TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare a resolution declaring April 18, 2009 as C-17 Day.
DISCUSSION
The C-17 Globemaster III Transport Jet, manufactured by the Boeing company at its facility in Long Beach, is a critical component of the nation's ability to effectively deploy strategic military assets in crucial locations around the world ina timely fashion. The C-17 is the last wide-bodied military aircraft production line in the United States, has performed superbly in both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, is crucial to the War on Terrorism, and has conducted countless humanitarian missions.
the projected completion of the last C-17 under the current order is August 2009. Without additional orders, the C-17 line will close. Closure of the C-17 will put at risk 5,500 Boeing jobs at the Long Beach facility and over 5, 300 Boeing suppliers jobs associated with the manufacturer of the C-17. The C-17 program is vital to the economy of Long Beach and Los Angeles County.
consistent with actions taken by the City Council in 2008, 2007 and 2006, it is recommended the Council direct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution that will declare April 18th "C-17 Day" in Long Beach to honor this plane, the women and men who build it and the women and men who fly it in support of our nation; and to support the continuation of the C-17 Globemaster III program and urge the Congress of the United States to authorize the appropriate funding to continue the C-17 program.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mayor Bob Foster