1st NGC-Built NSC Delivered to US Coast Guard

(Pascagoula, Miss., May 8, 2008) -- Today the U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the first Northrop Grumman Corporation-built (NYSE:NOC) National Security Cutter (NSC), Bertholf (WMSL 750) -- the most technologically advanced ship in U.S. Coast Guard history. Officials representing the company's Shipbuilding sector, U.S. Coast Guard and partner Lockheed Martin signed the official DD-250 documents, signifying the delivery of the ship.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, the newly-formed sector of Northrop Grumman Corporation, is made up of the former Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Newport News shipbuilding entities.

"Our shipbuilding team faced a number of challenges in designing and building this first-of-class ship. We've worked through the issues and the Coast Guard is getting a great capability to meet their mission requirements," said Irwin F. Edenzon, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Gulf Coast. "We're proud of the final product and look forward to building more NSCs in the future."

Bertholf is the first ship in the new class of highly capable, technologically advanced, multi-mission cutters. The NSC was built through the Deepwater Program under contract from Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

"The high endurance cutter will provide an unprecedented platform for cuttermen who will no doubt be navigating a ship that is ready to serve," said Richard Schenk, vice president of U.S. Coast Guard programs. "Wherever Bertholf sails, she will carry a Northrop Grumman quality stamp born from the commitment and determination of our shipbuilders. This will be the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard's fleet."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) - click here for more information