Lorraine Martin Will Oversee The Integration Of The Helicopter Company

Lockheed Martin has named its top F-35 program executive to lead its Mission Systems and Training business unit and oversee the integration of Sikorsky Aircraft.

Lorraine Martin (pictured) currently is executive vice president and general manager of the program to build the next-generation fighter for the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps (the latter of which is buying the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing version). In her 27 years at the company, Martin has led the C-5 and C-130 airlifter programs and military fixed-wing flight-training initiatives. Prior to L-M, she was an Air Force officer and worked on software-intensive technology and development programs, according to a report from Rotor & Wing.

On Jan. 1, Martin will assume the newly created position of deputy executive vice president for Mission Systems and Training. That unit’s $7.2 billion revenue and 18,000-person workforce will double when the Sikorsky acquisition is completed.

Jeff Babione has been named the executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program, effective January 1, 2016, to succeed Martin, the company said in a news release.

As head of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 team, Babione (pictured) will lead development, production, and sustainment efforts across the three F-35 variants for 13 military services in nine partner countries and a growing list of foreign military sales customers. Under his leadership, the F-35 team will focus on completing the System Development and Demonstration Program, ramping up production and supporting the Initial Operational Capability of the U.S. Air Force in 2016 and the U.S. Navy in 2018.

“Jeff is a seasoned leader who is uniquely qualified to lead the F-35 team through this critical phase of the program,” said Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “He brings a deep understanding of the F-35 program, strong customer relationships and a collaborative leadership style that will ensure we continue the positive momentum of the program.”

(Images provided by Lockheed Martin)

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com