Click on photo for high resolution image Jim Thornton, director of Environmental, Health and Safety at Northrop Grumman Newport News.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 30, 2003 – Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) Newport News sector announced today that Jim Thornton, director of Environmental, Health and Safety, has received the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented to Thornton at the association's annual conference and exposition in Dallas, Texas.

Thornton is being recognized for his distinguished service in the improvement of industrial hygiene and for his contributions to the goals of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. He has been an active member of the association since 1978 and he served as president from 1999-2000.

An employee of Northrop Grumman Newport News since 1976, Thornton began his career with the shipyard as a manager in the Environmental, Health and Safety department. In 1992 he was promoted to his current position, where his responsibilities include the company's Environmental, Industrial Hygiene and Safety programs, the Medical Department, and Workers’ Compensation.

Under Thornton's leadership, Newport News achieved “STAR” status in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program. OSHA awards the STAR only to those companies with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs that are in the forefront of employee protection and demonstrate continuous improvement.

Thornton earned a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University in 1969 and a master's degree in Industrial Hygiene from Texas A&M University in 1973. He currently resides in Hampton, Va.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association is one of the largest international nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1939, the association carries more than 75 local sections, and 12,000 members nationwide, serving the needs of occupational and environmental health professionals practicing industrial hygiene in industry, labor, and independent businesses.

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. The Newport News sector employs about 18,000 people.