LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18, 2009 -- For the fourth consecutive year, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been honored with a top ranking by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) in that organization's Corporate Equality Index.

Northrop Grumman is among 305 companies to receive the top score this year from HRC, the nation's leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil-rights organization.

According to HRC, the 305 top-rated businesses collectively employ more than nine million full-time employees. These workers are protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because of their employers' policies on diversity and inclusion, training and benefits. Federal law does not protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation, although many cities, counties and states have such protections. Similarly, employer-based health insurance benefits typically do not cover LGBT workers and their families.

"Northrop Grumman is honored to be recognized, once again, as a company that welcomes diversity and, indeed, thrives on it," said Sandra Evers-Manly, vice president of Corporate Responsibility for Northrop Grumman. "A diverse workforce is a strong workforce, and we are grateful for this recognition."

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its 2010 Corporate Equality Index report Sept. 14.

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.

  CONTACT:  Tom Henson
          Northrop Grumman Corporation 
          (310) 201-3458
          Thomas.henson@ngc.com