Newly formed coalition meets to support aerospace and defense in AV

  • Published
  • By Diane Betzler
  • Staff Writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Business, city, state, government and military officials met Jan. 18 at the Larry Chimbole Cultural Center in Palmdale, Calif., to discuss a way forward for the newly formed group at the first Antelope Valley Aerospace and Defense Coalition meeting.

The goal of the newly-formed alliance, which is expected to meet quarterly from now on, is for all entities to work together and discuss ways to better support aerospace and defense businesses here and to entice more businesses to settle in the high desert.

Palmdale Mayor James Ledford hosted the meeting. He introduced those attending the event and asked leaders to think about what government and businesses can do to get better at what they do.

He said Plant 42 and the businesses that are already here are the city's top priorities and said whatever else comes here will have to be compatible with them.

Bob Haueter, deputy chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Buck McKeon, 25th District of California, told attendees he was warned a long time ago never to start off with a line he can't deliver on. With that thought in mind the deputy chief told attendees, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

He said part of his responsibility is to make sure the congressman knows what's going on in the Antelope Valley and said he will depend on the coalition to keep him updated.

"To do that I have to make sure that all of you know me so that you are able to let me know what's going on and how we can help you," he said.

Mr. Haueter said Congressman McKeon takes his role as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee very seriously, and said he and the congressman are depending on the Antelope Valley civic, business and military leaders to keep them informed so that they can do a better job in the House.

"If you're here in the district, we want to be in touch with you," the deputy chief said.

He pointed out that out of the 535 members of congress there is only one Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

"The president of the United States works with the secretary of defense and submits the budget to the house, not the senate," Mr. Haueter said. He said the House is the only agency authorized to fund the federal government.

"We want to do the things that will improve your business. We want to do the job we were elected to do," Mr. Haueter said.

He said there are government agencies here that have different restrictions than most businesses.

"The Air Force is here, they have different rules and regulations -- NASA is here and they have their restrictions and we have to respect them all. If it's good for the Air Force, if it's good for NASA, it's going to be good for all of us," he said.

Mr. Haueter reiterated that his role is to update Washington, "We want to ensure that you get what you need," he said, adding, "We're really a resource to help, and I hope this is the beginning of a very successful coalition."

J. Campbell ―Cam‖ Martin, office of external affairs for NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, said Congressman McKeon understands the local situation.

"It's about high-tech jobs and bringing them here. Congressman McKeon listens," Mr. Martin said.

Mayor Ledford talked about initiatives the city hopes to work on and called for building a corridor that will link Air Force Plant 42 to Edwards as a much needed plan.

"When we look at Plant 42, we know they are going to need help," he said, adding that supporting Plant 42 is a high priority for the city.

The meeting ended with most attendees in favor of the new coalition.

"The coalition is a key tool and I advise the city to hold a follow-up very soon," said Tommy Tomlinson, Northrop Grumman vice president of Production Operations and Palmdale site manager.

Mr. Tomlinson said he's very much interested in terms of Northrop Grumman and where the company is going.

"I know some of my competitors and teammates feel the same way, so let's get on with this," he said.

General Nolan said he believes the coalition is good for the community. He said Edwards employs some 15,000 people from the Lancaster and Palmdale areas and said from that perspective it's a benefit to Edwards, the Air Force Research Lab and NASA to have good relations with the Antelope Valley communities.

"Bottom line, this is a two-way street. We need to understand the community's needs and the community needs to understand what our requirements are," General Nolan said.