Oklahoma Senators Brenda Stanley and Paul Rosino are highlighting the state’s aviation, aerospace and defense industry as Oklahoma marks Aviation and Aerospace Day and National Aviation Day.
State lawmakers established August 19 as Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Day in 2017. The date coincides with National Aviation Day, which recognizes the birthday of aviation pioneer Orville Wright.
Stanley and Rosino noted that aerospace and defense is Oklahoma’s second-largest economic sector and one of its fastest-growing industries. The sector contributes more than $44 billion annually to the state economy and supports more than 120,000 direct jobs.
“Oklahoma is a national powerhouse when it comes to aerospace, aviation and defense, and today is a reminder of just how far this industry has come,” Rosino said.
Stanley, whose Senate district includes Tinker Air Force Base, highlighted the role the industry plays in both Oklahoma’s economy and national defense.
“More and more Oklahomans are finding new opportunities and building careers in this field as this industry continues to innovate and grow at a remarkable pace,” Stanley said.
Rosino is a U.S. Navy veteran who spent 10 of his 25 years of military service stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Stanley chairs the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.
Both senators encouraged Oklahomans to recognize the workers, businesses and military personnel who have helped build the state’s aviation and aerospace industry.
