Jun. 2—LIMA — U.S. Rep, Mike Turner, R-Dayton, and Assistant Secretary of the Army Doug Bush got an up-close look at how defense dollars are being spent as they toured the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center Wednesday afternoon. Bush, who is the secretary for acquisitions, was looking at ways in which to ensure that both supply chains and production are at the optimum level of production so the needs at the JSMC can be met.

"This plant is essential for both our security and the security of our allies," Turner said. "The specific manufacturing skills and the advanced manufacturing techniques that are here produce the most capable weapons and systems that we have. The work that's done here is even all that much more important as we look to what Russia is currently doing.

"It was important for us to come here today to talk about their work, the increased demand that there will be for what's made here. As we look to our Polish allies, who are now requesting equipment from this plant, we see very great things happening in the future and want to make sure that the plant can respond to that."

Turner spoke of his involvement in getting the tanks to Poland.

"I've worked with Congressman Jim Jordan and certainly other members of the Armed Services Committee to support Poland being able to acquire tanks from this facility," he said. "What we need to make certain, because we obviously have our own needs for the equipment that is made here, is to increase the overall capacity so we can get things out the door into the hands of our allies. In order for us to increase production and make certain that we rise to new demands as a result of Putin's wars. We're going to need to invest and make sure we have the infrastructure to be able to produce what the world is going to need to defend itself. That means we need to increase the top line (finances) in the Armed Services Committee. I think there is a consensus that this needs to be done."

For the fiscal year 2022, $1.35 billion is earmarked for work at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center.

Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409.