often in the context of counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan, but it is significant because what he and his colleagues did in the air had very real significance to those on the ground.You'll find the Colonels reflections forthright, informative and at times emotional, and our conversation delved into dealing with adversity and leadership lessons that ensued.We also discuss the recent Defence Policy Update which was released by the Government of Canada, which outlines plans to acquire an airborne early warning capability. It's a wonderful perspective on that capability.I want to recognize that Colonel Horner is serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, which this year is celebrating its 100th Anniversary, so if you haven't heard Episode 67, you'll definitely want to hear that as well because we had the privilege to speak with Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. It was a great chat where we discussed all about the RCAF of today and the RCAF of the future! It's a great chat that you do not want to miss!I'm very thankful to Colonel Horner for the time he spent with me, and for his candid reflections about serving during combat operations in Afghanistan. Go Bold!

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Operation Allied Force, the NATO aerial bombing campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The air strikes lasted from 24 March 1999 to 10 June 1999.Joining for this episode is retired Lieutenant-Colonel Billie Flynn, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) for 23 years. In 1984 Flynn was selected to be a pipeliner for the RCAF's new CF-18 Hornet fighter, and ultimately rose in the ranks to become the Commanding Officer of 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron.During his time as Commanding Officer, Colonel Flynn also served as the Commander of Task Force Aviano, the unit of the Canadian Armed Forces that implemented Operation Echo in support of Operation Allied Force; it was there that he led the formation of the "Balkan Rats" and flew combat missions over Kosovo and the former Republic of Yugoslavia.The Task Force Aviano combat unit received Battle Honours from Queen Elizabeth II, the first such distinction for a Canadian fighting unit since World War II.Flynn's 40+ year flying experience includes fighter and test pilot service with the RCAF, the United States Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and NASA. After retiring from the RCAF, Flynn flew as a civilian test pilot for the Eurofighter Typhoon, and later flew as a Senior Test Pilot for the F-35.In this episode you will hear Colonel Flynn's first hand perspective about the RCAF's large fighter force (18 CF-18 jets) which conducted combat operations during Operation Allied Force. He describes the genesis of the "Balkan Rats" and how he and the RCAF fighter force executed on their taskings, and all told flew on 10% of all bombing missions. Flynn also shares his memory of being in the Combined Air Operations Center during the rescue of Vega 31, the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter (actually an attack aircraft) that was shot down on 27 Match 1999.It's a fascinating first-hand perspective on the RCAF's fighter force during Operation Allied Force. We publish this episode to commemorate and honor their service.Go Bold!

It's 1 April, and this day marks 100 years of the Royal Canadian Air Force! To mark this occasion, I am proud to welcome our guest, Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).I am honored that the General spent time to speak about his motivation to serve, and speak about the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Centennial celebrations, and the seismic modernization that the Force has embarked on.In this episode you will hear about the challenges faced by the RCAF, the threat vectors as seen by the General, and you will get a detailed appreciation for the new fleets of aircraft and capabilities the RCAF will soon induct into service.We chat about how the Air Force needs to adapt to ever-changing threat environment and how the Force needs to adopt long-range and precision guided stand-off munitions to counter threats on land and at sea.You'll also hear the General's thoughts on the future of the RCAF beyond 2035.This is a must-hear, fascinating and wide-ranging discussion from the Commanding General that leads the Royal Canadian Air Force.Our thanks to Lieutenant-General Kenny for the time he spent with us. Happy 100th Anniversary to the RCAF!Go Bold!

Our podcast is unique in that we regularly feature senior military leaders from Allied Forces, and this episode continues that trend with our guest, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant-General Ben Hodges.General Hodges is a graduate of the West Point Military Academy, and in recent years has been Senior Advisor to Human Rights First, and also serves as NATO Senior Mentor for Logistics. He previously held the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis.I first met Lieutenant-General Hodges in Portugal when he was serving as the Commanding General for US Army Europe. He was kind to extend time to me then, and is continuing that kindness as a guest for this episode where we discuss service in the context of his time in uniform.A notable part of our discussion focuses on the events from Camp Pennsylvania in Kuwait, the site of a fatal grenade attack which killed soldiers and left the General with shrapnel wounds.. You'll hear the General describe what happened that night and the chain of events which he said saved his life.We then shift our focus to the war in Ukraine, which General Hodges is eminently qualified to comment on since much of his career was focused on Europe and NATO. We discuss Ukraine's efforts to fight off the Russian invasion, and how allies are postured to repel further Russian aggression with NATO's enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroups and Brigades. The General also shares his thoughts on land warfare as it is evolving from Ukraine, and things that allies could do to help in that effort.It's a wonderful discussion with a globally recognized military expert, so we hope you find our discussion informative.My thanks to Lieutenant-General Hodges for his time, insight and kindness.Go Bold!(Note: Our discussion took place on 18 March 2024)

We are very happy to welcome another great leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley of the Canadian Army to share his reflections as we continue to mark the 10th Anniversary of Canada's withdrawal from Afghanistan.Colonel Kieley joined the Army as a direct entry officer, and I can tell you that he is one of the most conscientious, intelligent and engaging Army leaders that I know, so I am thankful for the extended time that he shared.You'll hear Colonel Kieley describe his experiences in Afghanistan with a theme characterized by friction.The Colonel shares a spectrum of experiences ranging from the comical, like an EOD team blowing up their own weapon, to the serious where a suspected IED bomber who may have killed a Canadian soldier is captured.I am very confident you will find the Colonel's reflections interesting and informative, and particularly insightful as we discuss the type of foundational lessons to retain from the counterinsurgency operation, and how that differs from the current need to focus on peer adversaries.The Colonel also shares his perspective on the outcome of the counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan, which I think is thoughtful and measured, and important to hear. You'll also hear the Colonel share one of his most important lessons in leadership and sending people into harms way.This is a must hear episode, so we thank Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley for the time he shared with us. We thank him and all his colleagues for their service.Go Bold!****************For active or retired service members who are listening and feel that you need some help or support, please reference the following contact numbers, and please remember that there is no shame in asking for help as these resources are here for you.In Canada: A confidential and free service available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, and caregivers. Call 1-800-268-7708.In the US: For the Military Crisis Line / Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 988 then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.In the UK: Samaritans provides a 24/7 safe place to talk about anything that's bothering you. Tel: 116 123Also in the UK, Combat Stress/Rethink offer a 24 hour freephone helpline if you have concerns about your mental health. The number to call is 0800 138 1619. They provide emotional support, a listening ear and signposting service.

One of our goals at this podcast is to preserve the memory of Allied and Coalition forces, so this episode is particularly poignant as we mark the 10th Anniversary of Canada's withdrawal from Afghanistan (which occurred on 12 March).For this episode I am honored to welcome back Major-General Michel-Henri St-Louis, a Canadian Army General who is currently serving as the Canadian Defence Attache to the United States, and a warfighter who served in Afghanistan.Major-General St-Louis is an Infantry officer who holds 3 masters degrees focused on war studies, military history, and strategy and defence. He has deployed on 5 overseas missions including Bosnia, Croatia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.Notable highlights of the General's career include being the Commander of Operation Impact; Commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Center; Deputy Commanding General for Operations for the US Army's First Corps; and serving for an extended period as the acting Commander of the Canadian Army and Chief of the Army Staff.Major-General St-Louis has attended the U.S. Capstone Leadership Program and is a graduate of the National War College in Washington, DC; and he is also an Officer within the Legion of Merit in the United States.I have had the privilege to meet the General on numerous occasions over the years, and I know him to be a kind, professional and passionate leader who genuinely cares about the people and mission of the Canadian Army and the Canadian Armed Forces in which he serves.Major-General St-Louis' first tour in Afghanistan was in February 2006 as part of the Strategic Advisory Team (SAT), which brought together a team of strategic advisors for Afghanistan. His second deployment in Afghanistan was from November 2010 to July 2011, where he commanded the last Canadian battle group that conducted combat operations in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar Province.The focus of this episode is to chat about the General's experiences in Afghanistan, reflect on this milestone anniversary, and chat about lessons learned.We want to thank Major-General St-Louis for the time he extended to us and we thank him for his continued service to the country. We also thank and recognize all those that served in uniform in Afghanistan, and we pay respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. You are not forgotten.Similarly, we want to thank the Afghan people who sided with Coalition Forces in hope of a better life, and in particular those who fought side-by-side with Coalition Forces, and their families, many of whom live in fear today. You went Bold, and you should never be forgotten.

Our guest is Commander Vince Pellerin, the Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg, a Halifax-class surface combatant warship of the Royal Canadian Navy.Our chat took place while on board HMCS Winnipeg, which at the time was acting as the command ship during the recent Exercise Trident Fury, the largest Canadian-led exercise hosted by Maritime Forces Pacific.We discussed the exercise, but the bulk of our conversation focused on a new training model that the Royal Canadian Navy was exploring in order to expedite the professional development of its sailors. Part of that effort included a different crewing model on HMCS Winnipeg to facilitate its training mandate. That model could have implications for the future Canadian Surface Combatant warships.We also had the opportunity to discuss digital transformation and what that means for the Navy today and into the future.I want to thank Commander Pellerin for sharing his perspective on service, leadership, and topics in the naval domain. Go Bold!

Our guest is Royal Canadian Navy Lieutenant Steve Oxley, who is the Operations Officer on HMCS Winnipeg, making him third in command of that front line surface combatant warship.Our discussion for this episode specifically focuses on a major incident that occurred aboard HMCS Protecteur (AOR 509), a replenishment oiler that was a part of the Royal Canadian Navy's Pacific Fleet. Protecteur's primary role was to deliver supplies (fuel, aviation fuel, dry goods, and ammunition) to deployed ships.The incident was a major engine room fire which occurred on 27 February 2014, when Protecteur was 340 nautical miles northeast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.LT Oxley was a Sub-Lieutenant on HMCS Protecteur at the time, and he kindly agreed to share his memories of that harrowing event. There are some great perspectives in this episode -- you'll hear what happened, you'll hear about the emergency stations response, you'll hear about bravery, off-the-cuff ingenuity, leadership, allied support, and so much more.Our discussion references some U.S. Navy ships that were dispatched to help HMCS Protectuer, and they are: USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), USS Chosin (CG 65) and USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171).The chat also makes reference to AFFF, which stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam.We are publishing this episode on the 10 year mark since the incident occurred. Our thanks to LT Oxley for his kindness and time in sharing his memories so we can help preserve that history and acknowledge the bravery exhibited by everyone that was serving aboard the ship that day.Go Bold!

The Go Bold podcast features senior leaders of allied forces so we can bring personal insight to important topics and events, and preserve those voices for generations to come.Today's episode continues on our objectives as we are honored to welcome Royal Canadian Air Force Colonel Jeremy Hansen to Go Bold! Col. Hansen is a CF-18 Hornet fighter pilot, and he is one of only 4 active astronauts in the Canadian Space Agency.In the years ahead you'll hear a lot about Astronaut Hansen because he has been selected to fly on the Artemis II mission, which will be the first crewed flight test of the Orion spacecraft which will launch atop the SLS rocket.As part of the Artemis II crew, Jeremy Hansen will become the first Canadian to venture towards the Moon, and in doing so he will be the first non-American to leave low earth orbit.There is a lot to Astronaut Hansen's path to space as one might expect, but in short, here are some highlights:In 1988, at the age of 12, he joined the Air Cadets.In 1999 he graduated with a bachelor's degree in honours space science from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.He completed Fighter Pilot Training in 2003, after which he served as a CF-18 fighter pilot with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron, and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron.In 2009 Colonel Hansen was one of two recruits selected by the Canadian Space Agency.In 2011 he graduated from Astronaut Candidate Training and started working at NASAs Mission Control Center in Houston as CAPCOM — which is the voice between the ground and the International Space Station.In 2017 Astronaut Hansen became the first Canadian to be entrusted with leading a NASA astronaut class, and that meant that he is in charge of training astronaut candidates from the United States and Canada.And in 2023 he was assigned to the Artemis II mission.This episode focuses on Astronaut Hansen's Air Force career, training for the Artemis II mission, and his perspective on flying to the Moon and being the first non-American to leave low earth orbit.It's an awesome chat with a great Canadian, so I really hope you'll enjoy this discussion.NOTE: We have also had the privilege to interview another Canadian fighter pilot and Astronaut, and Jeremy's colleague, and that is Josh Kutryk, who we featured in Episode 3 and Episode 22. They are wonderful chats which we highly recommend.Our thanks to Astronaut Hansen for his time and kindness. We wish him and his crewmates a safe journey on their mission towards the Moon! Go Bold!

This episode is part of our Bleeding Edge series were we discuss new products, platforms, concepts, technologies and ground breaking events.We are all aware of the dire geopolitical security events that are taking place around the world, including the War in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict and the instability of that region.Of particular note is the security situation in the Red Sea where naval vessels and commercial shipping have come under attack from ballistic missiles, and from Unmanned/Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV), which are also known as Unmanned/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones. These events have disrupted global shipping and that has far reaching implications for us all.The threat posed by drones is very real and it is a concern to navies and to ship operators around the world. Companies like Federal Fleet Services, which owns and operates the Combat Support Ship Asterix - and lease its capabilities to the Royal Canadian Navy - have recognized this growing problem and have invested their own money to research, select and integrate a counter-UAS, (counter-drone) system onto the Asterix.After looking at various options, Federal Fleet Services selected the MARSS NiDAR counter-UAS system as the best solution available.In this episode we visited the Combat Support Ship Asterix when it was in port at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, and we had the privilege to interview John Schmidt, the President and CEO of Federal Fleet Services who spoke about the selection of the MARSS NiDAR counter-UAS system which will protect Asterix; and we spoke with Ryan Walker, who is also from Federal Fleet Services, and he discussed the components, capabilities and the installation of the NiDAR system, and working with the Royal Canadian Navy to validate and implement new tactics, techniques and procedures for using the system.This cutting edge counter-UAS technology is of critical importance for the threats faced by ships around the world, so it will be interesting to see how the system will do, and how its modularity will enable future enhancements if needed or desired.It's a great chat about new technology and new capabilities that will extend the eyes and ears of the Asterix.We want to thank Federal Fleet Services and the crew of the Combat Support Ship Asterix for their kindness and hospitality during our visit.Go Bold!

2024 is the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), so happy 100th to the RCAF and our respect to all those who have served and are serving in the Air Force.To mark this milestone year, we plan to publish a number of episodes featuring the men and women who are serving in the RCAF, and as we do here at Go Bold, that means we will be speaking with senior leaders in the Air Force including the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, so we encourage you to keep an ear out for those episodes.Central to the efforts to celebrate their 100th Anniversary are the men and women that make up the CF-18 Demonstration Team, which travels across Canada and further abroad to demonstrate the capabilities of Canada's fighter force.Our guest for this episode is Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot, and the pilot for the 2024 CF-18 Demo Team, Capt. Caleb "Tango" Robert.Capt. Robert is a combat qualified element lead on the CF-18 Hornet, and is assigned to 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron, the "Alouettes" which is based at 3 Wing in Bagotville, Quebec.In this episode you'll hear about Tango's motivation to serve, flying the CF-18 Hornet, and his operational history. You'll also hear details about this year's CF-18 Demo Team, the jet he'll fly, and Tango's focus for the air show season ahead.It's a great chat with a frontline warfighter of the Royal Canadian Air Force.Go Bold!

On 27 December 2023, a Twin Otter aircraft operated by Air Tindi crashed in Canada's high North, approximately 300 km Northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.10 people were onboard, with some suffering injuries. It was night time, and there was blizzard conditions.This episode is a first-hand account of the Search and Rescue (SAR) response to this incident by the Canadian Armed Forces, and specifically the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and its 435 "Chinthe" Transport and Rescue Squadron which is based at 17 Wing in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Search and Rescue at 435 Squadron is a 24 hour-a-day, seven day-a-week responsibility. The Squadron operates the venerable CC-130 Hercules aircraft, some of which are permanently equipped and dedicated for search and rescue missions. During working hours on weekdays, the search and rescue standby aircraft and crew are ready to respond within 30 minutes of being notified. At all other times, the response time is extended to two hours. 435 Transport and Rescue (T&R) Squadron; and 424 T&R Squadron at 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario, provide primary search and rescue response for the Trenton Search and Rescue Region, the largest in Canada, which extends from Quebec City to the British Columbia/Alberta border, and from the Canada/United States border to the North Pole. In this episode you will hear a first-hand account of the SAR response from 435 Squadron members Capt. Jason Shaw, who was the aircraft commander, and Sergeant Vincent C. Benoit, who was the senior Search and Rescue Technician (SARTech) on the mission. They are 2 of 8 RCAF members who flew on this rescue mission.You'll hear about the C-130 in its SAR role, you'll hear the distances the crew had to fly, you'll learn about the challenging conditions they encountered, you'll hear about parachuting from the aircraft in blizzard conditions, and you'll hear about the care they gave to the occupants of the aircraft that crashed.Our tag-line at Go Bold is Talking to Real Life Heroes, and this episode is exactly that.Our guests, and the rest of their crew, the men and women at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the men and women than maintain and support the RCAF aircraft, and the rescue team from the Diavik Diamond Mine are all heroes. We honor them with this episode which preserves their actions for others to hear and remember.Thank you to my guests, and thank you for serving and helping those in need!Go Bold!