What does it take to command oe of the world’s most important submarine forces?
In this episode, Defence Director Harry Macleod sits down with Rear Admiral Melvin Smith, Commander of the U.S. Navy Submarine Group Two, to discuss the strategic importance of undersea warfare and the challenges of shaping the future of naval operations.
From protecting critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) and strengthening NATO cooperation to integrating autonomous systems and emerging technologies, Rear Admiral Smith explains how the U.S. Navy is adapting to an increasingly contested maritime environment.
The discussion covers:
- The role of Submarine Group Two in the Atlantic
- Why undersea warfare is becoming increasingly important
- NATO cooperation and collective deterrence
- Protecting undersea cables and critical infrastructure
- Recruitment, retention and the demands placed on submarine crews
- The future of autonomous underwater systems and AI
- How emerging technology is transforming submarine operations
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