Yesterday, Boeing received a $9.7 billion contract from the Air Force for the construction of 60 new transport planes, the C-17 Globemaster, by 2008.  

“I’m very pleased that Boeing has been selected to provide these transport planes,” Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) said.  “This contract is further evidence of their role as the world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer.  What is more, many of these planes are currently stationed at McChord and the Air Force’s continuing investment in cutting-edge technology underscores the base’s critical role in the United States’ military transformation.”