It takes a lot of passion to deliver and support world-class sensors for the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter. That’s why for Angela Estes, delivering Apache sensors for the warfighter is more than just a job.
That passion to support the warfighter did not go unnoticed. Angela, a logistics and sustainment engineer, was recently chosen for the Apache Customer Focus Award, presented to her by Col. John Maher, Project Manager for the Apache Attack Helicopter Program.
“Being placed in the role I'm currently in, as a college new hire, makes me feel very grateful,” she said. “I understand the importance of working with the customer and maintaining that strong relationship with them. It’s something I don’t take for granted and don’t take lightly at all.”
Angela’s career at Lockheed Martin started shortly after she graduated from the University of Arizona, her mothers’ alma mater, with an economics and business management degree. She attended an on-campus job fair where she met Lockheed Martin recruiters.
“I could not have asked for a better opportunity right out of college,” she said
Twice a year, the customer awards an Apache Fire Control employee who exemplifies customer focus from the customer’s perspective. The winner is nominated and selected by the customer.
“Angela’s logistics expertise and diligence in supporting the Apache Project Office reflects her superior commitment to excellence,” Col. Maher said.
Angela works on the Gen. III Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS), which gives the American warfighter a significant advantage over enemies on the battlefield of today and into the future. But it’s the memory of an American warfighter from the past that particularly motivates Angela to support our armed services.
“My grandfather, a colonel in the Air Force, flew all types of Lockheed Martin products, like the C-5 and the C-141. He would be really proud of the position I’m in at Lockheed Martin and he would see the value of being recognized by a colonel,” she said. “For me, he puts a face to the name of the warfighter.”
Angela was a key player in identifying and coordinating all logistics requirements for the Production & Services Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) II proposal, which has the unique addition of providing flexible fielding capabilities.
“This will be a huge driver in decreasing the amount of time it takes to get the latest and greatest configuration of this system to the warfighter,” Angela said. “That’s a really impactful part of this proposal and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support that.”
Quite simply, being part of a 30+ year proven program of record for global armed forces is a very cool experience for Angela.
“The fact that it is a legacy program means there is so much history there. Being able to learn about how the product has been modernized over the last few decades, how it’s sustained in the field, how it’s grown internationally, makes Apache a special program,” she said. “I’m so thankful to learn from this team.”