Thursday, June 18, 2009

Northrop Grumman Awarded PSA Contract for USS George H. W. Bush

Northrop Grumman Awarded PSA Contract for USS George H. W. Bush
June 18, 2009

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), will be returning to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) for post-delivery maintenance work, also known as the ship's post shakedown availability (PSA).

The company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va., is the prime contractor for the work, which is valued at $72.6 million. A PSA
is a typical availability in the early life of a carrier that allows the Navy and Northrop Grumman team to resolve any items that came up
during trials and delivery and make any last-minute changes and upgrades.

"We have worked closely with our Navy partners during the planning period, sharing lessons learned and best practices, and are
ready to begin the execution period of this contract," said Mike Shawcross, vice president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's aircraft
carrier construction programs. "The Shipbuilding team looks forward to continuing our close working relationship with the officers and crew
aboard USS George H. W. Bush."

Work includes the installation of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) handling system and a new fresh water purification system. Other
changes include compartment reconfigurations, combat system and radar equipment upgrades, and minor repairs. The work is scheduled to last
through early 2010.

Named after America's 41st president, USS George H. W. Bush is the 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Its keel was laid
Sept. 6, 2003; it was christened Oct. 7, 2006; commissioned Jan. 10, 2009 and delivered May 11, 2009. At 1,092 feet in length, USS George H.
W. Bush is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. It weighs 97,000 tons and carries more than 80 combat aircraft. Its top
speed exceeds 30 knots, and powered with two nuclear reactors, it operates for more than 20 years without refueling.

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