Northwest Aerospace News August | September 2020 | Page 22

Dedicated workers throughout the Pacific Northwest have played an essential role in the F/A-18’s modernization. In Washington State, the aircraft supports small and medium-sized supplier companies and an estimated $10 million in estimated annual economic impact. Nationally, the F/A-18 supports hundreds of supplier companies and creates over $3 billion in estimated annual economic impact. Yet, despite its functionality, economic importance, and overall contribution to national defense, military leaders are targeting the F/A-18 in budget-cutting discussions. Although research and development of future aircraft is necessary, it can’t be done at the expense of meeting today’s defense needs. From concept to delivery, the process of producing new aircraft is long and full of setbacks and delays. A new generation of defense aircraft could take a decade or more before it is mission-ready. That leaves a large gap in our national defense if America stops investment in proven aircraft like the F/A-18. As the current fighter fleet ages and foreign threats continue to rise, it’s critical that our military has the capability to meet challenges and threats head-on. That requires capable, reliable aircraft ready to fly today. The F/A-18 will not only contribute to keeping current fleets mission-ready, it will continue to evolve capabilities to meet the emerging threats of tomorrow. Advocacy programs like Watch U.S. Fly help to educate audiences about essential defense programs, such as the F/A-18, and make it easy for people to engage with their lawmakers and social networks. Networks like Watch U.S. Fly are particularly important to the Pacific Northwest due to its significant contribution to the aerospace industry. In the coming months, the F/A-18 will need advocates to ensure its importance to our military is not under-estimated and under-valued by military and congressional leaders. Becoming a member of the WatchUSFly.com community provides people an amplified voice and opportunity to help keep our economy and national defense strong. The F/A-18 is essential to military readiness. You can help make sure it remains an asset in our defense arsenal through participation in Watch U.S. Fly. Learn more at: w ww.watchusfly.com Photo Credit: The Boeing Company Helping Innovators Take Flight Since 1964 Full Service Facilities Design, Engineering and Construction Services for Global Aviation and Aerospace Companies BRPH.COM Contact: Jim Hillier, Vice President [email protected] | 425-921-3519 22 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS