Memorandum

DATE: September 12, 2011
TO: All Lockheed Martin U.S. Employees
FROM: Bob Stevens, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Our Industry Is Second to None

This week, Lockheed Martin joins the Aerospace Industries Association in recognizing the immense contributions our industry makes to global security, economic growth and the advancement of science and technology.

This year’s National Aerospace Week, which kicked off yesterday and runs through Saturday, is centered on the theme, “Second to None.’’ Our objective for the week is to highlight the value the aerospace and defense industry creates for America. And what value it is. A leader in creating highly skilled manufacturing jobs, A&D directly employs more than 800,000 workers across America, supporting more than two million middle-class jobs and 30,000 suppliers in all 50 states.

Our industry is also an engine of economic vitality, directly and indirectly accounting for 3-5 percent of our country’s gross domestic product. As America’s top manufacturing export industry, we contribute $51.2 billion to the U.S. trade balance – the largest impact of any manufacturing sector. Most importantly, A&D has been on the cutting edge of technology innovation from the first days of powered flight at Kitty Hawk to today’s exploration of Mars. 

Thanks to you, I believe Lockheed Martin stands proudly at the forefront of our industry. Your commitment to supporting our customers, your dedication to flawless execution, your focus on affordability, and your belief in our values and ethical code are the reasons for our company’s success.

During National Aerospace Week, you will have a chance to demonstrate to the broad public – in local classrooms, community events, field trips to our facilities, and many other ways – what we all know: that our industry is strong and vital, that our people are smart and talented, and that A&D is, truly, “Second to None.” In doing so, you will also help inspire the next generation of innovators, who will continue the tradition of excellence you have set. Thank you for making all that possible, while never forgetting who we work for.