NEWPORT NEWS, VA., March 4, 1998 – Newport News Shipbuilding (NYSE: NNS) announced that William E. Brown, a 34-year employee of the company, has received its 1997 Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Volunteer Community Service for his work with Special Olympics.

NNS Chairman and CEO Bill Fricks presented the award in a private ceremony February 26 at the shipyard attended by approximately 100 persons, including 38 nominees. Brown was recognized as winner in the "Health and Human Services" category, as well as being the overall winner.

"People speak so highly of the community volunteers who work at Newport News Shipbuilding, and that reflects on the character of our work force," Fricks said at the ceremony. "I can’t think of a more precious thing to give someone than time, and you have been so generous with yours."

A Senior Cost Estimator at the company, Brown has been involved with helping youth since the early 1970s when he reorganized youth baseball at Anderson Park in Newport News. Since then, he has coached Little League baseball, Hampton youth football and served on the board of directors for the Boo William’s Summer Basketball League.

A resident of Hampton, Brown was particularly recognized for his work with the Virginia Special Olympics. He served as the Training and Program Director for the Peninsula Area Special Olympics for four years. Honored by the Virginia Special Olympics as the Top Volunteer of the Year in 1988, he also served as the Head Delegate for the Virginia Special Olympics World Games Team in 1991. In this role, he was responsible for selecting 65 athletes and 24 coaches to represent Virginia at the World Games. For the past four years he has served as the Basketball Tournament Director for the Virginia Special Olympics Chapter Event.

Brown received a "Certificate of Recognition" and checks totaling $750 that will be donated to the non-profit organization of his choice.

There were three other awards presented at the event. In the category of "Education," Don Coles, an employee in the Data Processing and Control Department, was recognized for his volunteer work with teenagers in foster care.

The "Board Service" award winner was Cheryl Lauria, who works in the company’s Medical Clinic. Lauria was recognized for her work with Peninsula Catholic High School.

Glen Keith Mantell, of NNS New Product Engineering, Piping, was presented with the award in the "Civic and Community Services" category for his volunteer work with the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Coles, Lauria and Mantell each received a "Certificate of Recognition" and each was presented with a $250 check that will be donated to any non-profit organization they designate.

Newport News Shipbuilding is America’s premier shipbuilding company with annual revenues of approximately $1.8 billion and 18,000 employees. The company is the leader in the design and construction of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U. S. Navy and produces a variety of ships for domestic and international customers.