photo by Chris Oxley - higher resolution image Northrop Grumman Newport News and the United Steelworkers of America joined together to build a Habitat for Humanity house, which is being called the "Labor Management House 2." It was constructed by volunteer shipbuilders from Northrop Grumman Newport News. photo by Chris Oxley - higher resolution image From left: Shipyard employees Wayne Walker, Tim Smith, Dan Scott and Deborah Martin presented Habitat homeowner Pearl Whitsett (far right) with a plaque during the Habitat for Humanity ceremony.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Mar. 18, 2004 -- Northrop Grumman Newport News and the United Steelworkers of America (Local 8888) held a dedication ceremony on March 17 to celebrate the completion of the house they built for the Peninsula Habitat for Humanity. This is the second Habitat house the shipyard and the union have joined together to build, which is being called the "Labor Management House 2." It was constructed by volunteer shipbuilders from Northrop Grumman Newport News.

“This house stands as a monument to the men and women of Northrop Grumman Newport News,” said Danny Hunley, Northrop Grumman Newport News director of Trades, Education and Training. “We not only build great ships, we build great communities.” Hunley also announced the shipyard will sponsor the construction of a third Habitat house.

Representatives from Northrop Grumman Newport News, the Steelworkers Union, Habitat for Humanity, the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the Peninsula Community Development participated in the ceremony.

The new homeowner, Pearl Whitsett, also attended and expressed gratitude to everyone who volunteered on the project. “Thanks to the shipyard people who built my dream home,” she said. “I really appreciate it.”

Habitat for Humanity builds simple and affordable houses in partnership with those in need of adequate shelter. Northrop Grumman Newport News provided financial support for this project and coordinated the resources. The building lot, located on 15th Street in Newport News, was donated by the Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

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 19,000 people.