DeepBlue Forum 2024
22 DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com
B Y N O R M A N J O L I N
T
he conference opened with
a keynote speech by Rear
Admiral Christopher Robin-
son, the Commander Mari-
time Forces Pacific, where he
stressed the strategic importance of the
submarine and challenged some myths,
while underscoring sustainment and the
need for a balanced fleet. The recent de-
fence policy update, Our North, Strong
and Free, articulates a strong commitment
to replace the Victoria-class submarines,
as they are old and expensive to maintain.
His primary concern with the future Cana-
dian Patrol Submarine (CPS) is achieving
the highest possible operational readiness
with a reliable capability, with the first sub-
marine delivered by 2035. This date is not
arbitrary – it is driven by the end of life of
the Victoria-class submarines.
ON 14 NOVEMBER 2024, VANGUARD HELD ITS FIFTH ANNUAL
UNDERWATER FORUM, DEEP BLUE FORUM 2024, IN OTTAWA,
WITH A THEME OF TRANSITION: PREPARING FOR THE IN-COUNTRY
SUPPORT OF A NEW SUBMARINE. THE DAY-LONG CONFERENCE
WAS HOSTED LIVE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY STREAMED VIRTUALLY,
ENGAGING INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE FROM GERMANY, SOUTH
KOREA, SWEDEN, AND THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS ACROSS
CANADA. A RECORD NUMBER OF PEOPLE REGISTERED FOR
DEEP BLUE 2024, WITH OVER 350 ATTENDING IN PERSON AND 98
VIRTUALLY, SPANNING BOTH GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY.
F O R U M 2 0 2 4
DEEPBLUE
F O R U M 2 0 2 4
DEEPBLUE
Opening Keynote: RAdm Christopher
Robinson, Comd MARPAC and Comd JTFP
Nicholas Avellaneda and Alexandra
Schlesiger, Babcock Canada
Photos: Summer Fuller
