For more than 60 years, the CH-47 Chinook has supported U.S. military and humanitarian operations across the globe, responding to emergent needs and remaining an effective platform for evolving mission requirements.
As a former Chinook pilot, it is difficult to overstate the importance of the Chinook to our military strength and agility. Throughout my time in service, units across the military utilized the Chinook as the air movement and air assault platform of choice. Regardless of the mission profile or environment, no other airframe compares to the versatility and reliability of the U.S. Army’s premier heavy-lift helicopter.
In recent years, the Chinook has undergone significant improvements to support our military through the Block II Programimprovements needed to increase the airframe’s efficiency, capability and longevity. Ongoing efforts to advance the capabilities of our military, such as those for the Block II program, are supported by a robust, domestic supply chain and contribute to economic growth throughout our nationgrowth that our local communities thrive on.
Nationally, the program has a significant economic footprint, with over 380 suppliers in 42 states, supporting 26,000 jobs and an annual economic impact of $1 Billion. New York’s aerospace industry itself is an integral part to of the Chinook program supply chain. It is home to more than two dozen companies that contribute to the Chinook, with an estimated annual economic impact of nearly $50 Million.
There is a clearly defined need for the CH-47F Block II Program, and as long-term U.S. Army Aviation strategy continues to develop in response to a changing global landscape, the necessity for the next generation of this airframe only becomes more urgent. In a recent shift, signifying a major victory for our servicemembers and local industrial bases, the Block II program is now on the forefront of the U.S. Army’s funding priorities.
Through the steadfast support of our elected officials and ongoing developments in U.S. Army Aviation priorities, full-rate production of the CH-47F Block II is now being pursued. The recently passed 2024 Department of Defense Appropriations Act made significant progress to sustain the Chinook program, fully supporting the requested funding for six new aircraft and adding funding for an additional four aircraft. This is a major victory for such a critical program, but additional funding over the coming years is essential to continued program success.
It is imperative that our lawmakers continue to prioritize the Block II program and full-rate production as we move toward fiscal year 2025. Our servicemen and women, the aerospace organizations in our communities and the thousands they employ will be directly impacted by the success of the Chinook program.
Throughout the changing landscapes of military conflict, the Chinook has remained ready and relevant to support the U.S. Army. Investing in Block II today will ensure that our soldiers can rely on the Chinook to perform on future battlefields.
Adam O’Reilly is a business development project manager at East/West Industries in Ronkonkoma. Prior to that, O’Reilly served in the U.S. Army for more than eight years as an officer and CH-47F Chinook pilot.
Copyright © 2024 BridgeTower Media. All Rights Reserved.
Most Popular
Comments / 0