GREENVILLE, SC—For 40 years, Lockheed Martin has proudly called Greenville, South Carolina home, embedding deep local roots while contributing to global security. As the company celebrates this significant milestone, Trish Pagan, vice president of F-16 programs and Greenville site lead, reflects on how the facility has grown from its modest beginnings to an internationally recognized hub, known as the Global Home of the F-16, driving economic growth and social impact in the region.
Q. What does the 40th anniversary of the Greenville site mean for Lockheed Martin and the local community?
A. Marking 40 years in Greenville is a proud moment for Lockheed Martin. Over the years, we’ve grown from an inaugural team of 12 to more than 1,800 employees, deeply committed to both global security and our local community. Our site, known as the Global Home of the F-16, now covers 275 acres with 16 hangars. The continued expansion here is driven by the dedication of our team and the increasing global demand for our aircraft. This growth highlights the critical role our team plays in advancing security for our nation and its allies.
Q. How has the Greenville site evolved since its inception?
A. The initial aircraft we maintained was the maritime patrol P-3 Orion, followed by the addition of C-130s, KC-10s, C-9s, and numerous other platforms. We have consistently offered comprehensive nose-to-tail sustainment services and depot-level maintenance, ensuring the longevity of our customers' aircraft.
Greenville is at the forefront of F-16 innovation, spearheading the integration of advanced technologies through our 1LMX digital transformation program and cutting-edge mission systems in the Block 70/72, which successfully completed its maiden flight on Jan. 24, 2023.
Additional F-16 milestones accomplished in 2024 include Slovakia’s first F-16 Block 70 taking flight, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster establishing January 30 as ‘F-16 Fighting Falcon Day’, the milestone 4,600th F-16 delivered and, most recently, the first two Slovak F-16 Block 70 jets arriving in country, making the Slovak Republic the first European nation to receive the most advanced 4th Generation fighter in the world.
We see many more milestones to come as we continue to meet our commitments to our customers around the world.
Q. What contributions has the Greenville site made to the local economy?
A. Lockheed Martin’s presence in Greenville has had a substantial impact on the local economy. We generate an annual economic impact of over $1.3 billion in South Carolina, supporting nearly 200 local suppliers, many of which are small businesses.
Beyond economic contributions, our employees have volunteered thousands of hours and donated millions of dollars to local organizations, demonstrating our deep commitment to the community.
Trish Pagan and Lockheed Martin Greeville employees volunteer at the annual SC Aerospace Night at Flour Field
Q. How has moving the F-16 production line to Greenville advanced the site's capabilities and technological innovations?
A. Relocating the F-16 production line from Fort Worth, Texas, to Greenville in 2017 significantly enhanced our operations. This strategic move allowed us to provide comprehensive life-cycle coverage for the F-16, from production to sustainment, solidifying Greenville's role in aviation innovation and excellence.
Q. When residents hear the jets flying overhead, what do you want them to remember?
A. When residents hear the F-16s, I want them to feel proud of Greenville's vital contribution to global security. Those sounds signify the critical work happening in our community to support missions around the world. It's a testament to Greenville's role in protecting freedoms and driving innovation on a global scale.
A single-seat F-16 Block 70 for Slovakia takes off for pre-delivery test flights
Q. What are future plans for the Greenville site?
A. We’re expanding our facilities to meet increasing demand across the entire F-16 Block 70/72 program and aircraft sustainment services. In 2023, we added a 30,000-square-foot material flow center, additional tools, a 280-person breakroom and additional office space in our main F-16 production facility. More construction is underway to upgrade our facilities and support workforce growth, which will include a new warehouse, additional aircraft run shelters, and a new site entrance.
As of July 31, the current backlog is 127 F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft, with potential for up to 300 more jets. Also, our global sustainment team continues to evolve to meet the modification needs not only for the U.S. Air Force but that of our international allies. This growth underscores our dedication to innovation and global security. The Greenville site is a national security asset, and we are proud of the legacy it has already created in supporting critical missions worldwide and the bright future ahead.
Q. What would you say to prospective employees looking to join Lockheed Martin?
A. If you're looking to build a career where you can shape the future of aviation and expand your expertise in a dynamic environment, Lockheed Martin Greenville is the place for you. Be part of the legacy - join our team in keeping the F-16 a powerful and proven aircraft for years to come. With opportunities in production and engineering, you can make a significant impact on this iconic aircraft. Find all our open positions in Greenville here at our careers page.
