Gallego, Bipartisan Colleagues Honor 50 Years of the AH-64 Apache and the Arizona Workers Who Build It

Gallego toured Boeing's Apache production line in Mesa, Arizona last week

WASHINGTON - Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and bipartisan colleagues introduced a resolution recognizing the achievements and contributions of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter - which is built in Mesa, Arizona - to the national defense of the United States and its allies. The resolution also honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the U.S. Army aviators, maintainers, and support personnel who operate and sustain the Apache.

"For five decades, military crews have relied on the AH-64 Apache helicopter to complete missions in some of the toughest combat areas in the world," said Senator Gallego. "I'm especially proud that the AH-64 is built in Mesa, where Arizona workers manufacture this cornerstone of American aviation. This resolution honors their enormous contribution to our national defense and recognizes the pilots, maintainers, engineers, and industry partners whose work has made the AH-64 one of the most reliable aircrafts in U.S. history."

Last week, Senator Gallego toured the Boeing manufacturing plant in Mesa, where every Apache helicopter is assembled. He visited the production line, met with employees, and discussed the aircraft's modernization, national security importance, and Boeing's economic impact in Arizona.

"For fifty years, the Apache has given our soldiers unmatched close air support and kept them safe on some of the toughest missions in the world," said Senator Kelly. "Arizona workers have played a major role in building and sustaining this aircraft, and I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to honor both the Apache and the men and women who fly and maintain it."

The AH-64 Apache first flew on September 30, 1975, and over the last five decades has logged more than 5.2 million total flight hours, including 1.3 million combat hours. It has played a decisive role in major U.S. military operations such as Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, and continues to support missions around the world.

The Apache has undergone continuous modernization from the AH-64A to today's AH-64E, strengthening its survivability, sensors, and precision strike capability. It is also operated by 18 allied and partner nations, enhancing coalition interoperability and global security. Arizona has served as the final assembly site for the Apache for decades, supporting thousands of jobs and a nationwide supplier network spanning 46 states.

Read the full resolution HERE.

12/3/25