PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 16, 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector delivered to the U.S. Navy today one of the nation's newest and most advanced ships, the amphibious-assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) during a short ceremony held on the vessel's flight deck.

A photo and video accompanying this release are available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/

"We made a commitment to deliver this ship to the U.S. Navy in the second quarter of this year and through a determined effort by our shipbuilders, we successfully met this milestone," said Irwin F. Edenzon, sector vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast. "This delivery will provide sailors and Marines a critical tool in performing their sea power missions worldwide. LHD 8's diverse capabilities will make it a significant and important member of the fleet."

Makin Island (LHD 8) was delivered to the U.S. Navy after successfully completing acceptance sea trials. Acceptance trials are conducted to allow representatives of the U.S. Navy Board of Inspection and Survey to witness and evaluate operation of ship systems and ship performance.

Makin Island is the eighth USS Wasp (LHD 1)-class amphibious assault ship built by the company's shipbuilders in Pascagoula, Miss. It is 844 feet long, 106 feet wide and weighs 42,800 tons. Its 70,000 horsepower hybrid propulsion system will drive it to speeds in excess of 20 knots. Makin Island contains the first gas turbine/electric-powered propulsion system ever used on large deck amphibious assault ships. The gas turbine engines and electric drive, a change from previous steam-powered amphibious-assault ships, will provide significant life-cycle savings in manpower and maintenance costs over the previous ships.

As a multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, Makin Island is designed to transport and land a Marine Expeditionary Unit, a force of almost 2,000 Marines, ashore by helicopter, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicle. It will also have secondary missions of sea control and power projection by helicopter and fixed-wing vertical short take-off and landing aircraft; command and control; and mission support, including a hospital with six operating rooms. Makin Island is scheduled for commissioning at its San Diego homeport in October 2009.

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