Gov. Gregoire celebrates P-8A rollout

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2009

RENTON � Gov. Chris Gregoire participated in the rollout ceremony for the new P-8A Poseidon today with leaders from Boeing and the United States Navy.

�The rollout of the Poseidon represents what we like to see in Washington: innovation, collaboration, skill, cutting-edge technology, and aerospace � all brought together to serve our country,� Gregoire said. �There is no better place to build this aircraft than in Washington state. We offer unmatched skill, and are proud to assist with our national defense while growing the state�s aerospace industry.�

The P-8A Poseidon is a long-range surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities. Built by a Boeing-led team of manufacturers for the U.S. Navy, it is expected to influence how naval forces train, operate and deploy.

The contract to build the P-8A was awarded to Boeing in 2004, and the first flight of the aircraft took place on April 26, 2009. The U.S. Navy plans to purchase 108 planes for delivery in 2009. Boeing expects further opportunities through international sales in such countries as India, Australia and Italy.

�I stand by our shared commitment to making our state the best in the global marketplace,� the governor said. �I know that leadership in aerospace is a tradition we intend to continue.�