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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!