Northrop Grumman Delivers New Mexico Submarine Ahead of Schedule in Record Time

Northrop Grumman Delivers New Mexico Submarine Ahead of Schedule in
Record Time

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Dec. 29, 2009 – Northrop Grumman
Corporation (NYSE:NOC) delivered the sixth submarine of the Virginia
class, New Mexico (SSN 779), to the U.S. Navy today, four months ahead
of schedule. New Mexico's 70-month construction period represents the
shortest overall construction time of any Virginia-class submarine.

"New Mexico's delivery is a reflection of the commitment,
dedication and hard work of the shipbuilders at Newport News, our
Electric Boat partners and the Navy," said Becky Stewart, vice
president for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's submarine program. "We
delivered her in record time, using one million fewer man-hours than
her predecessor USS North Carolina (SSN 777). Our shipbuilders are
focused on meeting safety, quality, cost and schedule commitments. The
progress we've made in the Virginia-class submarine program
demonstrates their personal ownership in building the finest submarines
in the world."

The keel for New Mexico was authenticated April 12, 2008, and
the ship was christened on Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico, named for "The
Land of Enchantment," is the most modern and sophisticated attack
submarine in the world, providing undersea supremacy well into the 21st
century.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is teamed with General Dynamics
Electric Boat to build the first 18 ships of the Virginia class.
Current plans call for 30 Virginia-class submarines in the fleet. Using
millions of parts from over 4,000 suppliers in 47 states and the
District of Columbia, Virginia-class submarines incorporate dozens of
new technologies and innovations and are the first major combatants
designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products,
and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems,
shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial
customers worldwide.

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