St. Louis Region Emerges as Leading Aerospace Hub
More than 200 industry leaders and government officials gathered at the Regency Conference Center in O'Fallon, Illinois for the second Global Aerospace Summit. Col. Derrick McClain, deputy director of strategy, plans, requirements and programs for Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, welcomed attendees by emphasizing that America's aerospace advantage depends on people and partnerships.
The summit highlighted the strength of the St. Louis region's aerospace ecosystem and its growing role in shaping the future of aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Leaders from Boeing and Scott Air Force Base underscored why the bi-state St. Louis region is emerging as one of the nation's leading aerospace hubs.
Troy Rutherford, Boeing's MQ-25 program manager, said that the aircraft represents a major step forward for naval aviation and national security. It will more than double the tactical range of carrier-based aircraft while keeping military personnel farther from harm's way.