Governor George Pataki and Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer were in Owego on June 12  to help Lockheed Martin celebrate the opening of its new VH-71 Presidential Helicopter Facility.

 Construction of the 176,000 square foot facility, which was completed there months ahead of schedule, began last year after Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract to build a new fleet of Presidential Helicopters. 

 The outdoor ceremony was attended by state and local dignitaries and Lockheed executives and employees. A four-man Marine Corps Color Guard posted the colors, and the US Navy Band provided music before and during the ceremony. Those giving speeches included Governor Pataki, Senators Clinton and Schumer, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, and Lockheed executives Frank Meyer and Robert Stevens. The dignitaries seated on the stage all participated in cutting the blue ribbon, signifying the official opening of the facility (see photo on the front page). After the ceremony, the distinguished guests toured the facility which includes an Integration Bay, a Material Handling/Distribution Center, an Anechoic Chamber, a Surface Prep Chamber, a Paint Chamber, a Flight Bay, a Service Bay, and office space. 

Stephen Ramsey of Lockheed Martin (left) points out features of the Presidential Helicopter Integration Facility to Governor George Pataki, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Congressman Maurice Hinchey. 
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