higher resolution image Northrop Grumman Corporation was awarded a planning contract for continued preparations for the overhaul and refueling of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). (Photo by U.S.Navy).

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Dec. 13, 2004 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a planning contract valued at approximately $215.3 million for continued preparations for the overhaul and refueling of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

The ship is scheduled for arrival at the company's Newport News sector in November 2005. This will be the vessel's only refueling during a service life expected to span approximately 50 years.

This contract is a modification to the original contract awarded in May 2001 and brings the total contract value to date to approximately $544 million. Northrop Grumman Newport News is the prime contractor for this program.

Work to be performed under the contract includes advance planning, design, documentation, engineering, material procurement, shipboard inspections, fabrication, and preliminary shipyard support facility work.

Named for former U.S. Rep. Carl Vinson, the carrier Vinson was built at Northrop Grumman Newport News and christened in 1980. The congressman attended the christening ceremony at age 96 and became the first living American to have a Navy ship named in his honor. The ship was commissioned by the Navy in 1982.

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.