The Future of the Submarine Enterprise – People Harnessing Technology, in a System of Systems
Date: November 4, 2025
Time: 7:30 – 18:00
Location: National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario
Agenda: Deep Blue 2025 Agenda
Babcock is excited to return to the 6th annual Deep Blue Forum as a Platinum Sponsor.
About the Deep Blue Forum
As a maritime nation surrounded by three oceans, Canada’s defence and ability to operate in the underwater domain, including the Arctic, is vital and of utmost national strategic interest. The Deep Blue Forum provides government, military and industry with a platform to learn about new trends, discuss emerging and disruptive technology and forecast new developments in the underwater domain.
To learn more about the conference, visit: Deep Blue 2025
Babcock at the Deep Blue Forum
As a recognized global leader in submarine support and the Prime Contractor of the Victoria In-Service Support Contract, Babcock has worked with our partners and side-by-side with the Canadian Government and their partners, to deliver the only industry-led submarine in-service support program in Canada.
As we look toward the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), Babcock stands ready to leverage our expertise and deliver an all-encompassing, purpose-built, and sovereign Canadian sustainment solution that will meet our nation’s defence and economic needs for generations to come.
Stop by our booth to learn more from our industry experts about Babcock’s work in the marine industry and how we support Canada’s defence requirements.
At the Deep Blue Forum, Babcock is thrilled to have several of our team members speak:
- Sarah McMillan, Chief Operating Officer, as Master of Ceremonies
- Ian Flight, CPSP Program Manager, as a Panelist
About Sarah
Sarah joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1990. Sarah served in a variety of Canadian frigates, destroyers and HMCS Preserver as a Maritime Surface Officer before accepting an occupational transfer to the Personnel Selection Branch for a combined total of 26 years. During her military career, Sarah was employed as a lecturer and subsequently promoted to an Assistant Professor position within the Department of Military Psychology and Leadership at Canada’s Royal Military College (RMC) and taught, in both official languages with a focus on Military Leadership, Professionalism and Ethics, Organizational Behaviour, Combat Psychology, and Human Resource (HR) Management.
As a Commander, Sarah worked at the National Defence Headquarters for the Director Military Personnel Operational Research and Analysis as the Operational Effectiveness and Leadership (OEL) Team Leader conducting cutting edge and award-winning behavioural science research in applied military settings. She was also a member of several Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces’ strategic staffs and served with NATO in Kabul, Afghanistan, mentoring the Afghan Army’s top leadership in matters related to Strategic HR, for which she earned a Commander’s Commendation. Sarah served as Chief of Staff for Federal Fleet Services in Ottawa prior to joining Babcock.
Sarah joined Babcock in 2021 as Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Services. In June 2025, Sarah was appointed to her current role as Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for the Procurement and Supply Chain functions as well as Health and Safety, Communications, Business Solutions, Risk, Quality, Infrastructure, IT, and Security.
At the Deep Blue Forum, Sarah will be the Master of Ceremonies. Over the course of the forum, Sarah will be driving conversations speaking to underwater defence and security operations with various experts throughout the event. For the full list of Deep Blue Forum 2025 speakers, click here.
About Ian
Ian served 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Marine Systems Engineer where he served in submarines and delivered complex maintenance activities. His service in submarines included operations in the Arctic, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Throughout his career, Ian has been trusted to provide marine engineering advice and support for projects within the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, and the Royal Canadian Navy. He has acquired significant experience in operating, maintaining, and providing materiel assurance for Victoria Class submarines and has gained extensive experience and insight in delivering complex work periods for the public service and private industry.
Ian has always displayed a particular interest in balancing technical and operational requirements to keep submarines operationally available and now serves as Babcock Canada’s Project Manager for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
At the Deep Blue Forum, Ian will be on Panel 2, speaking about continuous capability sustainment and how it will shape the future opportunities for Canadian industry to be involved with the CPSP.
