Lockheed Martin Marine Systems of Baltimore, MD, Atlantic Marine of Jacksonville, FL, and Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. of Seattle, WA, today announced that the keel for the Navy's newest auxiliary oceanographic research vessel will be laid on February 9. The keel-laying ceremony will take place at Atlantic Marine's shipyard in Jacksonville and will begin at 12:30 p.m.

The vessel will be named R/V KILO MOANA and will be designated AGOR 26. The ship incorporates small-waterplane-area, twin-hull (SWATH) technology developed by Lockheed Martin. The ship is unique because it has two submerged lower hulls connected by thin struts to the superstructure. Compared to a conventional monohull or catamaran, SWATH design offers a much more comfortable ride, a substantial working deck area, and stable efficient operations in rough seas. The ship, weighing over 2500 tons, will be 182 feet long with an 88-foot beam.

The AGOR 26 is being built for the U.S. Navy and will be operated by the University of Hawaii for general-purpose oceanographic research. Lockheed Martin Marine Systems in Baltimore is the prime contractor. Atlantic Marine is the shipbuilder, and Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. is the naval architect.

The contract value is $45.3 million.

"The keel-laying rite marks a significant milestone because it initiates actual ship construction from certified drawings," said Dale Bennett, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Marine Systems. "AGOR 26 is the first ship to be acquired using the government's new streamlined acquisition process. The program combines Atlantic Marine's reputation for quality and on-time delivery using commercial shipyard practices with Lockheed Martin's innovative hull design, integration capability and experience in government contracting."

Lockheed Martin Marine Systems is part of Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems (NE&SS) which provides surface ship and submarine combat systems, antisubmarine warfare and ocean surveillance systems, missile launching systems, radar and sensor systems, ships systems integration services and other advanced systems and services to customers worldwide. Both Lockheed Martin Marine Systems and NE&SS are units of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The company's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.

Atlantic Marine, Inc. and its sister company, Atlantic Dry Dock Corp., have served both commercial and military customers for over 35 years. They have the capability to build vessels up to 4000 tons. Atlantic Marine has built well over 200 vessels, including numerous scientific research vessels, casino/dinner vessels, cruise ships and passenger ferries.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit the Web site:

                          www.lockheedmartin.com

  For information on Guido Perla Associates and Atlantic Marine, visit:
                               www.gpai.com

                          www.atlanticmarine.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems