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Uncrewed Maritime Systems Technology
8 May - 9 May 2024

Seize this chance to immerse yourself at the forefront of autonomous maritime systems innovation! Hear directly from NATO leaders steering the shift towards hybrid fleets.


Brace yourself for two days of intense discussions, groundbreaking advancements, and unparalleled networking opportunities.


Secure your spot now and be part a transformative experience at the Uncrewed Maritime Systems Technology conference - your opportunity to be part of the future of autonomous maritime systems technology.

 

 

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Captain Adam Allica

Captain Adam Allica

Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy, Royal Australian Navy
Captain Andy Berner

Captain Andy Berner

Commanding Officer, ONR Global
Captain Francisco Jose de Brito Pereira Cavaco

Captain Francisco Jose de Brito Pereira Cavaco

Maritime Situational Awareness SO-MS, NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (NATO MARSEC COE)
Commander Pieter Blank

Commander Pieter Blank

Innovation Programme Manager , RNLN
Commander Trevor Bradley

Commander Trevor Bradley

Programme Director - Strike Net, Royal Navy
Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton

Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton

Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative, Royal Navy MARCAP
Commodore Steve Bolton

Commodore Steve Bolton

Deputy Director Aviation Progs and Futures, Royal Navy

Captain Adam Allica

Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy, Royal Australian Navy
Captain Adam Allica

 Captain Allica joined the RAN in 1986, qualifying as a Maritime Warfare Officer 1988, as a Navigator in 1990 and was dux of the Principal Warfare Officer Surface Warfare course in 1996.
Throughout his career at sea, Captain Allica served in HMA Ships Jervis Bay, Ipswich, Parramatta, Torrens, Cessnock, Gawler, Sydney, Darwin and Newcastle. Captain Allica commanded HMAS Fremantle (2000-02) conducting immigration and fisheries operations in Australia's Northern Waters as part of Operations Cranberry and Relex.
Captain Allica has undertaken extensive operational postings during his career including deployments to the Middle East in HMAS Sydney (1993) in the North Red Sea as part of Operation Damask, as Staff Officer Operations at Headquarters Australian Theatre (1998-2000) for operations in East Timor, and the Persian Gulf in HMAS Newcastle (2005) for Operations Slipper and Catalyst.
Shore postings for Captain Allica have included periods as a Navigation Instructor (1992), Bridge Simulator Instructor (1995), and Sea Training Group as Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer (2002). Outside Navy, Captain Allica spent eight years working in the commercial sector as a Management Consultant, ICT Project and Program Manager, and in senior management roles within ICT companies as well as establishing his own start-up company. Captain Allica re-joined Navy in 2013 at the Directorate of Navy Continuous Innovation (DNCI) where he has held roles as Project Manager, Deputy Director and Director. In 2017 Captain Allica introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to Navy; he has been instrumental in developing the Defence AI capability through the delivery of the first Robotic Process Automation bots in Navy/Defence. In 2019 Captain Allica was appointed as the inaugural Director General Warfare Innovation Navy, encompassing responsibility for Robotic and Autonomous Systems, AI, Modelling & Simulation and Innovation.

A graduate of the Australian Command and Staff Course (2003), Captain Allica holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (University of New South Wales’ Australian Graduate School of Management), Graduate Diploma of Management (Defence Studies) (University of Canberra) and Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies (University of Wollongong) and as well as being a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Captain Allica is married to Annie and has two adult children. In his spare time, Captain Allica enjoys rugby, cycling and driving his Ford Mustang.

Captain Andy Berner

Commanding Officer, ONR Global
Captain Andy Berner

 Captain Andy “Big Tuna” Berner, a native of Chatham, New Jersey,
graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with
a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and a minor in Spanish. He
holds a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Naval
Postgraduate School and a Master of Science in Defense Technology and
Systems from the National University of Singapore (Temasek Defense
Systems Institute).
Captain Berner’s early operational assignments include HSL-43, where he
flew the SH-60B and deployed in USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) and USS
RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG 60). He also served as Quality Assurance
Officer. As “MiniBoss” aboard USS WASP (LHD 1), he completed
numerous underway exercises and a surge deployment in support of
operations in Lebanon. Captain Berner completed his Department Head tour
with HSL-51 in Atsugi, Japan as Detachment THREE Officer in Charge
aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). He also served as
Maintenance Officer when HSL-51 earned the 2009 "Golden Wrench" and "Battle E" awards.
Captain Berner transitioned to the MH-60R and served as the Commanding Officer of HSM-73. He led the
“BattleCats” throughout a ten-month combat deployment in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE
with 12 aircraft and 310 personnel on five different ships including USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).
During his tenure, HSM-73 earned the 2014 and 2015 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety
awards, the 2014 Captain Arnold J. Isbell award for Undersea Warfare and Surface Warfare excellence, and
the 2015 “Battle E” award.
Captain Berner’s shore tours include duty as Flag Aide to Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems
Command (SPAWAR), assignment to The Joint Staff as Operations Officer within the Joint Operations
Directorate, United States Central Command Division (JODCENT) and Executive Assistant to the Deputy
Director for Regional Operations (J-33). Captain Berner also served on the OPNAV staff as an Operations
Analyst and the Undersea Warfare Branch Head for the Director, Assessments Division (N81).
Since then, Captain Berner served as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Information Warfare Systems
Command (NAVWAR) Space Field Activity (NSFA) where he led the Navy Element at the National
Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and served as Co-Chair of the Naval NRO Coordination Group (NNCG). He
is a VS-8 Space Operations Officer and a member of the Information Warfare Community.
Captain Berner has several personal decorations, but he is most proud of his unit awards that reflect credit on
the successful teams he has rowed with and the many skilled professionals he has been privileged to
work alongside. Captain Berner served as Executive Officer, Office of Naval Research, (from May 2021)
before reporting as Commanding Officer since July 2023.

Captain Francisco Jose de Brito Pereira Cavaco

Maritime Situational Awareness SO-MS, NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (NATO MARSEC COE)
Captain Francisco Jose de Brito Pereira Cavaco

 Commander Francisco Cavaco was born in Mértola, Portugal. He is 54 years old and has 33 years of service. He joined the Naval Academy in 1989, having completed his degree in Naval Military Sciences, Navy course, in 1995.
He is an artillery specialist, and has, among others, the General Naval Warfare Course and the Joint Staff Course.
At sea, he held positions on frigates and corvettes, was the Executive Officer of corvette João Coutinho and of frigate Vasco da Gama. He was in command of NRP Schultz Xavier from October 2010 to September 2012. In 1998 he took part in two operations in the Republic of Guinea Bissau, in 1999 he took part in the NATO Operation Allied Force in the Adriatic Sea. In 1998, 2008 and 2015 he participated in the Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training.
On land, he served on the Department of Naval Training and was appointed twice to the General Staff of the Navy. He is a Maritime Situational Awareness Staff Officer of the Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC COE) since january 2022, and is actively involved in the concept development efforts on "the Usage of Unmanned Systems in Maritime Security Operations".
Commander Francisco Cavaco is married and has two sons and a daughter. His hobbies include reading and practicing judo.

Commander Michael Dalrymple

Deputy Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group Three, US Navy
Commander Michael Dalrymple

Commander Mike Dalrymple is the son of two Air Force Officers (his Dad a Vietnam combat F-4 backseater and Test Pilot School graduate, his Mom a Pediatric nurse) and was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Mike was commissioned through the Naval ROTC program after graduating from The Citadel in 2004.
In his last tour he served as Commanding Officer of EOD Mobile Unit ONE where he led EOD Platoons and ExMCM Companies in worldwide operations in support of Fleet, Special Operations Forces, and Combatant Command requirements.
His previous sea duty assignments were as Executive Officer, EOD Mobile Unit THREE where he deployed as Deputy Commander Counter-IED Task Force (SPARTA) Combined Joint - Task Force Horn of Africa; Operations Officer, EOD Group ONE, Platoon Commander, EOD Mobile Unit THREE; Navigation Department Head onboard USS MILIUS (DDG 69); Combat Systems Officer and Chief Engineer onboard USS CHAMPION (MCM 4).
Ashore his assignments included Force EOD Officer (CWMD Plans Officer), Naval Special Warfare Command; Mine Warfare Staff Officer, Surface and Mine Warfare Development Center; and Advanced EOD Training Department Head (AIEDD), Naval School EOD.
He assumed his current duties as Deputy Commander of MCM Group THREE in May 2023; responsible for serving as the Maritime Homeland Defense MCM Task Force and operational planning staff to Second, Third, and Fourth Fleet.
CDR Dalrymple has earned designation as an EOD Warfare Officer, Surface Warfare Officer, Naval Parachutist (Freefall), and Master Training Specialist. He graduated from The Citadel with a double Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice, and with a Minor in Psychology. He earned a Master of Arts from Boston University in Criminal Justice.
Mike is married to the former Vallerie Garcia of Corpus Christi, Texas, and is the proud father of a daughter Bella and son Alex.

Commander Pieter Blank

Innovation Programme Manager , RNLN
Commander Pieter Blank

 I am Pieter Blank, Innovator and program manager at the Royal Netherlands Navy. In this role responsible for the development and introduction period of an embedded maritime UAV squad (‘the Nederdrone Program’). I am working with several teams (technical and operational) building towards a ‘team of teams’-concept.

Commander Renauld Hock

Project Leader - BEL-NLD rMCM, Belgian MoD
Commander Renauld Hock

Cdr Renauld Hock joined the Belgian Navy in 2011 graduating suma cum laude, as valedictorian from the Royal Military Academy with a Master of Science in Engineering.
After managing MCM projects, he served as Deputy Head of the Technical Department of the frigate F930 BNS Leopold 1 and participated in three operational missions. He then specialized in Cyber & Intelligence Operations and was deployed overseas in his capacity as Head of Technical Department. LtCdr Renauld Hock holds multiple certifications including CISSP, GISP, GDAD, GMOB, GAWN, GPEN, PRINCE2 and ITILv4.
In 2021, after graduating suma cum laude, as valedictorian of the Candidate Senior Officer Course, he became the Project Leader of the binational rMCM programme.
Since September 2021, leading the Programme Office, supported by a highly skilled binational team, he works towards the successful execution of this innovative and (r)evolutionary programme.
 

Commander Rutger van der Werff

Branch Head Concept Development and Experimentation, NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence
Commander Rutger van der Werff

 Cdr Rutger van der Werff was born on April 13th 1969 in Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
He joined the Dutch Naval Academy in Den Helder in August 1995 for a period of nine months and was subsequently assigned to the mine hunter HNLMS Middelburg as trainee officer.
In 1997, he was assigned as MHO (Minehunting Officer) on board HNLMS Schiedam. He participated in MARCOT’ 98 which took place near the coast of Nova Scotia (Canada).
In 1999, he became MHO on board of HNLMS Hellevoetsluis.
In 2001, he was appointed XO (Executive Officer) of Minehunter Schiedam and later that year as XO on board of HNLMS Maassluis.
Between 2002 and 2009, he had a spell outside the navy as a manager of the international security company G4S (Group 4 Securicor)
In 2009 he returned to the navy to become XO on board of HNLMS Vlaardingen.
In 2010, CDR van der Werff attended the Advanced Mine Warfare Course and Mine Warfare Staff Officer Course at EGUERMIN (Belgian-Netherlands Naval Mine Warfare School – Oostende, Belgium)
From 2011 to 2014 he was assigned as Head of the team Training Facility at Eguermin (Ostend)
From 2014 to 2017, he became CO of HNLMS Schiedam. In 2015 the ship joined SNMCMG1.
In March 2017, he joined Eguermin to become the head of the planning department. He stayed at that position for 4 years
In August of 2021, he switched to the ABNL Mission Support Centre, to become head of that office. After one year, he had the opportunity to change positons and be promoted.
From August 2022, he is the Branch Head Concept Development & Experimentation at the NATO NMW COE, co-located with the BEL NAC in Ostend. In September of that year he participated in REP(MUS) 22
Cdr van der Werff lives together with Jolanda and has two sons, Roar and Reidar.

Commander Trevor Bradley

Programme Director - Strike Net, Royal Navy
Commander Trevor Bradley

 Commander Trevor Bradley joined the Royal Navy in 2000 as a Weapon Engineer and has served on Frigates and Aircraft Carriers in addition to a number of multinational posts in the Middle East. Dividing much of his career between Capability Development and C5ISR delivery with posts in Cyber Security, Deployed Information Systems and DSTL, he is now part of the Navy’s Develop Directorate C5ISR team. He is leading the development of Strike Net a programme which will transform the way that a task group integrates, enabling disaggregated force level decision making and action.

Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton

Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative, Royal Navy MARCAP
Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton

 Mr David Burton is the Director of ASW Barrier Smart Defence Initiative (SDI) 1.1271, a multinational
initiative comprising: Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Spain, UK, and the US. The SDI is sponsored by the NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems
(MUS) initiative.
Prior to this David was Strategic Advisor to the UK’s NavyX programme and before this Director
Strategy for NATO’s Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an executive body of
NATO’s Science and Technology where he was instrumental in the formation of the Maritime
Unmanned Systems Initiative.
Before joining CMRE, Mr David Burton was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the NATO
Communications and Information (NCI) Agency during the Afghanistan War. Here he was responsible
for driving programmatic and technical coherence of capability programmes across NATO, developing
strategic and technical roadmaps for change, and liaising closely with nations and national industries
to support the implementation of NATO Network Enabled Capabilities. Since July 2009 Mr Burton
worked within the NATO C3 Agency (NC3A) that merged with other NATO organizations into the NCI
Agency on 1 July 2012.
Previously, Mr Burton served as a Commodore in the Royal UK Navy in the post of Director Change
within the Information Systems & Service Directorate of the Defence Equipment and Support
Organisation of the UK Ministry of Defence. In this role he led a major transformational agenda across
multiple lines of development.
At the UK Ministry of Defence, Commodore Burton worked for the Chief Information Officer with
responsibility for the UK Defence Information Exploitation and Enterprise Architecture Programmes.
Prior to this he held the position as NATO’s Network Enabled Capability Integrated Project Team
Leader based at ACT, Norfolk Virginia.
A Physics graduate of Bristol University, Mr Burton joined the Royal Navy in 1980. After a variety of
operational appointments at sea and with the Royal Marines, he attended the Royal Military College
of Science, where he was awarded a Masters Degree in Design of Information Systems. Project
Management experience followed in a variety of strategic Information Systems and organisational
change programmes, including Programme Management of major Public Private Partnerships within
UK defence. In the late 1990s, he filled a key role within NATO’s Maritime Command and Control
Information System (MCCIS) Programme.
Mr Burton is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered IT Practitioner, and Fellow of the British Computer
Society

Commodore Steve Bolton

Deputy Director Aviation Progs and Futures, Royal Navy
Commodore Steve Bolton

 Steve Bolton joined the Royal Navy following an engineering apprenticeship and short career
in industry. He is currently serving in Navy Command HQ as Deputy Director Aviation
Programmes and Futures, responsible for overseeing the transformation of aviation in the
Royal Navy.
Over the past 3 decades, Steve has accumulated over 4500 flying hrs as a maritime
helicopter pilot, spread across four main aircraft types. He has deployed on operations
around the world in a variety of warships. A qualified Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface
Unit Warfare, Search and Rescue and Maritime Counter Terrorism pilot, he is also a Qualified
Helicopter Instructor.
Steve has held command, leadership, and management positions in a range of Defence tasks
that include basic and operational flying training, military workforce planning and capability
delivery. Prior to his current assignment was an SRO and Programme Director in HQ Air
Command, responsible for delivering a range of programmes to include the UK Military
Flying Training System.
An alumnus of Kings College London and Said Business School (Oxford), he has an MA in
Defence Studies and is a graduate of the Major Programmes Leadership Academy. He is also
the current Chair of the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition Executive Committee.

Dr Steven Dam

President and COO, SPEC Innovations
Dr Steven Dam

 Steven Dam is the President and Founder of the Systems and Proposal Engineering Company (dba SPEC Innovations). He has been involved with structured analysis, software development, and system engineering for over 45 years. He has authored four systems engineering-based books, including his most recent: “Real MBSE: Model-Based Systems Engineering Using LML and Innoslate.” He has a BS and Ph.D. in Physics. He is an INCOSE certified ESEP and recipient of the INCOSE 2023 Founders Award. In addition, he was recently made an Associate Fellow of AIAA.

Mr Amitai Peleg

CEO & Co-Founder, Sealartec LTD
Mr Amitai Peleg

 Amitai Peleg, has carved a distinguished career path in the field of autonomous marine systems, currently leading as the Co-Founder and CEO of Sealartec Ltd. Under his guidance since 2018, Sealartec specializes in innovative Launch & Recovery systems, setting new standards in autonomy and precision at sea.

Before establishing Sealartec, Amitai served as an independent marine engineering consultant led to groundbreaking projects with prestigious clients like Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Gilat Satellite Networks. His work focused on autonomous marine vessels, underwater automation systems for open sea aquaculture, and satellite antenna design for maritime environments.

From 2008 to 2012, Amitai excelled as a Mechanical Engineer at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, where he led mechanical design and engineering teams for autonomous naval craft, demonstrating his prowess in system and detail design alternatives, work plan writing, and international manufacturing oversight.

His early career (2004–2008) at Puzzle Projects LTD saw him leading operational teams for autonomous vessels, defining algorithms for vessel behavior, and authoring technical literature in both English and Hebrew.

Amitai's academic background is as impressive as his professional journey. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Energy from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, where he was a Dean's List honoree.
His military service in a special naval unit from 1997 to 2002 laid a robust foundation for his career in defense and engineering.

Beyond his professional achievements, Amitai is an avid surfer, a hobby that not only connects him deeply with the sea but also reflects his passion for exploring and interacting with the marine environment. This love for surfing complements his professional work, where innovation and the challenges of the sea are constant.

Mr Chris Ainsworth

ACHERON Project Director, Turner & Townsend, Defence SE
Mr Chris Ainsworth

 Chris Ainsworth is an Associate Director in Defence at Turner & Townsend and is currently working as the Project ACHERON Director. He has spent the last 18 months working in a variety of roles on the Multi Domain Integrated Systems (MDIS) Programme including the establishment of the PMO and leading the Customer Friend Team. Chris has 16 years’ experience in the Defence Sector including working at DE&S and NATO. A Land Joint Fires and Targeting SME more recently Chris has produced the vision for ACHERON and placed a number of contracts to bring this Operational Concept Demonstrator to life for Defence.

Mr Ferdinand Peters

Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation , Netherlands Ministry of Defence
Mr Ferdinand  Peters

 I am Ferdinand Peters Naval Systems Architect at the Defence Material Organisation. I am responsible for the integration of unmanned (aerial) systems on the Royal Netherlands navy feet. I am working on different projects in which the ships are adapted to accommodate the different unmanned systems and in which the unmanned systems are incorporated in the design from the start. Moreover I am involved in the Nederdrone Program in which an organic aerial systems is designed specifically for maritime operations.

Mr Gerry Tighe

Oversight Executive for Emerging Capability & Prototyping Programs, Office of the Secretary of Defence
Mr Gerry Tighe

 Gerry Tighe is the Director of the International Prototypes & Experiments (IP&E) program for the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD/R&E). This Department of Defense portfolio of programs encompasses Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) and International Collaboration & Experimentation (ICE). The FCT program finds, assesses, and fields world-class technologies to enhance US military capabilities, and connects foreign technologies to U.S. DoD and development and acquisition programs. For ICE, his team engages with Partner-Nations and Allied Organizations to facilitate military utility evaluation/assessment of technologies in a Coalition/International environment. Current ICE efforts focus on the Maritime Big Play as part of AUKUS Pillar 2.
Before assuming the IP&E Director role, Gerry was an Oversight Executive, and then Director of the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) Program Office, also under OUSD/R&E. The JCTD office addressed capability gaps at the Combatant Commands that cross Service seams and accelerates fielding of decisive technical capabilities.
Prior to this Gerry worked with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, developing, and testing counter-WMD technologies with remote and autonomous technologies. While on Active Duty with the Navy, he flew the P-3C Orion on anti-submarine and maritime patrol missions over the Pacific Ocean. He retired as a Captain after serving fifteen years with the Office of Naval Research Science & Technology Reserve program. Gerry has a Bachelor degree of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and Master degree of Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Mr Gordon Meadow

CEO and Founder, Seabot Maritime
Mr Gordon Meadow

Gordon Meadow is founder and CEO at SeaBot Maritime, a Chartered Marine Technologist and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST). He is an industry advisor on training development and speaks internationally on workforce assurance, skills and training development for the operation of uncrewed marine systems. He is committed to driving the maritime digital skills agenda and is at the forefront in the development of competencies, skills and training requirements for the operation of remote and autonomous marine systems. Gordon is a member of several maritime autonomy working groups and industry forums leading on next generation skills development. He co-created the Maritime Competency Development Working Group, MASSPeople. Currently, with 8 nations as members, the group is capturing and defining new and emerging roles, and mapping competencies between humans and machines to co-exist alongside complex systems in maritime.

Gordon leads a small team representing IMarEST on the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) MASS Code Human Element Splinter Group assisting in the writing of a new IMO MASS Code. The Human Element Splinter Group is working with other flag states and NGOs on the human aspects of MASS including competencies and training requirements. He is Chair of MASSPeople; a member of the IMarEST's Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship (MASS) Special Interest Group; Sub-Committee Chair of UK MASRWG People Skills and Ethics Committee; Skills lead for the Society of Maritime Industry’s MASG Council; a member of the UK MCA National Correspondence Group on MASS Training Development. He has also represented IMarEST on the Royal Academy of Engineering Safety and Ethics of Autonomous Systems working group.

 

Mr Robert Been

Programme Manager, NATO STO / CMRE
Mr Robert Been

 Received the MSc degree in Applied Mathematics from Delft University of Technology in 1990. He then worked for the Underwater Technology Department of TNO Defence, Security and Safety, where he was the Program Manager for Low Frequency Active Sonar research until 1998. From 1998 to 2006, he was a Senior Engineer in the Advanced Sonar Studies Department of Thales Underwater Systems in Sophia Antipolis, France. In 2006, he joined NATO STO CMRE, a research centre in La Spezia, Italy. Robert Been is a principal scientist and the ASW department head at NATO-CMRE. He leads a multidisciplinary team working on the development and at-sea testing of advanced autonomous unmanned systems that comprise cognitive sonar components and advanced algorithms to tackle the challenging field of ASW. The team also supports NATO ASW exercises with operational research and data analysis expertise.

Mr Robert Iannuzzi

Unmanned AO, OPNAV N9iX, US Navy
Mr Robert Iannuzzi

Ms Holli Foster

Chief Technology Officer, Task Force 59, U.S Naval Forces Central Command
Ms Holli Foster

Unlock solutions tailored to your needs! Discover what sets this year apart.
This year, we're honing in on operational excellence, delivering valuable insights as nations approach the procurement and integration of Uncrewed technologies. Benefit from fresh perspectives shared by experts from the UK, US, Australia, and experience an enhanced focus on practical use cases for Uncrewed Maritime Systems (UMS), particularly in areas like Mine Counter-Measures (MCM).

 
Get ready for a conference that not only informs but provides solutions directly relevant to your challenges. Join us and shape the future of Uncrewed Maritime Systems in a way that fits seamlessly into your operational landscape.

 

 Why should you attend?

  • Network with Industry Leaders: Immerse yourself in a community of senior leaders at the forefront of uncrewed systems technology. This event is your prime opportunity to engage with and learn from key players actively shaping the future of the industry.
  • Direct Engagement with NATO Leaders: Benefit from firsthand insights and perspectives that will shape the landscape of innovation in maritime systems.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with key organisations such as the Royal Navy, US Navy, Royal Australian Navy and NATO
  • Stay Informed: Delve into the latest trends and discussions shaping the future of uncrewed maritime systems technology. Gain valuable insights on integrating these cutting-edge technologies to enhance your operational effectiveness.

 

sponsors

Embark on a journey at the only event where you can engage and network with trailblazers in the uncrewed maritime systems arena, representing both military and industry perspectives. Step into a critical moment for uncrewed maritime systems, as nations propel towards rapid technological advancements.

To discuss your involvement as a sponsor contact the Sponsorship Sales Team on +44 (0) 20 7827 6000 or salesenquiries@saemediagroup.com

Conference agenda

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8:30

Registration and Coffee

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9:20

Chairman's Opening Remarks

Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton, Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative, Royal Navy MARCAP

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9:30

Maritime Aviation Transformation

Commodore Steve Bolton, Deputy Director Aviation Progs and Futures, Royal Navy

• Threat led, capability driven, to deliver effects focussed outcomes
• Uncrewed where possible, crewed where necessary – lethal, sustainable, resilient
• Think Big, Start Small, Scale Up at Pace – utilise experimentation wisely and learn as we go
 

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10:00

Strike Net – Developing Robust Connectivity Across a Disaggregated Force

Commander Trevor Bradley, Programme Director - Strike Net, Royal Navy

 

• The challenges and opportunities of the crewed/uncrewed task group
• Delivering Data Architecture Coherence
• Combining Technologies to Deliver Force Level Capabilities
 

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10:30

Project ACHERON – Assessing Defence’s All-Domain, Integrated Remote Autonomous Systems (RAS) Capability

Mr Chris Ainsworth, ACHERON Project Director, Turner & Townsend, Defence SE

 • Outcomes and Benefits for Defence of MDIS and ACHERON
• The Challenges of coordinating MDI RAS
• What we have learnt so far

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11:00

Morning Coffee

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11:30

ONR Global’s Work on Uncrewed Systems

Captain Andy Berner, Commanding Officer, ONR Global

 • Building and fostering international connections to further uncrewed capabilities
• Experimentation and analysis with uncrewed systems
• Current and future plans to aid the development of uncrewed systems

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12:00

Autonomous Launch and Recovery- A Key Enabler for Maritime Autonomy

Mr Amitai Peleg, CEO & Co-Founder, Sealartec LTD

 1. Brief overview of Launch and Recovery world wide endeavors
2. Review of the main challenges and of autonomous recoveries
3. Sealartec’s approach for autonomous recovery technology
4. An interoperability approach for deploying, retrieving and supplying USVs and UUVs between multiple hosting platforms as a key enabler.

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12:30

Maritime Big Play Experimentation

Mr Gerry Tighe, Oversight Executive for Emerging Capability & Prototyping Programs, Office of the Secretary of Defence

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13:00

Networking Lunch

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14:00

Update on the Belgian-Dutch rMCM Programme

Commander Renauld Hock, Project Leader - BEL-NLD rMCM, Belgian MoD

 • Concept of Operation
• Execution
• Transition between current and new capacities
• Challenges and opportunities

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14:30

Leveraging Uncrewed Capabilities for Underwater Threat Detection and Clearance

Commander Michael Dalrymple, Deputy Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group Three, US Navy

 • Role of Mine Countermeasures Group 3
• Integration and role in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations
• Development of U.S. port partner unmanned capabilities in MCM
• Unmanned capabilities in MCM: Persistent IPOE*, Automated Change Detection, Automated Target Recognition, and their impact on Commander’s “Risk”

IPOE - Intelligence Preparation of the Environment

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15:00

Afternoon Tea

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15:30

Uncrewed Surface Vessels: Best Practice

Commander Rutger van der Werff, Branch Head Concept Development and Experimentation, NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence

  • Challenges 
  • Legal framework
  • Practical example
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    16:00

    Chairman's Closing Remarks

    Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton, Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative, Royal Navy MARCAP

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    8:45

    Registration and Coffee

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    9:20

    Chairman's Opening Remarks

    Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton, Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative, Royal Navy MARCAP

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    9:30

    Evaluating, Testing and Integrating Uncrewed And Autonomous Systems into the RAN

    Captain Adam Allica, Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy, Royal Australian Navy

     • An overview of RAN’s Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) Strategy 2040 and the RAS Campaign Plan 2025
    • A selection of RAS activities that are currently underway and how they are being conducted in a different manner from traditional platform acquisition projects
    • Key observations from the implementation of the RAN’s Strategy around governance, organisation, process, and behaviour to assist in the successful implementation of these disruptive innovations

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    10:00

    The Activities and Results of Task Force 59 - The Rapid Development of Maritime Uncrewed Systems to Achieve Maritime Domain Overmatch

    Ms Holli Foster

    Ms Holli Foster, Chief Technology Officer, Task Force 59, U.S Naval Forces Central Command

     • The TF 59 Design Sprint and other innovation challenges of Task Force 59 for the development of UMS and AI capabilities
    • Exercise Digital Talon 2.0, expanding unmanned lethality at sea
    • The future of the Task Force and the roadmap to future integration and innovation with UMS

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    10:30

    Morning Coffee

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    11:00

    Experimentation and Testing with UMS

    Mr Robert Iannuzzi

    Mr Robert Iannuzzi, Unmanned AO, OPNAV N9iX, US Navy

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    11:30

    MBSE Used for Demonstration Organization

    Dr Steven Dam, President and COO, SPEC Innovations

     • Provides access to all information about the demonstration
    • Enables development of clear demo plan
    • Tracks demonstration progress
    • Enable demonstration results reporting

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    12:00

    Advancing USV Operations: Best Practices in Workforce Training and Competency Development

    Mr Gordon Meadow, CEO and Founder, Seabot Maritime

    • The role of workforce vocational training and structured training programs in enhancing operational confidence and innovation in USV deployment.
    • Effective training methods to leverage new operational strategies in Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and their applications.
    • Essential Competencies for USV Operators addressed during training.
    • Exchange of best practices in combined USV and remote ROV operations.
     

    clock

    12:30

    Networking Lunch

    clock

    13:30

    Maritime Unmanned Systems in Support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) Concept

    Captain Francisco Jose de Brito Pereira Cavaco, Maritime Situational Awareness SO-MS, NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (NATO MARSEC COE)

     
    • MARSEC COE’s Concept Development – Update
    • Operational Experimentation in MSO
     

    clock

    14:00

    Developing New Technologies to Further Enable Uncrewed Systems in the Fields of Anti-Submarine and Mine Warfare

    Mr Robert Been, Programme Manager, NATO STO / CMRE

     • Artificial intelligence (AI)
    • Autonomy
    • Quantum-enabled technologies
    • Decision making
    • Interoperability between systems

    clock

    14:30

    Afternoon Tea

    clock

    15:00

    Learning from the Successes and Challenges of Developing Intelligent Swarming Systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy

     • The transition from a disruptive technology to an operational capability
    • How to bridge the of valley of death – embracing failure to get results
    • An exploration approach to connect the technician with the operator
    • General approach to facilitate unmanned autonomous systems to work together as a team

    Mr Ferdinand Peters, Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation , Netherlands Ministry of Defence

    Commander Pieter Blank, Innovation Programme Manager , RNLN

    clock

    15:30

    Chairman's Closing Remarks

    Commodore (Ret'd) David Burton, Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative, Royal Navy MARCAP


    Director General, Warfare Innovation Navy
    Royal Australian Navy
    Commanding Officer
    ONR Global
    Maritime Situational Awareness SO-MS
    NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (NATO MARSEC COE)
    Deputy Commodore, Mine Countermeasures Group Three
    US Navy
    Innovation Programme Manager
    RNLN
    Project Leader - BEL-NLD rMCM
    Belgian MoD
    Branch Head Concept Development and Experimentation
    NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence
    Programme Director - Strike Net
    Royal Navy
    Director ASW Barrier - Smart Defence Initiative
    Royal Navy MARCAP
    Deputy Director Aviation Progs and Futures
    Royal Navy
    President and COO
    SPEC Innovations
    CEO & Co-Founder
    Sealartec LTD
    ACHERON Project Director
    Turner & Townsend, Defence SE
    Naval Systems Architect, Defence Material Organisation
    Netherlands Ministry of Defence
    Oversight Executive for Emerging Capability & Prototyping Programs
    Office of the Secretary of Defence
    CEO and Founder
    Seabot Maritime
    Programme Manager
    NATO STO / CMRE
    Unmanned AO, OPNAV N9iX
    US Navy
    Chief Technology Officer, Task Force 59
    U.S Naval Forces Central Command

    Sponsors

    Exhibitors

    Supporters

    VENUE

    Double Tree by Hilton St. Anne's Manor

    London Road, Wokingham, United Kingdom

    A number of our clients have been approached by third party organisations offering to book hotel rooms. We would advise that you do not book through them as they are not representing the SMi Group. SMi Group books all hotel rooms directly. If you are approached by a third party organisation then please contact us before making any bookings. If you have already booked a hotel room using a third party organisation, we would highly recommend contacting the hotel you were booked into to ensure a booking has been made for you. We would also advise you to please check the terms and conditions of the booking carefully.
    HOTEL BOOKING FORM

    Attendee List

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    Brochure

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    Speaker Interview - Commander Renauld Hock

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    Chair Letter - Commodore (Ret’d) David Burton

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    Past Attendee list

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Jeffrey Brewer

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Robert Iannuzzi

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Jonathan Reed- Beviere

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Commodore Colin Corridan

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Cdre Rich Atkinson

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Martin Wiig

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Commodore Darron Kavanagh AM CSC, RAN

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    Past Speaker Presentation - Ferdinard Peters and Pieter Blank

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    Past Speaker Presentation - David Burton

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    Sponsors


    Sealartec

    Sponsors
    https://sealartec.com/

    Sealartec stands at the forefront of marine innovation, offering a suite of fully Autonomous Launch & Recovery Systems (ALRS) tailored for the uncrewed (and crewed) marine vessel market.

    From early stage, our singular focus has been to address and master the complexities of autonomous recovery – a critical bottleneck for the advancement of marine autonomy. Our dedication to research and development has created proven systems capable of executing autonomous recoveries in challenging sea conditions, allowing a wide operational envelope for the users to actually use their autonomous systems.

    Our technology transcends traditional launch and recovery solutions; we answer the basic recovery needs of surface vehicles including autonomous stern ramp and side recovery, and UUV recovery robots. Beyond the essential, our systems are designed for autonomous refueling, charging, data transfer, and more, making Sealartec not just a supplier but a holistic partner for those navigating the autonomous marine vehicle domain. Whether serving the defense sector, oil and gas industries, or marine research, our experience and agile approach to innovation ensures we deliver unparalleled value and performance.


    Exhibitors


    Forum Energy Technologies

    Exhibitors
    https://f-e-t.com/

    Forum Energy Technologies (FET) Subsea is a leading provider of subsea related products and services. FET’s extensive product line focuses on remote intervention technology with the capability to provide everything from a world class subsea trencher to tooling and individual components such as thrusters. The Perry® and Sub-Atlantic® range of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), tether management systems, tooling and components is one of most comprehensive and highly rated in the industry. Other subsea technology products include Dynacon winches, launch and recovery systems (LARS); Moffat engineering and subsea connectors; VMAX™ simulation software; and VisualSoft data acquisition software.

    Media Partners


    Defence Global

    Supporters
    http://barclaymedia.uk.com/

    Defence Global provides an essential link between the Defence & Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, Government and Military sectors globally. Defence Global is a quarterly, tri-service publication providing articles and informative analysis from respected journalists and writers worldwide to attract a sophisticated and broad audience. Defence Global is published in February, May, August and November, with a professional and stylish design in both printed copy and digital format. The printed copies are perfect bound, full colour throughout with high quality art and photography. Defence Global is used as a reference tool providing a professional and intelligent read. We work with industry experts and corporate clients to include Defence and Security Manufacturers and Suppliers, as well as Governments, MoDs, Military Authorities and Senior Management Teams.


    Unmanned Systems Technology

    Supporters
    http://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com

    UST is the largest ecosystem for unmanned systems, technology and innovation. We provide global exposure for +200 industry-leading technical and engineering organisations, allowing them to gain maximum visibility of their innovations, products and capabilities in front of an audience of +1.2million visitors each year. We do this via a winning combination of intelligent digital marketing and advertising techniques, high exposure in search engines for relevant technology. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.


    C-UAS Hub

    Supporters
    http://cuashub.com

    This information hub for Counter-UAS and airspace awareness content includes news, original articles, vendors, products, services, events, multimedia content, and a comprehensive reference library. This site is an excellent resource for professionals from the defense, public safety, government, academia, critical infrastructure, corporate security, and private security sectors.


    ASD MEDIA

    Supporters
    http://www.asd-network.com

    Professionals in the Aerospace & Defence market use the ASD Media internet platforms to:
    • Be informed on the latest market developments; www.asd-network.com
    • Find the latest business news; www.asd-network.com
    • Find the upcoming events; www.asd-network.com
    • Find companies and organizations; www.asdsource.com
    • Distribute news globally. www.asdwire.com
    The ASD Media platforms are well known and used intensively, your company is able to benefit from these large numbers of users. Be informed with ASD-Network; Create exposure for your company with ASDSource, distribute your news with ASDWire or advertise with us, build your brand and increase traffic to your company’s website.

    For more detailed information please contact with: ASD MEDIA
    Stefan.koopman@asdmedia.nl

    SAVE TO


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    Double Tree by Hilton St. Anne's Manor

    London Road
    Wokingham RG40 1ST
    United Kingdom

    Double Tree by Hilton St. Anne's Manor

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    WHAT IS CPD?

    CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development’. It is essentially a philosophy, which maintains that in order to be effective, learning should be organised and structured. The most common definition is:

    ‘A commitment to structured skills and knowledge enhancement for Personal or Professional competence’

    CPD is a common requirement of individual membership with professional bodies and Institutes. Increasingly, employers also expect their staff to undertake regular CPD activities.

    Undertaken over a period of time, CPD ensures that educational qualifications do not become obsolete, and allows for best practice and professional standards to be upheld.

    CPD can be undertaken through a variety of learning activities including instructor led training courses, seminars and conferences, e:learning modules or structured reading.

    CPD AND PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES

    There are approximately 470 institutes in the UK across all industry sectors, with a collective membership of circa 4 million professionals, and they all expect their members to undertake CPD.

    For some institutes undertaking CPD is mandatory e.g. accountancy and law, and linked to a licence to practice, for others it’s obligatory. By ensuring that their members undertake CPD, the professional bodies seek to ensure that professional standards, legislative awareness and ethical practices are maintained.

    CPD Schemes often run over the period of a year and the institutes generally provide online tools for their members to record and reflect on their CPD activities.

    TYPICAL CPD SCHEMES AND RECORDING OF CPD (CPD points and hours)

    Professional bodies and Institutes CPD schemes are either structured as ‘Input’ or ‘Output’ based.

    ‘Input’ based schemes list a precise number of CPD hours that individuals must achieve within a given time period. These schemes can also use different ‘currencies’ such as points, merits, units or credits, where an individual must accumulate the number required. These currencies are usually based on time i.e. 1 CPD point = 1 hour of learning.

    ‘Output’ based schemes are learner centred. They require individuals to set learning goals that align to professional competencies, or personal development objectives. These schemes also list different ways to achieve the learning goals e.g. training courses, seminars or e:learning, which enables an individual to complete their CPD through their preferred mode of learning.

    The majority of Input and Output based schemes actively encourage individuals to seek appropriate CPD activities independently.

    As a formal provider of CPD certified activities, SAE Media Group can provide an indication of the learning benefit gained and the typical completion. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the delegate to evaluate their learning, and record it correctly in line with their professional body’s or employers requirements.

    GLOBAL CPD

    Increasingly, international and emerging markets are ‘professionalising’ their workforces and looking to the UK to benchmark educational standards. The undertaking of CPD is now increasingly expected of any individual employed within today’s global marketplace.

    CPD Certificates

    We can provide a certificate for all our accredited events. To request a CPD certificate for a conference , workshop, master classes you have attended please email events@saemediagroup.com

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    Opening Hours: 9.00 - 17.30 (local time)
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