| NORTHROP
GRUMMAN SUCCESSFULLY REDELIVERS USS ENTERPRISE
(CVN 65)
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Photo Credit:
US Navy
Northrop Grumman Newport
News successfully redelivered the world's first
nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise
(CVN 65), to the U.S. Navy on May 7 after an Extended
Drydock Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA).
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NEWPORT NEWS,
Va., May 12, 2003 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:
NOC) announced today that its Newport News sector has successfully
redelivered the world's first nuclear powered aircraft carrier,
USS Enterprise (CVN 65), to the U.S. Navy after an
Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA).
The redelivery took place on May 7 after successful sea
trials.
"This accomplishment
is the result of a lot of hard work by the shipbuilders
of Northrop Grumman Newport News and by the Navy,"
said Bob Gunter, senior vice president, Aircraft Carrier
Programs, Northrop Grumman Newport News. "We've pulled
together as a team to get this ship back into the fleet
where it will continue to protect and serve our nation."
Work during the
EDSRA included routine dry dock work, tank blasting and
coating, hull preservation, propulsion and ship system repairs
and limited enhancements to various hull, mechanical and
electrical systems.
The work took
place at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. Northrop
Grumman Newport News coordinated this availability with
Norfolk Naval Shipyard which was responsible for a portion
of the work performed.
"Everyone serving aboard Enterprise is thrilled
to be back at sea," said Capt. Eric Neidlinger, Enterprise's
commanding officer. "Sixteen months of long, hard work
by the dedicated professionals of Northrop Grumman Newport
News, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and ship's force personnel
find Enterprise in her best condition in decades.
Thanks to all those who put in the long hours during this
shipyard period, Enterprise heads to sea ready
to take its place at the vanguard of America's defense."
Enterprise
was launched at Northrop Grumman Newport News in 1960 and
has been defending the United States for more than 41 years.
The ship and its battle group were most recently deployed
in the Middle East as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Enterprise is 1,101 feet with a flight deck width
of 252 feet and a displacement of 89,600 tons. It can travel
in excess of 30 knots.
Northrop Grumman
Newport News, headquartered in Newport News, Va., is the
nation's sole designer, builder and refueler of nuclear-powered
aircraft carriers and one of only two companies capable
of designing and building nuclear powered submarines. Newport
News also provides after-market services for a wide array
of naval and commercial vessels, and has the capability
to design, build and maintain every class of ship in the
U.S. Navy's fleet. The Newport News sector employs about
18,000 people.

Contact:
Jennifer Dunn
(757) 380-3558
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