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 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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!