Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III announced today that the long range strike bomber contract has been awarded to Northrop Grumman.

Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford was thrilled by this decision and the impact it has on the community. Mayor Ledford released several quotes in response to this decision, in which he discussed his hopes for the future as well as provided recognition to some of those responsible for helping secure the contract.

“This is a big win for not only Palmdale, but for Southern California as well,” said Ledford. “With so many defense contractors and sub-contractors here, this means good jobs a boost to our economy. Having Edwards Air Force base, the premier flight test facility in the world, make the connection seamless.”

“This news, combined with the recent announcement of the Oasis Wellness Center coming to Palmdale, Kinkisharyo already manufacturing rail cars for Metro, and both the California High Speed Rail and the Xpress West high speed rail from Las Vegas stopping in Palmdale paints a very bright future for our community,” Ledford said.

“A lot hard work went into making this a reality,” Ledford said. “Our thanks go to Bill Allen and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation business assistance and development office, Congressman Steve Knight, Assemblyman Tom Lackey, as well as County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and his Chief of Staff Kathryn Barger for their tireless efforts.”