Speeches
Reception for the Mobile Airport Authority
Remarks by Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold
February 18, 2006
I’m very pleased to join you this evening for one of the first events of Asian Aerospace 2006.
Welcome to Singapore. It’s is a long way from Mobile, Alabama. I made the trip from Seattle to Singapore 2 ½ months ago, so I know how long the trip is and it’s even longer from Alabama. However, there is a very good reason for you to make the long journey: Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region in the world for aerospace. And, just like Seattle, Mobile understands the importance of the aerospace industry.
Mobile Bay is a superb aerospace industrial development site, attracting companies from around the world to the Brookley Industrial Complex and Airport. The ties between the two aerospace hubs of Mobile and Singapore are strong. Mobile’s largest employer is Singapore Technology’s Mobile Aerospace Engineering. In fact, with almost 2,500 employees, ST Aerospace is one of the largest employers in the state of Alabama.
Using the trained and qualified aerospace workforce available in Mobile, ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering provides a full range of aircraft inspection, maintenance, and modification services. This partnership reflects the two-ways benefits and importance of commercial relations between the U.S. and Singapore.
Asian Aerospace 2006 will provide a wonderful opportunity to expand our commercial ties. I encourage you to use the coming week to network with the companies and customers attending the show. Our Foreign Commercial Service team, led by George Ruffner, is here to support you. We are glad you’re here, and wish you tremendous success this week. Thank you.