RIDLEY PARK, PA – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) – Chair of the House Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces – and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) visited the Boeing production facility in Ridley Park to survey the critical national security programs and advanced manufacturing at the site. They were joined by Dr. Bruce Jette, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Lieutenant General James F. Pasquarette, the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff. (Click here to view or download photos from the visit.)

“Congresswoman Scanlon and I are deeply concerned about how proposed changes to the Chinook program would impact our national security,” said Chairman Norcross. “Today’s visit was an opportunity for us to see the program facilities up-close, learn about the unique skill sets employed at the site and assess how the Army would manage associated risks moving forward.”

In addition to reports to stop the Chinook’s Block II updates, the media is reporting that the Department of Defense is reviewing the Marine Corps’ troubled CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter program to determine if the CH-47F could be a substitute. The CH-47F for the Marines has been considered in the past, but another review is warranted if it could advance our national security and support the efforts at the Ridley Park facility and its more than 4,500 workers.

Norcross added: “The Congresswoman and I are following all reports surrounding the chopper programs in a comprehensive fashion and assessing how every decision will impact our nation and our region. Before making any decisions, we want to understand the full ramifications on our national security, industrial bases and regional workforce.”

“Today’s tour reaffirmed the utility of the CH-47F and the need to proceed with the Block II program. We will continue to work with Boeing, the Army, and Congressional leaders to find a solution that both protects the jobs in our region and strengthens our military readiness,” said Congresswoman Scanlon.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov

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