Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday, February 27, visiting aerospace and defense companies in Camden as part of the Secretary’s Arsenal of Freedom Tour, alongside U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman (AR-04).
Secretary Hegseth’s Arsenal of Freedom tour highlights the Department of War’s commitment to revitalizing America’s defense industrial base and strengthening domestic manufacturing and workforce capacity.
Beginning at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, the delegation toured the facility’s Load, Assemble, and Pack (LAP) production operations for critical munitions and energetic systems supporting the U.S. military. The company’s 155mm artillery LAP facility, opened in 2025 in partnership with the U.S. Army, plays a central role in modernizing ammunition production and strengthening the nation’s supply chain resilience.
Secretary Hegseth administered the Oath of Enlistment to 40 Arkansas recruits – 20 entering the Arkansas National Guard and 20 entering active duty service. The ceremony brought new members into the all-volunteer force and reflected the next generation stepping forward to carry the mission of rebuilding America’s military capability through action forward in uniform.
Governor Sanders has prioritized support for Arkansas service members and the Arkansas National Guard, ensuring readiness both at home and abroad. Under her leadership, the Guard has supported emergency response operations across the state while maintaining operational capability to meet national defense needs, reinforcing Arkansas’ role as a reliable partner in securing the nation.
The delegation then toured L3Harris Technologies, where leaders received updates on the company’s advanced manufacturing operations and its growing role in U.S. defense production. L3Harris specializes in integrated mission systems, space and airborne technologies, and advanced communications solutions supporting defense and commercial partners worldwide. In November 2025, Governor Sanders attended the groundbreaking for L3Harris’ new solid rocket motor manufacturing facility in Camden. Once complete, the expansion will increase large solid rocket motor production capacity six-fold and create 50 new jobs.
Home to companies like General Dynamics, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Dassault Falcon Jet, Arkansas competes on the global stage in aerospace and defense – its top export sector – powered by a skilled workforce and pro-growth business climate.
Last year, Arkansas was selected by the U.S. Department of Labor to lead a nationwide expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, preparing Americans for high-paying, in-demand trade careers while strengthening domestic production capacity. The effort builds on Governor Sanders’ broader workforce strategy, including Arkansas LAUNCH, a skills-based platform connecting jobseekers with employers across industries critical to national security.