Boeing yesterday announced plans to relocate work on the F/A-18 Super Hornet Service Life Modification (SLM) program out of the St. Louis region. The company intends to sunset the St. Louis-based work in 2027.
Boeing is considering multiple sites, beginning with case studies at its San Antonio and Jacksonville sites. The company currently performs SLM work in San Antonio and in partnership with the U.S. Navy at Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Southwest in San Diego, California. Additional F/A-18 modification work also occurs in Jacksonville, Florida.
Last year, Boeing started construction on a $1.8 billion expansion project at its St. Louis site. The company is adding some 1.1 million square feet for advanced assembly and post-assembly operations. The project will be completed in multiple phases beginning next year and running through 2030.
"Our expansion plans across the St. Louis site triggered the execution of a multi-year strategic plan, requiring the relocation of some work," said Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of Air Dominance and senior St. Louis site executive. Gillian said Boeing is already conducting SLM at other locations, so it's a logical move.
The St. Louis region is home to F-15EX, T-7A and MQ-25 production as well as JDAM and other munitions production lines. In March, the U.S. Air Force announced Boeing will design, build and deliver the F-47 6th-generation fighter. Current St. Louis SLM team members will support these programs, according to the company.
