U.S. Labor Secretary tours Boeing facilities in Huntsville

Chavez-DeRemer highlights Boeing's workforce development efforts in Alabama

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited Boeing's facilities in Huntsville, Alabama this week, touring the company's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Seeker Factory and Huntsville Electronics Center of Excellence. The visit was part of the Department of Labor's 'America at Work' tour, aimed at hearing directly from employees, employers and community leaders about workforce needs and economic conditions.

Why it matters

The tour highlighted Boeing's focus on workforce development and investment in training and career pathways for its roughly 3,000 workers in Huntsville. As the Biden Administration seeks to bolster American manufacturing, the Labor Secretary's visit showcased a successful example of private-public partnership in advanced manufacturing.

The details

During the tour, Chavez-DeRemer met with employees and walked through facilities where Boeing supports programs ranging from missile defense and space systems to engineering and advanced manufacturing. Boeing leaders say the site continues to scale production while investing in the talent pipeline essential for their continued success.

  • The visit took place on February 13, 2026.

The players

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

The U.S. Labor Secretary, leading the Department of Labor's 'America at Work' tour to hear directly from employees, employers and community leaders.

Pierce Lehr

The vice president of Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems Supply Chain and Huntsville site executive at Boeing.

Dale Strong

The U.S. Representative who welcomed the Labor Secretary during the Huntsville stop of the tour.

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What they’re saying

“Our commitment to investing in our workforce is fundamentally an investment in the security and safety of our nation. By establishing a clear pathway into advanced manufacturing, we are not only nurturing the talent pipeline essential for our continued success but also ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our customers with excellence and innovation.”

— Pierce Lehr, Vice President of Space, Intelligence & Weapon Systems Supply Chain and Huntsville site executive, Boeing (rocketcitynow.com)

“As the Trump Administration advances efforts to restore American manufacturing dominance, the work being done at Boeing Huntsville is a great example of successful innovation that we can learn from. The Department of Labor will continue partnering with the private sector to promote career pathways in critical fields, including advanced manufacturing, to create mortgage-paying jobs that bolster our national security.”

— Lori Chavez-DeRemer, U.S. Labor Secretary (rocketcitynow.com)

What’s next

The Department of Labor plans to continue its 'America at Work' tour, visiting other manufacturing and workforce development sites across the country to gather insights and promote public-private partnerships.

The takeaway

The Labor Secretary's visit to Boeing's Huntsville facilities showcased the company's commitment to investing in its workforce through training and career development programs, which aligns with the Biden Administration's efforts to strengthen American manufacturing and create well-paying jobs in critical industries.