Shannon, Miss., June 2, 2014. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) visited the General Atomics (GA) state-of-the art manufacturing and test facility to witness first-hand the high-tech component production taking place in Shannon, Miss. since 2005. GA employs 150 people in Lee County at its recently expanded 367,000 square foot facility. These employees are helping to manufacture critical components and deliver innovative technologies for the future, including a high-tech projectile which is an integral component in the development of GA's multi-mission railgun weapon system and is a testament to both the capabilities of the manufacturing facility as well as the skills of the employees who machine the parts.
During his tour, Senator Cochran received an update on the transformational Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system for the Navy's Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier. Since 2000, Senator Cochran has supported these advanced systems to create a technology "edge" and thus maintain a strong fleet. The technology will increase the operational capability while reducing overall manpower costs of the CVN 78.
In 2008, during an important developmental transition with the EMALS technology, Senator Cochran provided the insight and leadership to focus Congress and the Department of the Navy on the critical tasks to move this program forward. His persistence is evident today with over 98% of the Miss.-manufactured EMALS system hardware delivered to Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va. for installation. Senator Cochran's continued support for critical national security programs such as EMALS/AAG and Electromagnetic Railgun has facilitated these programs to progress through development to manufacturing in order to meet the critical security needs of the United States.
About General Atomics
General Atomics, based in San Diego, Calif., is an advanced technology company with more than a half century of experience developing innovative, real-world systems for defense and energy applications. Throughout its corporate history, GA has been recognized for its ability to meet major multidisciplinary technical challenges, resulting in world-class, first-of-a-kind systems. http://www.ga.com.
For further information contact:
Meghan Ehlke
General Atomics
Strategic Communications
(858) 964-7058
Doug Fouquet
General Atomics
Public Relations
(858) 455-2173