Last Updated: 09/06/2011*

In celebrating National Aerospace Week Sept. 11-17, Raytheon recognizes the aerospace and defense industry's contributions. Their development of innovative technology supports the warfighters' mission to defend the nation domestically and abroad. "As a leader in the defense industry, Raytheon values and thanks its aerospace workforce for its commitment to develop innovative technology," said Mark E. Russell, vice president of Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance. "As members of the engineering community, you make a difference, solving challenging issues that save the warfighters' lives and help shape our future."

Since 2009, Raytheon has teamed with other industry leaders including the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) to spearhead the awareness campaign. AIA views National Aerospace Week as "an opportunity to reinforce with Congress and the administration the value of our industry; it's a great way to say 'job well done' to all the men and women of the aerospace workforce; and it's a time to encourage our young men and women to consider a rewarding career in aerospace."

Congress and defense leaders will meet in Washington D.C. to commemorate National Aerospace Week in various events on Capitol Hill and at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Today the aerospace industry is America's leading manufacturing export industry, which contributed $51.2 billion in U.S. trade surplus last year. The industry also reported a sales record of $214.5 billion.