BETHPAGE, N.Y., Jan. 9, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the appointment of James Culmo as vice president of Airborne Early Warning/Battle Management Command and Control-Navy (AEW/BMC2-N) Programs. Culmo succeeds Thomas Vice who was named vice president of Integrated Systems Eastern Region in November 2007.

Culmo, of West Islip, was most recently the AEW/BMC2-N Integrated Product Team deputy, a position instrumental in the successful completion of the NC-130H Advanced Hawkeye Risk Reduction Fight Test program and the development and first flights of both E-2D Advanced Hawkeye development aircraft. His leadership has successfully supported the Integrated Product Team's strategic growth plan and high customer satisfaction levels.

He has also served as program director for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and the NC-130H Risk Reduction programs. He was instrumental in growing the company's AEW business, most recently with his leadership and oversight of the international E-2D Advanced Hawkeye pursuits and the successful win of the Rotor Craft Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control studies in the UK.

"Jim's a highly respected engineer and will be a great leader for this team," said Thomas Vice, vice president of Integrated Systems sector. "We look forward to seeing the AEW/BMC2-N team experience even greater success in 2008."

Culmo joined Northrop Grumman in 1999 with over 24 years experience in the aerospace business, nearly all of them working in the field of airborne early warning systems. Prior to joining the company, Culmo was chief engineer for Lockheed Martin Corporation's international AEW&C pursuits.

He began his career with GE Aerospace in 1981 as a radar systems engineer. Culmo progressed through a variety of technical and managerial leadership positions including special AEW projects engineering manager, tactical radar engineering manager, radar and microwave engineering projects manager, advanced radar projects manager and project manager for AEW radar programs.

Culmo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of Connecticut and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Syracuse University. He is a member of the IEEE-Long Island Chapter and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide. 

  CONTACT:  Dianne Baumert-Moyik
          Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems
          (516) 346-2142
          (516) 754-2645
          dianne.baumert-moyik@ngc.com