Week in review column

Aerospace is the focus of this column, but it's hard not to pay attention to the major Navy contract that was awarded during the week to Austal USA of Mobile, Ala. The contract to build littoral combat ships underscores the importance of shipbuilding to the Gulf Coast region. But beyond that, it shows contracts can be split between competitors and highlights the crucial role companies with foreign roots play in the U.S. defense industry. (Source: Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor, 01/01/11)