East/West Industries started with humble beginnings in 1968 and has become a leading force within New York’s aerospace industry. I am proud to be part of a team where more than 15% of us are veterans, working in a state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot facility. Our efforts, particularly in supporting the F-35 Lightning II program, are a testament to our dedication to quality and the needs of the American warfighter.
The F-35 holds a crucial position on the global stage, attracting the interest of both allies and adversaries. With over a dozen allied countries participating in the Joint Strike Fighter program, the F-35’s advanced capabilities ensure a robust defense mechanism. Its ability to gather, analyze, and disseminate information across the battlefield sets it apart as a strategic asset. As the F-35’s capabilities are honed through technology upgrades, so are the capabilities of our fighting forces and those of every allied nation flying the F-35. The most recent technological advancement, known as Technology Refresh 3 or TR-3, ensures that this aircraft remains unmatched in precision and ability. Our entire team is thrilled to contribute to enhancing the F-35, knowing our efforts are intrinsic to maintaining a robust defense system.
The F-35, with its unique ability to collect, process, and share information across the combat network, is a game-changer. This positions the F-35 like a quarterback on the battlefield and is one of the many reasons our enemies pay close attention to the F-35. China is trying to develop its answer to the F-35, and the Russians have avoided further encroachment toward Europe because of F-35 patrols. TR-3 capabilities make it even more challenging for our adversaries to keep pace.
TR-3 enhancements are game-changing in the way they will elevate the fighter’s performance to new heights of precision and effectiveness. These upgrades will enable the F-35 to carry more weapons, identify targets better, and improve electronic warfare. The world’s foremost fifth-generation fighter is now in a league of its own, and the folks at East/West Industries play a critical role. For the F-35, we built a portable floor crane also used by other platforms like the F-16 and F-22. Over a third of our employees and more than 40 of our local suppliers are involved in the production of this crane.
East/West Industries does more than manufacture vital components; we actively engage with our community through outreach and recruitment, primarily focusing on veterans and local talent. At East/West Industries, we recruit employees from local high schools by educating teachers and students about manufacturing careers and offering summer internships to interested students. We also maintain strong ties with veterans’ organizations, supporting workforce development as a certified DoD SkillBridge Partner. Our involvement with organizations like ADDAPT further confirms our commitment to supporting the broader manufacturing ecosystem.
The F-35 supply chain, which boasts more than 1,600 businesses nationwide, makes the F-35 possible. In New York alone, 113 companies produce parts for the F-35, contributing significantly to the local economy and providing jobs for thousands of New Yorkers. East/West Industries supports the F-35 program with agile maintenance capabilities by supplying our floor portable maintenance crane, the Master Crane. East/West has produced the Master Crane® for nearly 25 years, delivering over 750 to the DoD and international customers while supporting hundreds of employees in the greater Long Island region throughout the duration of the program.
Continued support from our elected officials is indispensable. Congress must ensure the F-35 program receives the necessary investment for peak performance which will expand local job opportunities. Being part of such an experienced team that supports our nation’s most advanced fighter aircraft makes me confident we’re helping to secure a strategic advantage for our nation on the global stage. As our officials in Congress craft the budget for the upcoming year, I hope they will recognize how important the F-35 is to our defense, to our allies, and to the labor force here at East/West Industries and thousands of other suppliers, who make the F-35 a reality every day
