Go Bold with Joetey Attariwala

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!

Our guest for this episode is Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Faith of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Lieutenant-Colonel Faith is a CF-18 Hornet fighter pilot and a true subject matter expert in Fighter Lead-In Training (FLIT), so our episode today is a front-row seat to what it’s really like to train and fly as a fighter pilot in today’s Royal Canadian Air Force.

LtCol Faith shares his motivation to serve, and he describes highlights of his career flying fighter jets in Canada as part of NORAD, and in combat over Libya.

We then dive into the world of advanced pilot training, including Canada’s involvement in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) which takes place at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Faith takes us into the cockpit, sharing his perspective on new technologies like Virtual Reality which is facilitating modern pilot training, and he provides his insight on the Hawk jet trainer that was used by the RCAF, and the T-38 Talon supersonic trainer that is used at ENJJPT.

This is more than just an interview - it’s a masterclass from someone who is passionate about training the next generation of fighter pilots.

Our thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Faith for the time he shared with us, and for his expert perspective.

Go Bold!

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!

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!