The Defense Acquisition Executive today recognized the Navy's F/A-18 Super
Hornet Government Industry Team for excellence and superior performance in the
engineering and manufacturing development phase of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
program. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology Paul
Kaminski presented the award to the Navy and Industry Program Team in a
ceremony held at Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters in Crystal City, Va.
Citing the Super Hornet's revolutionary use of the "Integrated Program Team"
concept, Secretary of the Navy John Dalton said this is the way the Navy will
continue to do business. "The Super Hornet development and acquisition profile
is a model for military procurement. It's smart, efficient and designed to
provide the Navy with the high technology strike fighter we need to prevail in
conflict, while giving taxpayers maximum return on their investment dollars,"
he said.
Throughout its development, construction, delivery and initial testing, the
Super Hornet program remained on schedule and within budget. Additionally, the
Navy and Industry Super Hornet Team produced an aircraft more than 1,000 pounds
under the weight limits for the aircraft at this stage in its development.
Keeping aircraft within weight specifications is a key element in developing a
mission-effective aircraft for carrier-based combat operations.
The Hornet Industry Team is comprised of Department of the Navy program
officials and industry partners involved in building the Super Hornet.
McDonnell Douglas Corp. is the prime contractor, with Northrop-Grumman and
General Electric providing aircraft components, engines and electronics for the
F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Navy's future carrier-based, strike fighter.
