Lockheed Martin has graciously and generously offered to be the Spring 2020 Celebration of Freedom Event Sponsor to be held on May 21, 2020 in Greenville SC.
Greenville and the F-16 Fighting Falcon
Lockheed Martin’s Greenville site is the new home of the F-16 production line. The move of the F-16 line from Fort Worth will help create approximately 400 new jobs over the next few years. In total, the F-16 program supports more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs in South Carolina and has a $135 million economic impact. Along with being the home of the F-16 production line, the Greenville site provides nose-to-tail aircraft modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul services for both military and civil aircraft.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon’s legacy spans 40 years and it is one of the most iconic fighter jets ever – serving both U.S. Armed Forces and our allies. In Greenville, South Carolinians will be building the newest and most advanced F-16 production configuration ever offered – the Block 70 – for international customers such as Bahrain and Slovakia. Additionally, Bulgaria and the U.S. Government are currently negotiating Bulgaria’s planned acquisition of new F-16 Block 70 aircraft, and the U.S. State Department recently approved a proposed sale to Morocco.
Fighter jets built in South Carolina will help maintain peace and stability in some of the most difficult regions of the world.
Beaufort and the F-35 Lightning II
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort is home to one of the first bases for the F-35 Lightning II, as well as the F-35B Pilot Training Center. The F-35 Lightning II, developed and built by Lockheed Martin, is a key element of America’s national security strategy and a major supporter of American jobs.
At any given time, there are approximately 30 F-35Bs (the variant allowing for short takeoff/vertical landing) stationed in Beaufort, with the majority belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps and the remainder to international partners, including the United Kingdom and Italy. Plans call for a total of about 70 F-35s to be stationed there in the future. Last year, companies producing components of the F-35 aircraft supported almost 500 direct and indirect jobs across the state, providing nearly $34 million in economic impact with 11 suppliers.
The F-35 is the most advanced multi-role fighter in the world. Unmatched capabilities and flexibility enable the F-35 to operate in any environment, against any threat - ensuring our men and women in uniform can execute their mission and come home safely. Pilots from the U.S., the U.K. and Italy, for example, have trained right here in South Carolina, and are already using the fifth-generation F-35 on the front lines.
Lockheed Martin is honored to stand with the South Carolina National Guard Foundation, supporting men and women who play a critical role in protecting and defending America.
For additional information, go to lockheedmartin.com.
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