Through Lockheed and Raytheon Collaboration, The West Point Museum Unveils Javelin Exhibit

By Jorge GarciaOctober 17, 2023

Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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Staff and guest gathered at the West Point Museum to watch as the Javelin display was unveiled Oct. 13 at the U.S. Military Academy. Photo by Jorge Garcia/ USMA PAO.
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In a significant collaboration between the U.S. Army Center of Military History and defense giants Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, a new exhibit was unveiled on Oct. 13 at the West Point Museum. The exhibit showcases the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile system, aptly named the "Fire-and-Forget" for its pivotal role in providing tactical support to Army Soldiers over the past 27 years.

The display, a striking testament to the Javelin's power, featured the Command Launch Unit, Launch Tube Assembly, and a full-sized replica of the Javelin missile in its pre-collision trajectory.

Paula Hartley, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin, and Brian Burton, executive director of Precision Fires and Maneuver at Raytheon, attended the event as esteemed guests, sharing their excitement for the newly unveiled exhibit.

"On behalf of Lockheed Martin, it is certainly my honor to be here to display this Javelin weapon system for the West Point Museum," Hartley said. "This display does indeed speak to how the Javelin's unique capabilities have made a very positive impact around the world by keeping our Soldiers safe, giving them unmatched reliability and accuracy."

The two joined in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, expressed their reverence for the U.S. Army’s storied legacy, and underscored Lockheed and Raytheon’s ongoing commitment to support the Army’s role in safeguarding democracy and the nation.

"It's a privilege and honor for us to be here, really, at any time. But certainly, this time, with increased conflict in the world. We think about the incredible sacrifices that have been made over countless generations and those sacrifices continue today," Burton said. "This museum and the U.S. Army Center of Military History pays tribute to this deep history of the Army, and those that have served.

" ... Through that progression, you see how the Army Soldiers and the art of battle have evolved over time," Burton added. "I really appreciated hearing some of that history and thinking back to the pistols that are here from George Washington to one of the most modern and capable anti-tank systems in the world today. So, you've got the full spectrum."

David Reel, the director of the West Point Museum, and his team of curators, live by the maxim of "preserving America's heritage," relishing the opportunity to showcase artifacts that vividly illustrate the storied history of the United States Army.

"The FGM-148 Javelin is a missile system that's been in use since 1996, and in use today in support of our allies and coalition partners," Reel said. "Its integration into our educational training collection enables the curatorial team ... to further enhance our ability to support our nation's future Army leaders.

"It joins recent acquisitions from the Program Executive Office Soldier headquarters, bringing our small arms collection firmly into the era of modern warfare," he added. "These artifacts show us where we've been and where we are going ... "

The West Point Museum has been open to the public for over 200 years, amassing a prodigious collection steeped in the history of American warfare, with the Javelin exhibit becoming a new addition to the institution's distinguished legacy.

Reel explained that many historical items salvaged during the American Revolution were brought to West Point, stockpiled and displayed following the American victory at Saratoga in 1777. The captured cannons, arms and munitions have become links to the nation's past, leaving behind an intricate historical record that speaks to the Army's motto, "This We'll Defend."

From George Washington's flintlock pistol to the latest XM250 light machine gun, these artifacts have also created a timeline of the Army's evolution in warfare, with the Javelin scheduled to be part of the Army's future aggregate of weapons systems within the next 30 years.

"With the Javelin expected to be in the U.S. Army's operational fleet through 2050, we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Army to ensure that we meet demand currently and demand in the future," Hartley said.

Burton also imparted some history about the Javelin and how it will be augmented and improved over the years to serve the ever-evolving needs of the Soldier.

"The Javelin system is also steeped in history. It's evolved over the years and it's been enhanced to take advantage of the latest technologies, engineering (systems) and innovations," Burton said. "(The) Javelin has proven its capabilities as an effective medium range fire and forget missile on battlefields around the world. So, it is fitting that Javelin takes its place here, among other significant weapons systems that have played such a significant role in Army History."

As the event concluded, Reel, Hartley, Burton and distinguished guests gathered around the exhibit to partake in the ribbon-cutting, officially inducting the Javelin exhibit into the esteemed collection   of the West Point Museum's exhibits.

"Today, a Soldier's unwavering dedication to duty, to our country and to all America embodies the Army motto, 'This We'll Defend,'" Reel said. "The artifacts preserved by the West Point Museum show the American public that the Army has guaranteed our freedom and security, though tested, has never faltered and never failed.

"Last thing, we greatly appreciate the support of the Joint Javelin Venture in making this exhibit a reality," he concluded. "We look forward to future partnerships and again, thanks to those of you here today for your patronage and dedication."