U.S. Coast Guard veteran Roger T. Rufe Jr. has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Integrated Coast Guard Systems joint venture team of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Ingalls Operations.

Integrated Coast Guard Systems was created to provide the Coast Guard with a strong, innovative, and cost-effective team meeting the needs of the Integrated Deepwater System program. This team has worked with the U.S. Coast Guard since 1997 to formulate an approach to implement state-of-the-art ships, aircraft, command and control and logistics systems supporting Coast Guard Deepwater missions.

Mr. Rufe brings to the team 34 years of expertise with the U.S. Coast Guard. As U.S. Coast Guard Flag officer, Mr. Rufe served in command positions at Atlantic Area, Portsmouth, Virginia, from 1997 to 1999; Pacific Area, Alameda, California, from 1996 to 1997; 7th Coast Guard District, Miami, Florida, from 1995 to 1996; and the 17th Coast Guard District, Juneau, Alaska, from 1992 to 1995.

His appointment will provide insight and skill to the joint venture's goal of developing advanced solutions for the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater Program. The joint venture advocates the recapitalization of the U.S. Coast Guard's fleet in an economic and innovative manner. The plan includes infusion of modern sensors, communications systems, and logistic support systems combined with off-the-shelf technology to guarantee a cost-effective program.

Today, Mr. Rufe is directing an aggressive effort to clean oceans and protect marine ecosystems as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ocean Conservancy. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Mr. Rufe earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Masters degree in Public Administration from New York University. He also is a graduate of the Naval War College and the National War College.

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems (NE&SS)-Surface Systems, of Moorestown New Jersey, and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Ingalls Operations, created the Integrated Coast Guard Systems joint venture partnership on June 13, 2001. The companies have more than 30 years experience of teaming together.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ .

For information on Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems, visit: http://ness.external.lmco.com/ .

For additional information on NE&SS-Surface Systems, visit: http://ness.external.lmco.com/nessm .

For information on Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, visit: http://www.northropgrummanshipsystems.com/ .

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Corporation