PASCAGOULA, Miss., June 22, 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector-Gulf Coast and its Veterans Employees Resource Team (VERT) welcomed more than 100 U.S. Army troops and family members from a motorcycle group of active duty and reservists headquartered in Camp Shelby, Miss. The troops took a windshield tour of the Pascagoula shipyard and a tour of the amphibious transport dock ship San Diego (LPD 22). This visit was planned to highlight efforts of the troops to teach motorcycle safety.
"This was an opportunity for Northrop Grumman to honor the military and show off our shipyard and the ships we build," said Tim Farrell, LPD 17 vice president and executive sponsor of the VERT program, who also rode with the group from Camp Shelby. "It was also a way for us to support their ridership and bring focus to their safety/mentorship program."
This ride, made of troops known as the 3rd Battalion – 346th Regiment "Warriors," was part of the Army's annual effort designed to promote motorcycle safety. Most of the riders are veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and many are now training troops about to go overseas.
"We have trained about 30,000 soldiers at Camp Shelby, including sailors and airmen," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Anthony Scotto, Commander, 3rd Battalion, 346th Regiment. "It was very gracious of the shipyard to host us and expose our soldiers to the great ships being built here. It was a great opportunity for us to learn more about Northrop Grumman and all the company does in defense of our nation."
Camp Shelby has the largest population of motorcycle riders of any Army base in the U.S. and this once-a-year ride promotes rider safety and mentorship. The group traveled to the USS Alabama last year in Mobile, Ala.
"I thought it was great of the shipyard to allow us to visit and tour a Navy ship and see firsthand how they are built," said U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Mike Smith, of Richland, Miss. "I really learned a lot about the modular construction techniques that went into this ship. I am a welder and a mechanic and was really impressed with the craftsmanship on LPD 22. I couldn't help but notice all the welding that went into this ship and the different crafts that were involved in building it. I could tell the shipbuilders are highly skilled craftsmen and they all did a great job."
VERT teams have been established throughout Northrop Grumman and are designed to provide career leadership and development opportunities for veterans of all services.
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 (228) 935-3972 william.glenn@ngc.com