Earlier today, Scott Carson announced his retirement from Boeing after 38 years of service. I've had the pleasure of working with Scott over the past 12 years and know firsthand his dedication and commitment to Boeing and the aerospace industry. He has made many contributions to the company over the past four decades and I am honored to follow in his footsteps as the new leader of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Growing up in eastern Washington, I remember watching the contrails from 707s and B-52s flying overhead. As I grew older, I recognized the great significance of these aircraft. To this day, I believe Boeing did more to change the 20th century than any other company on Earth. Over the past 90 years, the men and women of this company have changed the way people travel and experience the world, the way we communicate, the way we protect freedom and democracy, and the way we look at our universe.

And much of this was done in Puget Sound. From the 707, which marshaled in the commercial aviation jet age; to the revolutionary 747 with its signature upper deck; to the increased fuel efficiency of the 757 and greater flexibility of the 767; to the 737, the world leader in single-aisle passenger transportation and the all digital airplane, the 777, Boeing has led the way in commercial aviation.

It was also here in Puget Sound where commercial derivative military aircraft were born - a product line reaching back in history and one that will take us far into the future. From the 707 came the KC-135 Stratotanker and Stratolifter; the E-3 AWACS; E-6 Mercury for the U.S. Navy and the E-8 JSTARS. From the Boeing 737 come the T-43, AEW&C, the P-8 Poseidon and the P-I for India. The 747 became today's Air Force One, the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center and the Airborne Laser. The 767 became tankers for Italy and Japan and also the Japanese AWACS.

Boeing is truly an iconic company and I believe we have the opportunity to change the 21st century just as we have changed the last one. The 787 is the starting point.

In its soul, Boeing has always been and remains an engineering company. As an engineer I look forward to learning from and working with you. The heart of this company is the skilled machinists, technicians and mechanics - true craftsmen and wizards - who deliver on their promises everyday. I look forward to understanding what you believe can be done to make the company even better still.

Being part of the world's most capable and largest aerospace company is a privilege. Working with the world's premier commercial airplane company team as we prepare to fly two revolutionary airplanes - the 787 and 747-8 - is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Greatness, though, does not come easily. It is not an entitlement. It must be proven time and time again each and every day. We work on some of the most complex and challenging systems in the world. With challenges oftentimes are issues. And today we are facing significant issues on our two major development programs. It is imperative that we face into these challenges and deliver to our customers. Going forward I believe we have three imperatives: flawless execution, profitable growth and improved efficiency. It will take the personal commitment and leadership of all of us to achieve these goals.

We have much to accomplish. I know we have the right team in place. Over the next several months, I look forward to meeting you and learning from each of you. Together there is nothing we can't do...JIM