St. Louis Region Takes Flight as Aerospace Hub
The second Global Aerospace Summit highlighted the growing role of the St. Louis region in shaping the future of aviation, defense, and advanced manufacturing.
The event brought together over 200 industry leaders, government officials, educators, military representatives, economic development professionals, and workforce development experts from across the country and abroad to discuss opportunities for innovation, growth, and collaboration.
Col. Derrick McClain, deputy director of strategy, plans, requirements, and programs for Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, emphasized that America's aerospace advantage depends on people and partnerships behind aircraft and technology.
Rutherford, Boeing's MQ-25 program manager, noted that the program represents a major step forward for naval aviation and national security, with the aircraft set to more than double the tactical range of carrier-based aircraft while keeping military personnel farther from harm's way.