F-35 program serves as a cornerstone of global security and creates jobs across the U.S.
Jacksonville, Fl., March 18, 2014 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today showcased its F-35 Lightning II mobile cockpit demonstrator to state and local elected officials and employees at the Jacksonville facility of Unison Industries, which supplies the entire engine ignition system for the F-35.
There are approximately 9,600 direct and indirect jobs tied to the F-35 program in Florida and about 125,000 nationally, producing about $16.8 billion in economic impact.
U.S. Representative Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-4), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, spoke at the event. “The men and women of the U.S. military, our veterans, and partners in the defense industry like Unison Industries and Lockheed Martin are essential to the economy of our state and the Jacksonville area. I am happy to be here today to showcase the work that Jacksonville citizens are doing on programs like the F-35, which is critical for our nation’s defense,” said Rep. Crenshaw. U.S. Representative Ted Yoho (R-FL-3), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also attended the event.
“We’re pleased to demonstrate to Unison’s employees how their hard work contributes to the capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II, the most advanced fighter jet in the world,” said Bob Rubino, director, Navy F-35 Program, Lockheed Martin. “The employees here at Unison are producing critical components for the F-35s flying today, and we’re excited to offer an opportunity to showcase this fighter’s superior performance capabilities to them and the Jacksonville community.”
“Unison is honored that Lockheed Martin selected our Jacksonville site to showcase the F-35 cockpit demonstrator,” said Mike Grunza, president, Unison Industries. “Unison Industries is proud to serve all Lockheed Martin F-35 models with technology such as our industry leading engine ignition system which protects our pilots and allies while supporting jobs in Jacksonville and throughout Florida.”
During today’s event, attendees received an update on the status of the program as well as the opportunity to “fly” the F-35 cockpit demonstrator to experience stealth capability, fighter agility and integrated information through the eyes of a pilot. The cockpit is visually and audibly interactive and provides a realistic look at the F-35’s performance, air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, sophisticated sensor fusion and advanced computational capabilities.
The F-35 program has more than 1,400 suppliers in 46 states and Puerto Rico, building and sustaining a highly skilled workforce critical to national security and economic prosperity. Additionally, thousands more are employed in the F-35 program’s partner countries, which include the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark, and Norway.
About Congressman Crenshaw:
Ander Crenshaw represents Florida’s Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently in his seventh term representing a district that includes Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties, Crenshaw is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Prior to coming to Congress, Crenshaw worked both in the private sector, as an investment banker, and served as an elected official in the State Legislature. His life in public service ultimately led to the Florida State Senate where he served as the state’s first Republican President of the Senate. Representative Crenshaw was first elected to Congress in 2000.
Originally a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Crenshaw is now a member of the Appropriations Committee where he chairs the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee and sits on the prestigious Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and also serves on the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. Additionally, he is a member of the Republican Leadership Whip Team serving as a Deputy Majority Whip.
Representative Crenshaw has gained a reputation for being a strong advocate for strengthening and rebuilding our military, enacting responsible and permanent tax relief, and standing up for projects vital to Northeast Florida. Long an advocate of job creation and economic prosperity for Florida, Crenshaw has worked to secure projects that benefit the Port of Jacksonville, local beaches, and other important economic drivers
About Unison Industries:
A wholly owned subsidiary of GE Engine Services, Unison is a world leader in the design and manufacture of electrical components, sensors, and systems for aircraft, industrial, marine, military, and space uses. The Jacksonville, Florida facility is Unison’s world headquarters, providing corporate support in Sales and Marketing, Design and Product Engineering, Finance, Research and Development and Human Resources. Major product lines include Gas turbine engine ignition and control, including ignition exciters, ignition leads, igniter plugs and various electronic systems in support of the other Unison facilities. The Jacksonville location employs a multitalented workforce of 600+.
About Lockheed Martin:
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 115,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.