More than sixty exhibitor booths welcomed over 1,000 visitors to this year’s “AERO Oklahoma” Aviation, Aerospace and Defense Day presented annually by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics at the State Capitol.
The annual event is a unique occasion for Oklahoma’s military members, industry leaders, private and commercial pilots, airport managers, municipal officials, drone pilots, educators, flying clubs, and the many users of the Oklahoma Airport System to come together. With the opportunity to meet one-on-one with state legislators and other elected officials to remind them of Oklahoma’s strong aviation heritage and show them firsthand how the industry continues to solidify our state as a worldwide leader in aviation, aerospace, and defense.
Photo by Christopher Bryan
This year’s event had a special presentation from American Airlines, and included the Oklahoma Air and Space Forces Association, Oklahoma City Innovation District, Oklahoma Defense Industry Association, Oklahoma Commerce, Oklahoma Transportation, Oklahoma CareerTech, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Critical Components, Consolidated Turbine Specialists – a Kratos Company, Gilchrist Aviation Law and the Oklahoma National Guard.
“Aero Day at the Capitol is a testament to the powerhouse that this industry represents in Oklahoma,” said Executive Director Grayson Ardies, of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “Our state is fueled by the legacy of heroes like General Tom Stafford. Leadership is forging the path for growth in our state. We are on the trajectory for aerospace to be Oklahoma’s #1 industry, and when we come together for advocacy and collaboration, we solidify our commitment to achieving that goal.”
Three hundred students and 200 military personnel listened to state leaders address the crowd, including Speaker Charles McCall, Col. Abigail Ruscetta with Tinker Air Force Base, Greg Emerson, American Airlines, First Native American in Space, Commander John Herrington, and air and space historian Bill Moore. The aviation, aerospace, and defense community were welcomed with remarks about the important economic impact this industry provides to the state.
“Of all the industry accomplishments highlighted at Aero Day, I’m proudest of our statewide initiatives that will ensure our military installations, airports, and MRO facilities can employ skilled professionals from right here in Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Senator Adam Pugh. “The continued growth of these industries would not be possible without our partners in school districts and Career Techs across the state who have worked to fill the workforce pipeline. On this Aero Day, let us not only celebrate the current accomplishments of this industry but let us celebrate the future opportunities to come for the individuals and businesses who call our state home.”
This year, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics commemorated the contributions of Lt. General Tom Stafford to the aviation and aerospace industry.
