“CAE USA offers a full spectrum of services, everything from virtual reality supported devices to full flight simulators and everything in between,” said Merrill Stoddard, Division President and General Manager for CAE Defense and Security USA.
A leader in the global training and simulation industry, the company specializes in delivering mixed-reality task training and full mission simulators to clients across the globe. Their suite of simulation-based technologies includes advanced capabilities like biometrics, real-time feedback, artificial intelligence, and adaptive rehearsal scenarios to provide the most vigorous training possible that suits their clients’ unique needs.
Its parent company, CAE Inc., was founded in 1947 by former Royal Canadian Air Force officer Ken Patrick in a hangar outside of Montreal. Over 75 years later, CAE is a global enterprise delivering training and simulation services to over 30 countries and 145 sites. In 2001, CAE established its U.S. operations for Defense & Security, CAE USA, Inc., in Tampa, Florida with the acquisition of Reflectone, a manufacturer of flight simulators and training device. In 2021, expanded the Defense & Security business to its current US footprint acquiring the L3Harris Military Training business. With major training centers in Tampa, Florida and Arlington, TX, this robust business unifies the innovation of the three founders of modern modeling and simulation, Ken Patrick (CAE), Luther Simjian (Reflectone) and Edwin Link (LINK).
The defense and security company recognizes that training, modeling and simulation is not just an industry. It’s also a heavy responsibility. “This is not just for safety and making sure that they’re prepared, but also making sure that they come home,” said Wendy Stough, Director of Marketing and Communications. “There’s a people aspect of this that really hits home for us, and with almost 40% of our people with CAE USA being veterans themselves, it’s a very personal mission as well.”
Home to MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa Bay hosts a large and vibrant military community, making it the perfect place for CAE USA to continue to expand. In Spring 2024, CAE celebrated the opening of their new facility at Tampa International Airport. Employing 650 highly skilled workers, the company’s new site will support all three critical areas of CAE’s work: the Manufacturing Bay, Training Center, and Operations Center. Military customers from over 30 countries will be supported by the cutting-edge technology and training materials of this facility.
“The software growth and the proliferation of more technology to our training created more demand for more and more engineering support,” said Stoddard. “It’s a great space and I think ultimately our customers are going to benefit. It is a tremendous opportunity here, we’re very grateful for not only the support we received from the local economy but also the local leadership.”
Members of the Chamber since 1979, CAE USA has long been a fixture in the Tampa Bay business community. “The demands of our customers require the best of the best, and leading-edge technology,” Stoddard said. “The visibility that the Chamber helps bring to these kinds of conversations and helping to recruit talent has been valuable. We greatly appreciate the support.”
