Politics and 1980s pop culture converged at Williamtown on Monday as Prime Minister Scott Morrison stode into a packed aircraft hanger to the theme from Top Gun.
With the Trumpesque theatrics over, the event's focus shifted to the arrival of the first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at BAE Systems maintenance facility.
The Williamtown facility will be the Southern Pacific regional F-35 heavy airframe depot for the next 30 years.
An initial team of 32 technicians will provide airframe maintenance and sustainment on the aircraft.
"This is what sovereignty looks like. It's right behind me. But it's not just this incredible aircraft which Australia has invested in, it's everything that goes into it. It's the technology it's the know how, it's the Australian jobs that sit behind it," Mr Morrison said.
More than 50 Australian companies are sharing in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the $65 billion F-35 Program.
In addition several Hunter-based companies including Milskil, HI Fraser and Varley, have secured sustainment and maintenance contracts worth millions of dollars.
"We look forward to delivering a critical maintenance capability, and continuing to partner with the RAAF, the Department of Defence, Lockheed Martin and Defence industry to support the global F-35 program," BAE Systems Australia chief executive Gabby Costigan said
"Importantly, this new work will deliver a real boost to this region through new jobs and opportunities for local businesses."
After the formalities, Mr Morrison became the first Australian civilian to sit in the F-35's cockpit.
"We are committed to what is happening in this region," Mr Morrison said.
"It wasn't that long ago I was at Varley Industries and Tomago talking about important jobs that make this region what it is. We are investing in securing its future. We are training people up by supporting the industries that will deliver prosperity and a great future to the people of the Hunter."
