Lockheed Martin Appoints New Chief for F-35 Program

Lockheed Martin Corporation announced that its board of directors has approved the appointment of Orlando Carvalho, 54, to executive vice president of the Aeronautics business area, and Lorraine Martin, 50, as vice president and general manager of the F-35 Lightning II program. The board also elected Martin a corporate officer. Both appointments are effective immediately and follow the retirement of Larry Lawson, 55, on April 5, after 26 years with Lockheed Martin.

Since joining Aeronautics in 2011, Carvalho has been responsible for the performance of all aspects of the F-35 Lightning II program, the U.S. government's largest and most complex development and production program. Under his leadership, the F-35 program has delivered impressive results, including consistently exceeding the flight test plans; significantly improving on-schedule delivery of the Mission Systems and Autonomic Logistics Information System software releases; delivering 30 aircraft in 2012 while increasing affordability; and supporting the launch of training operations at Eglin AFB and the stand up of the first Marine Corps and Air Forceoperational F-35 bases.

As Vice President and Deputy of the F-35 program, Martin has been responsible for partnering with Carvalho to oversee the F-35 system development and demonstration program, transition from development to production, flight testing, and global deployment and sustainment for 13 military services in nine partner countries.

Defenseworld.net comment: The two appointments come at a crucial time when Lockheed Martin has been grappling with delays and cost overruns concerning the F-35 program.