Lockheed Martin Milestone

1/31/2013 (Updated 11:06:15 PM)

Lockheed Martin announced it's delivering the 150th MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopter, which will make it's way to a naval squadron in San Diego.

"It's very exciting, and humbling because it's the 150th. I wanted to come do this for a few years. It's just a great experience to get a brand new aircraft, and fly it all the way back to San Diego," said Lieutenant Commander Holly Hoxsie.

According to Lockheed this is the Navy's newest and most advanced helicopter. It is fit for a variety of missions including surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and fire support.

"The sensor suit that we have on this aircraft is really world class so it allows the Navy unprecedented capability to identify adversaries at sea for both anit-submarine warfare and surface warfare," said Director of Lockheed Martin's Naval Helicopter Program, Tom Kane.
     
"Yes this aircraft is the most technically advanced multimission helicopter in the world. The best way to maybe describe it is an older video game to the newer ones where I'm able to do everything easily from the cockpit," Lieutenant Commander, Holly Hoxsie.

But what about future contracts, in light of a recent drop in defense spending, which could be cut by as much as $45 billion more this year?

"We recognize that we're in deep fiscal trouble in America with our national debt, but when it comes to our national security lines we've got to stand firm," said Congressman, Tom Reed.
   
"We're optimistic however because of the fact that we are in a multi-year with the United States Navy so we made a give year commitment to deliver aircraft. And the aircraft is performing well in the fleet the program is doing well," Director Tom Kane.



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