Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am a defense industry executive with a demonstrated history of successful leadership. Wide-ranging background in design, engineering, system development, program management, and operational employment of tactical systems. Proven leader in managing complex programs for delivery to both Government and industry partners. Demonstrated expertise in the development of systems and platforms, both crewed and uncrewed, adjunct components and systems, and overall system integration. 

Q2. Which subsea technologies have the most immediate 'dual-use' application in offshore wind or subsea mining?

Obviously, the most widely employed for many years have been ROV's. They are widely used and adaptable to defense and commercial activities such as area inspection, component/assembly inspection, and work functions such as recovery and/or remediation activities. Generally, being tethered, they are not limited by self-power or the requirement to surface for power recharge. ROV's have performed these functions for many years.  

Considering "dual-use", enhanced sensing, both acoustic and optical, provides higher degrees of system or area characterization.  These rapidly evolving technologies are further enhanced by improved processing, which enables the use of AI and other tools to assist with data interpretation.

Q3. As the Arctic opens, what specific maritime engineering capabilities are we lacking for sustained operations, and which companies are best positioned to fill the 'Cold Weather' gap?

Environmental hardening of systems for the expected environments. Ease of refueling/recharging platforms, as well as replenishment of manned platforms, could use improvement. 

Q4. Beyond the hulls, which specific port and maintenance infrastructure providers are most critical—and currently most under-resourced—to support increased allied submarine presence in the Indo-Pacific?

Without naming specific companies, as there are many, those that provide forward logistics such as replenishment, on-board maintenance to relieve the burden on the crew, and provide them with subject matter experts. Ports to support maintenance, replenishment, and to give the crew time offboard (facilities, etc.)

Q5. Is the labor shortage in naval engineering solvable through the robotics/automation firms currently pitching the Navy, or is the complexity of naval nuclear/systems engineering fundamentally resistant to automation?

No!!!  Robotics and automation can only accomplish the tasks assigned; naval engineers, system engineers, and nuclear engineers must identify the requirements for programming them.  And those are only a subset of engineering functions. 

Q6. Based on your design and operational background, are undersea drone systems currently capable of replacing manned missions, or are they merely high-cost 'sensors' with limited financial disruption potential?

There are many currently crewed missions that UUVs (AUVs) can perform, relieving the capital asset to perform missions that only they can. Intelligent Preparation of the Operating Environment (IPOE), near-shore/near-target ISR, mine detection, and neutralization are among the most common and would lessen the crew burden.

Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?

Are you willing to provide the resources to enter and remain in the space?