Dayton Reporter

DAYTON, OHIO - Congressman Mike Turner, along with community and academic leaders, held a press conference today at Wright State University to discuss the significance of the eighth annual Ohio Defense and Aerospace Forum. The event, which was established in 2016 by Congressman Turner in collaboration with the Dayton Development Coalition, aims to highlight the importance of innovation and the defense industry in Ohio.

During the press conference, Congressman Turner emphasized the role of the defense industry in national security and its contributions to job creation, innovation, and technology in Ohio. He expressed gratitude for the support received from Governor Mike DeWine and the statewide effort to promote the defense sector. Congressman Turner also underscored the importance of keeping defense installations in Ohio to enhance both national security and the state's foundation of innovation.

Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition, acknowledged the presence of significant assets throughout the state, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and NASA. He commended Congressman Turner for his efforts in bringing together industry leaders and academia at the Ohio Defense and Aerospace Forum. Hoagland noted that the event attracts top leaders and fosters conversations about workforce development with the Department of Defense, contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Susan Edwards, President of Wright State University, expressed gratitude to Congressman Turner for his work and the Dayton Development Coalition for their collaboration. She highlighted the long-standing relationship between Wright State University and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which has been instrumental in supporting the university's growth and supplying the workforce of the region.

The Ohio Defense and Aerospace Forum serves as a platform for defense installation leadership, community leaders, industry representatives, and elected officials to connect and gain a deeper understanding of the current defense environment. It provides an opportunity to build awareness and showcase the role played by Ohio in supporting national defense.

As part of the forum, Congressman Turner moderated two panels. On Monday, October 30, he led a panel titled 'Ohio's Role in National Security Intelligence.' This marked Congressman Turner's first time moderating an intelligence panel as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. The panel featured Colonel Ariel Batungcal, Commander of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center; Colonel Marqus Randall, Commander of the National Space Intelligence Center; and Colonel Gregg Hesterman, Director of Cyberspace Transformation for the Ohio National Guard.

On Tuesday, October 31, Congressman Turner moderated the 'State of National Defense' panel, which included Dr. Tim Grayson, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force; Retired General T. Michael "Buzz" Moseley, 18th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force; and Retired Lieutenant General Robert McMurry, Executive Vice President of Dayton Aerospace, Inc.

The Ohio Defense and Aerospace Forum continues to foster collaboration and promote the defense industry's importance in Ohio. It highlights the state's role in national security and the significant contributions made by defense installations and academic institutions like Wright State University.

Click this link to access more information: https://turner.house.gov/2023/10/turner-brings-ohio-defense-aerospace-forum-to-dayton