Boeing on May 4 announced the formation of the Airlift and Tankers (A&T) division within its military aircraft business unit. The new division will lead the company's sustained pursuit and execution of U.S. and international tanker and fixed-wing mobility aircraft business.
The A&T division will assume program management responsibility for the C-17 Globemaster III and international and U.S. tanker programs.
Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft, said that the organizational change would allow the business to "increase productivity to enhance Boeing’s competitive position and offer the best available capability, price and risk value proposition for its customers."
"Aligning large, fixed-wing aircraft capabilities under one leadership team will intensify our focus on the warfighter's needs and introduce efficiencies that will result in cost savings for taxpayers," Chadwick added.
Boeing has named Jean Chamberlin as vice president and general manager, Airlift and Tankers, reporting to Chadwick. Chamberlin will be responsible for providing direction and oversight for airlift and tanker programs from advance program development through customer delivery. She will continue to lead Boeing's effort to capture the U.S. Air Force KC-X program, also serving as program manager, USAF Tanker Program.
Rick Heerdt has been named vice president of the C-17 Program – which will continue to be based in Long Beach, Calif. – and will report to Chamberlin. Heerdt will be responsible for working with U.S. and international customers to capture new orders, as well as developing and producing cost-effective future airlifter capability.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
