Congressman Don Davis Highlights North Carolina’s Aerospace Future During F-35 Lightning II Event in Kinston

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) and Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt joined leaders from Lockheed Martin, Lenoir Community College and North Carolina Global TransPark on Wednesday at Lenoir Community College's Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence for an update on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II - the world's most advanced fighter aircraft and an important driver of aerospace jobs, education and economic opportunity across North Carolina.

"The F-35 Lightning II is among the most advanced and capable fighter aircraft in the world. I was excited to get a close-up look at the technology Lockheed Martin provides to our military aviators. As an Air Force veteran, seeing firsthand the capabilities our servicemembers rely on was especially meaningful," said Congressman Don Davis. "I'm also grateful for the good-paying jobs and opportunities that military aviation is helping create in eastern North Carolina. These are real opportunities for young professionals to build careers, raise families, and live the American dream right here at home. Together, we can help eastern North Carolina soar into the future while strengthening our national security and protecting the American people."

"The future of aerospace is being built right here in North Carolina," said Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt. "When we invest in partnerships between our communities and our industries, we create more economic opportunities across our state. The F-35 program represents the kind of innovation and collaboration that keeps North Carolina leading the way."

Using the cockpit demonstrator for a virtual flight, Rep. Davis experienced firsthand the jet's unmatched agility, unparalleled stealth capabilities, and advanced integrated communications systems. The fully interactive cockpit demonstrator provides an unprecedented look at the F-35's exceptional maneuverability and ability to avoid incoming threats while collecting and providing critical intelligence to support ongoing peacekeeping missions.

North Carolina is home to 23 companies that produce components for the F-35. The state's F-35 supplier base is part of the global supply chain that includes over 2,100 American companies producing various components and tools for the aircraft and delivering substantial economic impact to the United States economy at a pivotal time.

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