First NGC-Built National Security Cutter Returns From Successful Builder's Trial

(Pascagoula, Miss., February 14, 2008) -- The Northrop Grumman-built (NYSE:NOC) National Security Cutter (NSC), Bertholf (WMSL 750), returned Monday after four days of builder's trials in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship's return to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Gulf Coast Operations here marks the latest milestone for the first NSC, which is nearing completion.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, a newly-formed sector of Northrop Grumman Corporation, is made up of the former Northrop Grumman Ship Systems and Newport News shipbuilding entities.

"Bertholf's builder's trials validated what we have believed for sometime," said Richard Schenk, vice president and general manager for U.S. Coast Guard programs for Northrop Grumman. "The team has designed and built a ship that has exceeded expectations with respect to performance and operability. We look forward to completing Bertholf and delivering a vital asset to the Coast Guard."

Bertholf is the first ship in the new class of highly capable, technologically advanced, multi-mission cutters. The NSC was built through the Deepwater Program under contract from Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture of Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

"When you combine this extremely capable cutter with our high performing crew, you have a recipe for legendary achievement," said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Kelly Hatfield, prospective executive officer of Bertholf. "We are building the legend one step at a time. The latest step was taken during builders trials with the successful first ever firing of the 57mm gun from a U.S. ship."

Source : Northrop Grumman Corporation

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