Indian Head, MD — January 29, 2025 – The United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) proudly hosted the AUKUS Forum industry delegation at its headquarters in Indian Head, Maryland, for a day focused on fostering collaboration, innovation, and strengthening international partnerships among industry, academia, and government entities.
The Southern Maryland tour opened with a warm welcome and introductions from USBTA Vice President of Operations, Vandiver Hood. Distinguished speakers followed, including Charles County Military Alliance Council (MAC) Chair Steve Mitchell, Charles County Economic Development Chief of Commercial Development Mark Thompson, College of Southern Maryland President Dr. Yolanda Wilson, and the U.S. Navy’s NSWCIHD Program Manager Andrew Coombs, who shared information on critical topics, including: technology advancements, the recent USBTA and NSWC IHD Public Private Partnership (P3) Agreement, workforce development programs and preparation, economic rowth in the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, and the multi-billion dollar NSWCIHD Energetics Comprehensive Modernization investment (ECMP) & SMART Arsenal Program.
Following the morning session, the AUKUS Forum delegation traveled to the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) Autonomous Research and Technology (SMART) Building in California, MD. Director of Operations and Outreach Matt Scassero led an insightful tour of the 84,316 square feet research and development facility, highlighting its contributions to education and the workforce pipeline and access to specialized technology, engineering labs, machine shops, and equipment. The group also visited CTSi in Hollywood where CEO Tom Sanders showcased the company’s innovative prototyping and manufacturing solutions for the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial clients, providing a firsthand look at Southern Maryland’s thriving tech ecosystem.
“We are representing companies all over Australia…this is much more than submarines.”
Michael Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer of the AUKUS Forum
The day concluded in Washington, DC, with a Fireside Chat at The Wharf Rooftop, generously hosted by one of the event sponsors, Van Scoyoc Associates Inc. Distinguished speakers included Maryland’s Assistant Secretary of Commerce John Gilstrap, AUKUS Forum CEO Michael Sharpe, Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon (former Australian Defense Minister), Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO (former Australian Ambassador to the United States), and Rear Admiral Ian Murray AM, the Australian Defense Attaché and Head of Australian Defense Staff. Their insights offered a profound perspective on the shared goals and opportunities among the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the three countries committed to the tri-lateral AUKUS Pact agreement signed in 2021.
“The USBTA is honored to serve as a bridge between nations, fostering partnerships that advance innovation and strengthen security. Events like these are vital to developing the technologies and relationships that shape the future of our global community.”
Sean Dennis, USBTA President & CEO / Co-Founder
USBTA is proud to facilitate events that promote collaboration, advance technology, and strengthen international relationships. This successful gathering underscores USBTA’s commitment to supporting research and development, testing, and training for the global bomb technician and first responder community.
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About AUKUS Forum:
The AUKUS Forum is a trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, announced on September 15, 2021. While often associated with nuclear-powered submarines, AUKUS Forum represents much more. This partnership opens a world of innovation and technological opportunities for industry, academia, researchers, government, and defense across all three nations. Beyond submarine acquisition, AUKUS Forum fosters collaboration on cutting-edge advancements in quantum technologies, advanced cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and more. It drives growth for businesses of all sizes while creating significant market opportunities for manufacturers, innovators, creators, and thought leaders in the AUKUS nations. AUKUS Forum is more than a security agreement—it is a gateway to pioneering advancements and economic development across industries.
About USBTA:
The United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the safety and capabilities of bomb technicians worldwide. By connecting industry, government, and academia, USBTA fosters innovation, training, and collaboration. Based in Indian Head, MD, near the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC IHD), the USBTA Maryland Technology Campus (MTC) offers year-round training, research, and testing in explosives and energetics. Through partnerships with NSWC IHD, USBTA provides access to innovative facilities and expertise, driving innovation as part of the Western Charles County Technology Corridor. USBTA is committed to supporting its members through training scholarships, employment transition assistance, memorial recognition, and financial aid for bomb disposal professionals in times of need.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Korrin Swinton
Media and Marketing Coordinator, USBTA
Phone: 301-542-6979
Email: kswinton@usbta.us
Visit our website for more information: https://usbta.us
