Orlando is expected to get million of dollars from the Navy, bringing a boost and jobs to the area, according to a briefing U.S. Senator Bill Nelson received from Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ office.
The Navy late Friday awarded three contracts to one Orlando company, Cubic Simulation Systems, Inc., worth up to $298 million for simulation programs.
Cubic Simulation Systems is going to create a simulated training experience for crews on small, lightweight warships. A company executive said the news was a “great thing” for Orlando and his operation there. The company reports the five-year contract will create between 150 and 700 new jobs, depending on the Navy’s demands.
A Melbourne company, Southeast Aerospace Inc., received a smaller contract for $9 million to upgrade two-engine airplanes used to train Navy and Marine pilots.
“This goes to show how important simulation is going to be in our military, and Orlando will play a big role in that,” said Nelson, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee who has been a strong proponent of modeling and simulation training. “As we continue trying to reduce the deficit, this type of high-quality and cost-effective training will become even more important.”
Nelson was briefed on plans for expanding the simulation operations late Friday by Mabus’ staff.
