A senate RESOLUTION

TO COMMEMORATE THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE F-16 FIGHTING FALCON, TO CELEBRATE SOUTH CAROLINA AS THE GLOBAL HOME OF THE F-16, AND TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 30, 2024 AS "F-16 FIGHTING FALCON DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate takes great pride in acknowledging Lockheed Martin as an esteemed manufacturing company that contributes significantly to the pride of the State of South Carolina and the nation; and

Whereas, Lockheed Martin, a manufacturer located in Greenville since 1984, has made considerable contributions to South Carolina's economic growth and prosperity, with an annual economic impact exceeding one hundred million dollars, in addition to over two hundred thousand dollars in donations to local causes and the provision of jobs for countless residents of Greenville and surrounding areas; and

Whereas, Lockheed Martin's dedicated workforce, which includes over sixteen hundred South Carolinians, continues to cultivate and strengthen the State's reputation for manufacturing and national defense by producing the most advanced fourth generation fighter aircraft and by performing repair, modification, maintenance, and overhaul services for military and civilian aircrafts; and

Whereas, one in four of Lockheed Martin's South Carolinian employees currently serve or have previously served in the United States armed forces. Lockheed Martin is a strong and proud supporter of United States servicemen and women, ensuring that they can safely accomplish missions and return home; and

Whereas, Lockheed Martin's F-16 Fighting Falcon, voted "Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina" by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, is critical to the joint Twenty-First Century Security battlespace. More than three thousand one hundred F-16s are operating today in twenty-five countries; and

Whereas, the F-16 production line, where the F-16 is produced, sustained, and flown, is located in Greenville. The production line is a national security asset, providing F-16 fighter capabilities to allies who rely on the aircraft for peacekeeping and defense missions within their own borders and those of their allies.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, celebrate South Carolina as the global home of the F-16, and recognize January 30, 2024 as "F-16 Fighting Falcon Day" in South Carolina.

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