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Happy New Year! Welcome back and happy New Year! I hope you were able to enjoy some much deserved time off with your friends and family over the holiday break – and are now ready to hit the ground running for another critical year on the F-35 program. In 2018, we all must redouble our efforts on reducing costs, increasing efficiencies, ramping up production, enhancing sustainment and ensuring the highest standard of quality in every single jet delivered. Our customers are counting on us every day – and I know we’re ready for the challenge.

Air Force selects locations for next two Air National Guard F-35 bases Shortly before the holiday break, the U.S. Air Force announced its selection of Truax Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin and Dannelly Field, Alabama as the preferred locations for the next two Air National Guard F-35A bases. At this time, the Air Force expects the F-35As to begin arriving at Truax Field in early 2023 and at Dannelly Field later that year. These locations remain preferred alternatives until the Secretary of the Air Force makes the final basing decisions after the requisite environmental analysis is complete. In a USAF news release, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said, “Selecting Truax Field and Dannelly Field will increase Air National Guard F-35A units providing 5th Generation airpower around the world.” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein added, “Putting F-35s at these two Air National Guard bases continues our transition into the next generation of air superiority. It helps ensure we can always offer the Commander-in-Chief air power options and be ready to penetrate any enemy air defenses, hold any target at risk and go when and where the president tells us to go. We’re the options folks. The F-35 is critical to the family of systems we need to accomplish this mission for the nation now and in the future.” In addition to bolstering the critical national security mission, the F-35 basing decision will deliver a tremendous economic boon to the surrounding areas of both Traux Field and Dannelly Field. We’re proud of the role the F-35 plays for the Air National Guard and look forward to supporting the U.S. Air Force as they stand up these critical F-35 bases.

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Lives Up to the Hype We had another incredible Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 23, 2017. The Army Black Knights came out on top against the San Diego State Aztecs in a comeback victory after trailing at the start of the fourth quarter. With a focus on military, family and fun, the game also served as a full tribute to armed forces’ families and included a pre-game concert, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities and ceremonies during the game to honor veterans. Our F-35, HIMARS and SMSS display in downtown Fort Worth attracted more than 3,000 visitors leading up to the game. For the second consecutive year, Lockheed Martin sponsored the Fighting Spirit Scholarship Award to provide two wounded veterans the opportunity to learn how to fly or sail through two nonprofit organizations, Warrior Sailing Program and Able Flight. And Lockheed Martin donated $25,000 to Snowball Express, an organization that supports programs for children and families of fallen military service members. While most other bowl games were focused primarily on the game itself and the schools competing, the Armed Forces Bowl is committed to honoring and recognizing active duty service members, wounded warriors, veterans and their families. Thanks to all our volunteers and to those who came out to enjoy the game!

F-35 Gains Fan Fare at Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl Parades The U.S. Air Force stole the show at the Rose Bowl Parade as two F-35 aircraft from the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base flew alongside a B-2 Spirit right over the city of Pasadena, California. Thousands of people lining the streets of Pasadena (and millions more on TV and the internet) got an up-close look at two of the most advanced stealth aircraft in the world. Adding to the excitement, four F-35As from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, wowed the crowd at the Fiesta Bowl Parade with a flyover at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 30. An overhead video of the flyover can be seen, here. The U.S. Air Force’s participation in public appearances with the F-35 continues to prove their confidence and support of the aircraft as the world’s most advanced fighter today and for the future. Have a great rest of the week!