12 Aug 2009 | Ref. 132/2009
ANNISTON, Alabama - BAE Systems employees here were honored by representatives from the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute for helping keep America's Soldiers rolling by providing critical support to the Army's tracked vehicle fleet.
The U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute is an initiative established by the Army in 2005 to recognize the important bond between soldiers and the community and celebrates the sacrifices made by all who support U.S. Soldiers.
"It's humbling to think our soldiers who have already given so much would take time to give back even more through this acknowledgment," said Robert Houston, BAE Systems vice president and Anniston site leader. "It is an honor to be recognized for the work BAE Systems does for the Army and we are very proud to support all our heroes within its ranks."
BAE Systems' Anniston facilities have played a critical role in keeping the Army's tracked combat vehicle fleet in working condition for soldiers. The company's forge facility is a leader in the production of forged track and suspension components for a majority of the U.S. military's tracked vehicles. Its vehicle upgrade and overhaul facilities currently perform upgrades, overhauls and repair work on the M113 Family of Vehicles and the M88A1 medium recovery vehicles in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot.
Since combat operations began in Iraq in 2003, BAE Systems' employees have converted, overhauled or reset more than 4,260 vehicles used by soldiers in combat. In addition, they have produced more than 6.5 million track shoes for military vehicles since 2003.
"The dedicated individuals at BAE Systems in Anniston have truly made a difference for our men and women in uniform," said Col. David Griffith, Director of the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Program. "When you hear of how this facility in Anniston kept its doors open for 364 days following the initial entry into Iraq in 2003, and only stopped for a break on Christmas to ensure our troops had the equipment they needed for combat, we can't help but say a big thank you."
U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute festivities included a series of ceremonies at BAE Systems on August 6 and 7, as well as a special luncheon for a group of employees who are also military veterans. In commendation for their efforts, each employee was provided by the Freedom Team Salute with a lapel pin, personalized letter and certificate signed by the Army's top leaders.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact
Kelly Golden, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 717 225 8487 Mobile: +1 717 818 7400
kelly.golden@baesystems.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
