PASCAGOULA, Miss., Oct. 20, 2010 -- The U.S. Navy awarded a $62 million cost plus fixed-fee advance procurement contract modification to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) that will provide long lead materials for LPD 27, the11th amphibious transport dock ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class.

The funds will be used to purchase long lead time materials and major equipment in support of the new ship, such as main engines and diesel generators and other equipment including electrical switchboards, deck equipment and fire extinguishing systems.

The work will be performed at the company's Gulf Coast facilities.

"Northrop Grumman Shipbuilders remain committed to this very important shipbuilding platform for the U.S. Navy," said Tim Farrell, vice president and program manager of the LPD program for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding–Gulf Coast. "This procurement contract enables us to focus on effective and efficient supply chain management and move forward with the advanced purchase materials and equipment that will help us meet our schedule commitments with our Navy customer."

The 11 ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy's ability to project power ashore. Collectively, these ships functionally replace over 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113, and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships) providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate with 21st Century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long, 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ship can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and EFVs, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22. These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st Century.

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. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information. 

  CONTACT:  Bill Glenn
          Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
          (228) 935-3972
          William.Glenn@ngc.com