Lockheed Martin hosted the 2009 P-3 Orion Suppliers Conference Feb. 25-26 in Marietta, Ga. Representatives from the broad P-3 supplier base attended the two-day event, focusing on P-3 Orion long-term sustainment as well as challenges posed by global economic conditions.

"Our suppliers play a crucial role in our ability to support the world's P-3 fleet and are a critical member of the maritime patrol and reconnaissance enterprise," said Ray Burick, Lockheed Martin vice president of P-3 programs. "The conference provided an open forum for our suppliers to learn more about our P-3 program initiatives. It also provided the opportunity for Lockheed Martin to receive feedback from our suppliers and address issues or challenges. Ultimately our goal is to enable P-3 Orion multi-mission sustainability for nations, agencies and businesses worldwide."

Over 750 P-3s have been produced since the Orion's first operational deployment in 1962. There have been hundreds of upgrades over the years that showcase Orion's unique maritime patrol and reconnaissance capability. Today there are over 400 P-3s in-service with 21 operators across 16 nations.

The new P-3 wing production line opened in Marietta in March 2008 with the Royal Norwegian Air Force as the launch customer. Lockheed Martin has since added U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Navy and Canada as P-3 Service Life Extension Program customers. In addition, Lockheed Martin performs P-3 sustainment services at its maintenance and modification facility in Greenville, S.C.

"It's our belief that no other service provider can offer the range of the P-3 to sustain, refresh, and support options, access to OEM technical data, and engineering support that Lockheed Martin can," said Burick. "Without the diligence and dedication of our supplier base that simply would not be possible."

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company