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ManTech Podcast Episode 4

Aloha ManTech with David “TUBA” Britt and Ian Kitajima

Aloha ManTech: Episode 4: David “TUBA” Britt and Ian Kitajima

Episode 4 of Aloha ManTech featured a discussion between Ian, Byron, and David Tuba Britt, focusing on David's career journey from growing up on a dairy farm in Kentucky, time spent in Hawaii and other parts of the world, to becoming the VP of Defense Technology and Innovation at ManTech. They explored various topics, including upcoming events at the ManTech Center for Innovation, the importance of technology in the defense industry, and opportunities for young professionals in fields like cybersecurity and AI. David shared insights on his experiences in the Navy and the significance of fostering local talent in Hawaii.

Topics Discussed:

Mantech Center Updates
  • Byron provided an update on the Mantech Center for Innovation, which has been open for four months.
  • Recent activities included:
    • A hackathon with the Kaneohe Bay Marine Group.
    • A workshop on AI.
    • A team-building workshop for engineering students from the University of Hawaii.
  • Byron emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities for local youth in defense and high-tech industries.

Upcoming Events
  • Byron announced an upcoming technical sharing and networking event at the Mantech Center, at POST FX, and attending the POST Conference in early March. 

David’s Background
  • David shared his personal journey, starting from his upbringing on a dairy farm in Kentucky to his education at the United States Naval Academy.
  • He discussed his military career, including:
    • Serving on a ship and later flying P-3 Orion aircraft.
    • Transitioning to systems engineering and working on various defense projects.
    • His experience at the Pentagon and running the Navy’s secure cloud pilot program.
  • David highlighted his transition to Mantech and his role in securing a large contract for the P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

Call Sign “Tuba”
  • David explained the origin of his call sign “Tuba,” which stands for “Ugly Big American.” It was given during his deployment in Japan and has become a memorable part of his identity.

Technology and Opportunities
  • David discussed the evolving landscape of technology in the defense industry, emphasizing:
    • The importance of digital engineering and cybersecurity.
    • Opportunities in AI and data analysis.
    • The need for skilled professionals in these areas as the industry adapts to new challenges.

Future Initiatives
  • Byron and David discussed the upcoming Innovation Council event, which will showcase new technologies relevant to the U.S. Army.
  • David mentioned the inclusion of various technologies, including AI-enabled platforms and a kinetic UAS system, which will be demonstrated during the event.

Closing Remarks
  • Ian thanked David for sharing his insights and experiences, expressing appreciation for the contributions he is making in the defense sector.
  • The meeting concluded with a light-hearted exchange about surfing and local culture in Hawaii.