U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Receives More Than $1 Million In Voyage Management Software From Northrop Grumman's Maritime Systems Business Unit

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Naval Academy Foundation has received more than $1 million in Voyage Management System (VMS) software donated by Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems, a business unit of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), a leading global defense company. The gift-in-kind will support the Naval Academy's professional development of midshipmen as future naval officers, specifically as submarine and surface warfare officers.

Northrop Grumman is donating the newest version of its VMS, which incorporates the Electronic Chart Display Information System-Navy (ECDIS-N) technology that has been selected by the Navigator of the Navy and is now the fleet standard. This version is currently installed, or under contract and scheduled for installation, on more than 200 U.S. Navy ships and submarines.

"We are honored by Northrop Grumman's generosity," said Byron Marchant, president and CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, and graduate of the class of 1978. "This gift will enable today's midshipmen to train with a state-of-the art electronic navigation system and thus better prepare them for service in the fleet."

"This donation is presented to allow the Naval Academy Professional Development Division to provide state-of-the-art navigation and electronic charting training," said Bill Hannon, vice president of Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems. "We are proud to continue our support to the mission of the United States Naval Academy, and I sincerely hope that this donation enhances the professional development of our Navy's future leaders."

Jeff Holloway, site director of Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems in Charlottesville, as well as a retired career naval officer, former Naval Academy instructor and graduate of the class of 1977, spearheaded the gift-in-kind donation. The donated VMS software will allow midshipmen to use digital charts and Global Positioning System (GPS) in an integrated, automatic plotting system. By using this software in the computer lab, midshipmen are able to acquire relevant training that they will use in the fleet, allowing them to begin their first assignments on ships or submarines already familiar with the system and proficient in its use. This integrated system also enhances an officer's bridge situational awareness while standing watch and improves safety at sea.

Since 1991, Northrop Grumman's philanthropy has supported a wide variety of the Academy's strategic initiatives, including cyber security studies; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach to middle- and high-school youth; the Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership; and the Midshipman Action Group, which enables midshipman participation in a variety of educational, environmental, and social service volunteer projects in the metro Annapolis-Baltimore-Washington area and across the nation. With this most recent gift, Northrop Grumman has given more than $12 million in support of the Naval Academy.

About Northrop Grumman:
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

About the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation:
Organized as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, the United States Naval Academy Foundation is structurally distinct from the United States Naval Academy and managed by an independent Board of Directors. The Foundation's mission is to provide the incentives and means for alumni, parents and friends to contribute private gifts that benefit the Academy and the Brigade of Midshipmen for which appropriated funds are not available. Visit www.usna.com for more information.

SOURCE United States Naval Academy Foundation