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Dear Supporter,

Great news! We were just informed that Boeing has been selected to build the U.S. Air Force’s next generation of aerial refueling tankers. Thanks in part to your vocal support, the Boeing NewGen Tanker will provide unrivaled aerial-refueling capabilities to American servicemen and women for decades to come, while employing more than 50,000 U.S. workers in meaningful jobs across the country.

Before we can start building planes, the Air Force must first meet with the competitors in the coming days to explain the selection.

While we wait for this to occur, please visit www.RealAmericanTankers.com as soon as possible to tell your elected officials that you support the Air Force’s selection of the Boeing NewGen Tanker. We’re confident that the Air Force chose the best aircraft. With more than 60 years of experience providing aerial-refueling tankers to America’s military, Boeing is ready to start building the NewGen Tanker NOW.

The Air Force’s selection of Boeing is a victory for the U.S. aerospace industry. It is a victory for American workers and our recovering economy. And, perhaps most important, it is a victory for the men and women of our armed forces. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more in the coming days.

Until then, thanks for your continued support!

Sincerely, Sean McCormack, http://www.therealamericantankers.com/


CONGRESSMAN ADAM SMITH

News from U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09)
Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 24, 2011
Contact: Shana Chandler, 202-225-6901

Smith’s Statement on KC-X Source Selection Announcement

Washington - Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the announcement that the Department of Defense has selected a provider for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Tanker:

“I am pleased that the Air Force has selected Boeing’s proposal to replace the aging fleet of aerial refueling tankers. After numerous delays, today’s announcement moves us closer to meeting the Air Force’s top acquisition priority.

“In a time when our nation is recovering from an economic crisis, today’s announcement by the Department of Defense is a huge boost to Washington State. A Washington State-made tanker will support more than 11,000 jobs in state and 50,000 jobs across the country.

“I know that the men and women at the Boeing Company will provide the warfighter with a high quality product to meet their mission requirements and I look forward to working with the Air Force as we move forward.”


CONGRESSMAN DAVE REICHERT

David Reichert

Contact: Charles McCray III (202) 225-7761

Reichert Statement on the Air Force Tanker Announcement
Mercer Island, WA, Feb 24 -

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) released this statement in reaction to the Air Force’s announcement to award Boeing with a contract to build the next generation of refueling tanker for American Armed Forces:

“This is great news, and I’m very happy for the Boeing company, its employees, and the entire state of Washington,” Reichert said. “The Department of Defense reevaluated their original decision, this time considering the serious security implications involved, and rightly settled on Boeing – a company with decades of industrial knowledge, established infrastructure, and an army of skilled engineers that are capable of producing the best refueling tanker for our Armed Forces.

“I take my oath to protect and defend our Constitution seriously, and one of the most effective ways I can uphold that pledge is to ensure that our men and women in uniform, serving around the world, have the best tools possible to complete their mission. With this decision, we not only gain a source of much-needed job creation in the region, but we also reassure our troops that we are committed to serving them, just as they have committed to serving for us.”


GOVERNOR CHRIS GREGOIRE

Gov. Gregoire’s statement on U.S. Air Force decision to award tanker contract to Boeing

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the selection of The Boeing Company to build the next refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force:

“What a great day for The Boeing Company, and for the 11,000 aerospace workers in Washington state alone that will play a role in assembling the NewGen tanker. Following an open, transparent process, the Department of Defense realized what I’ve been saying all along – and that is that Boeing has designed the safest, most cost-effective tanker to serve both our military and our taxpayers well.

“I commend The Boeing Company for its determination and tremendous work to land this contract. This was an arduous process, and Boeing deserves our praise for its commitment to its workforce, as well as the men and women that serve in the U.S. Air Force.

“I also thank my fellow governors that joined with me as I launched the U.S. Tanker Coalition, as well as our state’s Congressional delegation. We’ve spent the last year advocating on behalf of Boeing – ensuring our federal and military leaders understood the advantages of an American-made tanker, made by the best manufacturer of airplanes in the world. Our military, our national security, our economy and the 50,000 workers nationwide who are impacted by this decision are better off following this announcement – and for that, we should all be proud.”

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber members are offered a discounted rate of $150 for the day.

The Air Force Magazine Online reports the Defense Department has notified Congress of the possible foreign military sale of one C-17 transport and associated equipment and support services to the Kuwaiti air force under a deal with a total potential value of $693 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East, reads the Defense Security Cooperation Agency's notice.

Kuwait would be the third Middle East C-17 customer. C-17 maker Boeing has already delivered two C-17s to Qatar and is under contract to provide six to the UAE. Other international customers include the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

Thank you for getting involved and taking action – with over 12,000 e-mails and letters to Congress, your efforts helped to make a difference! Last night Congress sent a resounding message of bipartisan support for American jobs and fairness by passing the Inslee-DeLauro-Tiahrt Amendment, 410-8.

This amendment is a strong first step toward the goal of making sure there will be a level playing field in the KC-X tanker competition, requiring the government to consider any unfair competitive advantage that European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) and its subsidiary Airbus have gained from decades of illegal subsidies. Read Boeing’s full statement on the Real American Tankers website.

Last night was important to making sure American workers have a level playing field as they compete for programs critical to our national defense. Thank you for taking the time to stand up for American jobs and a fair tanker competition, but we have more work to do. Stay tuned as the House and Senate continue to debate the critical issues at stake in this competition.

This past March the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a final ruling in the U.S. Government's four year trade case against the European Union for providing billions of dollars in launch aid and subsidies to EADS/Airbus.

To date, these illegal subsidies have contributed to the loss of more than 65,000 U.S. aerospace jobs. However, the Department of Defense does not plan to take into account these billions of dollars in illegal subsidies -- and the significant pricing advantage they provide to EADS/Airbus - in the KC-X Tanker competition.

To address this issue, Representatives Inslee (D-WA), DeLauro (D-CT) and Tiahrt (R-KS) plan to offer an amendment this week to the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Bill to address the illegal subsidies and level the competitive playing field. The amendment requires the Department of Defense to take into account illegal subsidies, as determined by the WTO, in major defense acquisition programs - including the KC-X Tanker competition.

Please log onto The Real American Tankers website here and take action today by sending a letter to your U.S. Representative and Senators to express your strong support for the Inslee-DeLauro-Tiahrt Fair Defense Competition Amendment.

Yesterday, EADS/Airbus, the French-based aerospace company, declared they would enter the competition. We now have a clear contest between Boeing and EADS/Airbus as to who supplies America's next Tanker.

EADS North American Chairman Ralph Crosby also told reporters that "it doesn't matter what your readers think" about this competition. We believe what you think matters a lot. You have an opportunity to send a message to Congress that it DOES matter what you and your family and friends think.

In the last several days, nearly 8,000 people signed up on TheRealAmericanTankers. You can make a difference today by forwarding this blog and encouraging them to sign the online petition in support of a Boeing designed and built Tanker.

Can you help get to 20,000 supporters by the end of this week?

EADS, following Wednesday’s announcement that it will bid on America’s next tanker, the KC-X, today formed a strategic partnership with United Aircraft, Russia’s state-owned company.

Special Military Discount for the annual Washington Innovation Summit being held in Tacoma for the first time:

Click on image for larger view

For veteran-business owners, the Governor signed SB5041 on March 10. 

The bill, as passed: Mitigates economic damage to veteran-owned businesses as a result of military service.

Requires the department of veterans affairs to:
(1) Develop a procedure for certifying veteran-owned businesses and maintain a list of those businesses on the department's public web site;
(2) Adopt rules necessary to implement the act; and
(3) Collaborate with and assist agencies in implementing outreach to veteran-owned businesses.

Requires state agencies to:
(1) Perform outreach to veteran-owned businesses in collaboration with the department of veterans affairs to increase opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to sell goods and services to the state; and
(2) Work to match agency procurement records with the department's database of certified veteran-owned businesses to establish how many procurement contracts are being awarded to those businesses.

Encourages state agencies to award three percent of all procurement contracts that are exempt from certain competitive bidding requirements to veteran-owned businesses certified by the department of veteran affairs.

Requires the department of general administration to identify in its vendor registry all vendors that are veteran-owned businesses as certified by the department of veterans affairs.

The bill, originating with Sen. Derek Kilmer attracted considerable co-sponsors in the Senate and legislative support in the House.  The Chamber testified in both the State's Senate and House in favor of the bill as an advocacy outreach for the veteran-owned businesses of the state.

The Chamber testified again today about SB 5041, a bill encouraging Washington state contracts with veteran-owned businesses.  The Chamber's Gary Brackett said that over 87,000 vets are in Pierce County and that 1 in 7 vets own their own business, which means over 12,000 vet-owned businesses are here.

The testimony, before the House State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee, was very positively received by its Chair Representative Sam Hunt who predicted easy committee passage on to the House Ways and Means Committee.

Concern was raised over the fiscal note attached to the bill, estimating an expense of $60,000, although today's posting set costs at $35,000.  The original sponsor, Sen. Derek Kilmer said he has been working with state agencies to reduce costs and John Lee, Director of Washington's Department of Veterans Affairs, said he carried a very sharp pencil as they supported the bill too. 

Ahead will be action by the House Ways and Means Committee to determine its inclusion in the state budget.

Boeing announced Wednesday a contract signing to supply the United Arab Emirates with six C-17s by 2012. The UAE will take delivery of four C-17s in 2011 and two in 2012.

Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president, Global Mobility Systems said, The C-17 consistently posts mission capability rates that are among the best in the world, earning it high marks for its industry-leading quality and reliability.

There are currently 212 C-17s in service worldwide. The U.S. Air Force, including active Guard and Reserve units, has 193.  19 are with international customers. UAE becomes the second Middle East nation after Qatar to buy the C-17.  International customers include the UK Royal Air Force (which ordered its 7th last month), the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

Congressman Adam Smith reported today he voted in support of H.R. 2647, the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The NDAA authorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2010 military activities including the Department of Defense, the national security programs of the Department of Energy, military construction projects and other defense and military personnel activities related to U.S. national security efforts.

Congressman Smith cited these authorizations he requested for funding:

· $9,000,000 – Military Construction to construct a joint base access road between Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base.
· $2,500,000 – Tacoma Trauma Trust for trauma training of military medical personnel at local civilian hospitals
· $2,500,000 – Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center to re-establish a fifth counter-drug training center, which would be located at Camp Murray, Washington
· $2,000,000 – Quest Integrated to develop new inspection methods and procedures using magneto-optic imaging for F-15s that will eliminate the need to disassemble part of the aircraft.
· $1,800,000 – Sagem Morpho to develop a portable device that will be used by operators in the field to search, capture, and identity latent fingerprints.
· $1,200,000 – Evergreen Recycling to conduct a comprehensive analysis to reduce the amount of landfill waste at Ft. Lewis.

The bill must now be approved by the Senate and signed by the President before it becomes law.

Today, the DoD announced details of more than 850 additional facility improvement projects funded by the ARRA. The $835 million budget for these new projects represents the remaining funds of the first ARRA infrastructure investment list.

These projects will be conducted at Army and Army National Guard facilities. This amount is in addition to the funding allocations of the stimulus bill first announced on March 20, 2009.

For a complete list of old and new projects go to this website. Washington state has new projects #2167-2179, totaling $27,562,000 increased monies over the earlier list. Ft. Lewis: $24,554,000; Yakima: $3,008,000.

Fort Lewis, McChord AFB, the Army Reserve and Camp Murray all scored at least some monies in the Stimulus Bill. You can review all the states' projects, identified by project with details at this website.

The Defense Department received $7.4 billion under the law, with $5.9 billion going for construction and repair projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law last month.

Procurement may provide the stimulus to your business.

Is part of your business strategy diversifying your business to include government contracts? Congressman Adam Smith is interested in helping local businesses become more successful through government contracting opportunities by offering you a free procurement conference April 14.

Cong. Smith’s procurement conference is designed to assist businesses gain knowledge of government contracting and begin to establish long-term working relationships with federal agencies. This conference also provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses to meet contractors with whom they might be able to partner. This conference is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Scheduled speakers represent: Department of Veterans Affairs, Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base among other federal and state agencies.

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Location: Evergreen State College, Tacoma Campus, 1210 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405 Link to map
RSVP: Tina Johnson or call (253) 593-6600 or (888) SMITH09

On March 13, Boeing marked the "major join" ceremony for the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) consortium's first C-17 Globemaster III, an acquisition of three C-17s, one of which will be provided by the United States.

During major join, the C-17 airlifter's four major sections -- the forward, center and aft fuselages and wing assembly -- are integrated, and the aircraft begins to look like a C-17 for the first time.

Hungary has agreed to both host the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) at Pápa Air Base, where a total of three C-17s will be based, and to register the aircraft under the Hungarian flag.

SAC includes 10 NATO nations -- Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, United States -- and Partnership for Peace members Sweden and Finland. They will share acquisition and operating costs for three C-17s over the nearly 30-year course of the agreement.

The C-17 is the only tactical aircraft capable of performing all SAC airlift missions, including strategic, tactical, military and humanitarian missions, as well as brigade airdrops, aeromedical evacuations, and landings and takeoffs from standard runways or austere airfields.

Photo:Boeing Company

The Boeing Company on Feb. 25 transferred the third KC-767J tanker to the company's Japanese partner, Itochu Corp., for delivery to the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). When Itochu officially delivers the aircraft in March, it will join two KC-767J tankers that Japan receive in 2008.

The KC-767J departed Boeing's tanker modification center in Wichita on a 12-hour, nonstop flight to Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya. Delivery to the MOD and JASDF will follow a final formal review and in-country acceptance processes.