Middletown, RI- The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) hosted two important events last week: the biannual Consortium Industry Day and a Conversation on National Security – AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, and United States security partnership) event.
UTIC CEO Molly Donohue Magee provided opening remarks on both days – highlighting the opportunities to communicate, collaborate and ultimately innovate undersea technology solutions in support of our National Security and the AUKUS partnership.
The Biannual Industry Day is an opportunity for the Department of Navy to highlight for consortium members undersea technology areas where they are looking to evaluate prototype solutions. The day kicked off with Mr. Steve O’Grady, the Deputy Director for Technical Excellence for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport. He noted the importance of maintaining and growing U.S. undersea superiority and highlighted continuing opportunities for developing undersea technology in support of our national security. The Navy’s Undersea Weapons Program Office (PMS 404) discussed new initiatives and emphasized the important role industry plays in maintaining current systems and designing and building future systems.
The Conversation on National Security – AUKUS event highlighted thought leadership on AUKUS, near term opportunities for collaboration with companies from the AUKUS countries, and insights on South Australia. The region was represented by DefenceSA, the Defence Teaming Centre and an industry trade delegation. Keynote speakers included: Honorable David Clay, MBE, British Consul General to New England, Ms. Kate van Hilst, First Assistant Director General, Australian Submarine Agency, CAPT Kevin Moller, U.S. Navy, Director, SSN AUKUS Support and Dr. Jon Caverley, Professor, Naval War College, Center for Naval Warfare Studies.
Dr. Caverley noted that AUKUS is a very complex system of systems that scales economies and provides an international alliance. He challenged the audience to view AUKUS and what it will achieve from many perspectives.
Over 200 people representing over 100 companies and organizations attended both days.
