Michael Fortson, a Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. engineer, was honored recently with the Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award at the 2002 National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Awards in Orlando, Fla.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a business area of Lockheed Martin Corp. .

Fortson is a director of Joint Strike Fighter Affordability and Continuous Improvement at Lockheed Martin. He is a design engineer with executive responsibilities related to development of the next-generation strike aircraft.

The National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Awards recognize excellence among technical professionals; corporate, government and academic leaders; and university and pre college students. The Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award is the NSBE's most-prestigious award. It is based on a career of outstanding achievement in engineering or another technical field, and exceptional leadership.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-16, F-22, Joint Strike Fighter, F-117, C-5,C- 27J, C-130, P-3 and U-2.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp., headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. Employing about 125,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 2001 sales of $24 billion.

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

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company