Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation wins contract to make helicopters for the U.S. Navy.
We have some good news to report in the fight to keep our national defense Made in America.
The Pentagon has awarded a contract to U.S. military contractor Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to produce 29 MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters, which are used by the U.S. Navy on a variety of missions.
The announcement comes at a time when terrorism, national security and military preparedness are topping the list of voter concerns. And voters should know that the offshoring of much of our nation’s manufacturing capacities has put our national defense at risk.
That is why it is good to hear that a U.S. firm has been awarded this important contract.
First utilized by the Navy in 1983, the MH-60R Navy helicopters are transported aboard aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates and play a role in a wide array of missions, including anti-submarine operations utilizing sonic detectors, search and rescue, cargo drops and intercepting drug boats smuggling narcotics. The helicopters are expected to remain in use until at least 2030.
The Hartford, Conn.-based manufacturing plant where Sikorsky will manufacture the helicopters has been an important member of that community for years. Along with manufacturing important military equipment (which support American manufacturing jobs) Sikorsky is helping train new generation of engineers.
Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, sponsors a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) focused summer camp for high school students that introduces them to engineering and manufacturing. The students work in teams utilizing 3D design software and eventually creating a physical prototype of their product. Sikorsky even offers scholarships to selected participants of this program.
Sikorsky's work shows how important manufacturing is to America’s defense, its workers and its communities. Sikorsky builds a quality product in the fight to keep America safe while also providing jobs and new opportunities, training and scholarships to innovative young engineers.
A growing reliance on foreign suppliers to provide the things we need for our defense is putting America at risk. But when American manufacturers are given the opportunity to build those things, the benefits ripple into entire communities.