The CH-47F Chinook helicopter is an incredible success story in aviation advancement in our military and economic success in our communities. For more than 60 years, the venerable aircraft has supported U.S. military and humanitarian operations across the globe, responding to evolving mission requirements.
As a former Chinook pilot, it is difficult to overstate the importance of the CH-47F 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 Army’s premier heavy-lift helicopter, the CH-47F Chinook.
In recent years, the Chinook has undergone significant improvements to support our military through the Block II Program, improvements needed to increase the airframe’s efficiency, capability, and airframe longevity. Ongoing efforts to advance the capabilities of our military, like those for the Block II program, are supported by a robust supply chain and contribute to economic growth throughout our Nation, growth 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 is an integral part of the Chinook Program supply chain. It is home to more than two dozen companies contributing to the Chinook Program, with an estimated annual economic impact of nearly $50 Million.
East/West Industries, Inc., located in Ronkonkoma, NY, is a part of that supply chain and has been a stalwart supporter the Chinook program and Boeing for nearly 20 years. Our team manufactures Crashworthy Crew Chief Seats and the Improved Troop Seat for the CH-47F Chinook Block I & II, leveraging industry leading machining techniques and unmatched attention to detail.
East/West expanded its facility in 2012 and hired several new employees to support the Improved Troop Seat production line for the Block II. Our Improved Troop Seat offers increased safety and reduced fatigue for the Soldiers who rely on the CH-47F to accomplish their mission.
There is a clearly defined need for the CH-47F Block II Program, and as long-term Army Aviation strategy continues to develop in response to a changing global landscape, the need 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 at the forefront of our Nation’s priorities.
Through the steadfast efforts of our elected officials and ongoing developments in Army Aviation priorities, full-rate production of the CH-47F Block II is now being pursued. The recently passed 2024 Defense Appropriations Act made significant progress in sustaining the Chinook Program, fully supporting the requested funding for 6 new aircraft and adding funding for an additional 4. 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.
From the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan, 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.
