In the 19th century, American clipper ships sailed to the figurative ends of the Earth. In the 20th century, we set our sights on the moon and literally went there and back. We've always been a nation of explorers, and not just of places, but of ideas. We have pioneered many new technologies and launched numerous new industries because we are fascinated by possibilities more than we are enamored of tradition. This pioneering spirit makes America a very tough competitor.
American workers are well trained, highly motivated and extremely productive.
The United States already is the world's number-one exporter, and I believe we've only scratched the surface of international markets. Boeing is proud of the success it has achieved globally. Boeing currently has customers in 145 countries. Tens of thousands of companies across our nation supply Boeing with parts and services that help us make our aircraft. So every time a Boeing plane leaves our factories for delivery to a customer overseas, it is not just Boeing, but an army of American workers that is ringing up another export.