Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala

Joetey Attariwala

Welcome to Go Bold! This podcast is a voice for those that serve their nation and their communities - people that I like to think of as heroes! I believe the best stories are those that are told by the ones that lived them, and that's exactly what you'll hear on this podcast. Our guests include senior military leaders and warfighters from around the globe, and executives in the aerospace and defence industry. We'll learn about their careers and the amazing things they do. You'll hear discussions on military exercises and operations, the geopolitical security environment, military platforms, and current events in science & technology and innovation. We'll also seek out life lessons and leadership skills as we go. Our guests are genuine heroes, and our episodes are informative, insightful and fun! There's no script here, just open freewheeling conversation. Join us as we Go Bold!

  1. MAR 27

    Go Bold #94: Colonel (Ret) Jim Cardoso on the Rescue of Vega 31 Behind Enemy Lines

    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!

    1h 55m
  2. FEB 21

    Go Bold #93: Commodore Matthew Coates on Canada's Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2)

    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!

    1h 25m
  3. 12/16/2024

    Go Bold #91: Commodore David Mazur discusses Weapons-focused Exercises with Strategic Implications for the Navy

    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!

    50 min
  4. 11/12/2024

    Go Bold #89: Commander Tyler Smith on the Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise 2024 (JoLTEX 24)

    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!

    39 min
  5. 10/17/2024

    Go Bold #88: Commodore David Mazur reflects on the Royal Australian Navy Exercise Kakadu 2024

    For this episode of Go Bold we are proud to welcome back Royal Canadian Navy Commodore David Mazur, the Commander of Canada's Pacific Fleet. Our topic is Exercise Kakadu, which is a biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and is supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Exercise Kakadu is the RAN’s flagship regional international engagement activity and has grown in size and complexity since its inception in 1993. Exercise Kakadu provides an opportunity for regional partners to undertake multinational maritime activities through a broad spectrum of activities, from constabulary and humanitarian operations, to high-end maritime warfare in a combined environment. For those that are interested for more context, please listen to Episode 45 of Go Bold, where we spoke with Australian Navy Captain Pete Bartlett about the previous iteration of Exercise Kakadu.   For this year, Exercise Kakadu took place from September 9 to 20, and was the largest and most diverse iteration of the exercise yet. Nearly 3,000 personnel from over 30 countries, ships from 10 countries, and aircraft from five nations all gathered at the North Australian exercise area which was centered at Darwin. Canada was one of the participants with HMCS Vancouver taking part, and Commodore Mazur had the privilege to lead a Task Group at sea during the exercise. You will hear Commodore Mazur's reflections on the exercise, which started with a large Fleet Commanders Conference. You'll hear about the ships that participated and the type of warfare they exercised, including serials against a submarine and 5th Generation fighter jets. The Commodore shares lessons from the exercise and how he will leverage them for Canada's upcoming Exercise Trident Fury in 2025. This wide-ranging discussion offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of one of the world’s most complex maritime exercises so it is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the strategic importance of maritime operations and the leadership behind large-scale multinational exercises. This is a conversation that you will only find here on Go Bold, the platform that is uniquely known to feature the voices of senior military leaders from Allied Forces. Our thanks to Commodore Mazur for his time and kindness. Go Bold!

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Go Bold! This podcast is a voice for those that serve their nation and their communities - people that I like to think of as heroes! I believe the best stories are those that are told by the ones that lived them, and that's exactly what you'll hear on this podcast. Our guests include senior military leaders and warfighters from around the globe, and executives in the aerospace and defence industry. We'll learn about their careers and the amazing things they do. You'll hear discussions on military exercises and operations, the geopolitical security environment, military platforms, and current events in science & technology and innovation. We'll also seek out life lessons and leadership skills as we go. Our guests are genuine heroes, and our episodes are informative, insightful and fun! There's no script here, just open freewheeling conversation. Join us as we Go Bold!