Monday, March 1, 2010

AS&E Affirms Commitment to Abu Dhabi and Demonstrates Unique X-ray Technology at ISNR Conference

AS&E will Exhibit Parcel and Cargo X-ray Technology Solutions
Defense News ~ ISNR, Abu Dhabi--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Science and Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASEI - News) (AS&E®), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today that they are displaying the Company’s comprehensive X-ray inspection technology at the ISNR (International Security & National Resilience) Conference at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Center, March 1 – 3, 2010. AS&E will demonstrate its Gemini™ multi-technology parcel inspection system with Z Backscatter™ and dual-energy transmission X-ray. Additionally, cargo X-ray inspection technology will be on display including the Z Portal® and OmniView™ Gantry systems and the recently introduced MobileSearch™ HEsystem and Sentry™ Portal screening system.

The Company will also debut a new top-down transmission option on the Z Portal® screening system that complements the system’s three Z Backscatter views for enhanced metallic detection in vehicles. Each of AS&E’s proprietary cargo inspection solutions are uniquely designed to meet operational requirements and provide superior detection, while optimizing high-throughput and safety to enhance security measures at border crossings, ports, high-risk, and critical infrastructure facilities.

“At a time when national security issues are of paramount importance, we congratulate Abu Dhabi for hosting this exhibition and conference,” said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E’s President and CEO. “AS&E has strong commitment to Abu Dhabi and the region. We are proud to work to work in Abu Dhabi, and we are honored to participate in the ISNR Conference.”

ISNR is the only exhibition and conference dedicated to homeland security in the Middle East, and features the latest solutions for security and defense issues from the public and private sector.

AS&E’s comprehensive family of X-ray inspection systems include:

MobileSearch™ HE: Mobile X-ray system combining high-energy, high penetration transmission X-rays and Z Backscatter X-ray which offers improved detection of threats and contraband a wide field of view with no tire cutoff unlike transmission X-rays — allowing for the effective scanning of passenger vehicles and tires.

Sentry™ Portal: New advanced, high-throughput, high-penetration, drive-through inspection system. The system is safe for drivers and operators and offers the unique combination of high-penetration capability with unsurpassed image quality.

OmniView™ Gantry: The only multi-view relocatable system available today that combines high-energy transmission inspection plus multiple Z Backscatter X-ray views. The system’s combination of technologies delivers the most reliable means of detecting contraband and threatening materials such as weapons and explosives hidden in cargo containers, tankers, and large vehicles.

Z Portal®: Cargo and vehicle screening system offers high-throughput, drive-through, multi-view screening for cars, vans, and their cargo with Z Backscatter imaging. The system is safe for drivers and passengers to remain in their vehicle during screening.

Z Gantry™: Cargo and vehicle screening system offers bi-directional, multi-view Z Backscatter scanning by moving on rails for screening cargo and vehicles. The Z Gantry is ideal for high-traffic locations with space constraints and is extremely safe for operators, cargo, and the environment.

Z Backscatter™ Van (ZBV): The most maneuverable, versatile mobile X-ray detection system on the market; a low cost highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van, offering rapid “drive-by” Z Backscatter screening.

Gemini™ multi-technology parcel X-ray inspection systems combine Z Backscatter technology for enhanced detection of organic materials, with dual-energy transmission for outstanding image quality for the most information available about the contents of a parcel. Gemini systems are available in multiple tunnel sizes.

About AS&E®

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. With over 50 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company’s product line utilizes a combination of technologies, including patented Z Backscatter™ technology, Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD), high energy transmission and dual energy transmission X-ray. These technologies offer superior X-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E’s complete range of products include cargo inspection systems for port and border security, baggage screening systems for facility and aviation security, and personnel and passenger screening systems. AS&E systems protect high-threat facilities and help combat terrorism and trade fraud, drug smuggling, weapon smuggling, and illegal immigration and people smuggling. AS&E customers include leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, airports and corporations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), UK Border Agency (UKBA), Hong Kong Customs, and Abu Dhabi Customs. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit www.as-e.com.

Contact:

Red Javelin Communications, Inc.
Dana Harris, 978-440-8392
dana@redjavelin.com

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PREVIEW-Arms and energy on agenda for Medvedev in Paris

* Moscow will discuss warship purchase - Kremlin official

* Energy, business cooperation to be stressed

* Iran sanctions not major focus, Kremlin official says

By Denis Dyomkin and Conor Sweeney

Defense News ~ MOSCOW, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Talks on buying a French-made helicopter carrier, energy tie-ups and Iran will be amongst the priorities when President Dmitry Medvedev travels to France for a three-day state visit on Monday, a Kremlin official said.

Medvedev will be hosted at the Elysee Palace by his French counterpart Nikolas Sarkozy, one of the most vocal Western advocates of tough sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme. Moscow has so far been less enthusiastic.

Sarkozy has sought to improve ties with Moscow and Washington while retaining his country's strong influence in the European Union. The French president brokered a ceasefire deal that ended Georgia's five-day 2008 war with Russia, which erupted months after Medvedev was sworn in as President.

The two presidents will discuss Russia's interest in buying a 21,300-tonne amphibious assault ship from France -- a sale which has alarmed Washington and NATO's East European allies.

A senior Kremlin official said no final agreement on a purchase of a Mistral-class warship - the first big arms sale by a NATO country to Russia - should be expected during the trip.

"Military-technical cooperation will be discussed, including the possible supply of a Mistral amphibious assault ship. But no document will (be signed) - we did not set such a goal," the official said, talking on condition of anonymity.

REGIONAL ALARM

The Mistral is marketed by French naval firm DCNS and estimated to cost 300-500 million euros ($404.3 mln to $673.8 mln). It can carry helicopters, troops, armoured vehicles and tanks and Georgia fears Moscow could deploy such a vessel against it in a future conflict.

The head of Russia's navy, Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, said in September that with a Mistral, Russia could have reached its military goal against Georgia in 40 minutes instead of 26 hours.

Military experts say much depends on how much advanced technology France might include in the ship and the Kremlin official identified this as one of the key points of discussion.

"We'd like to buy this kind of (helicopter carrier) and maybe continue cooperating with the French on technology," the Kremlin official said. Russia would also like to build another three Mistrals itself under licence, he added.

The Baltic states, which split from the Soviet Union in 1991 and joined the NATO military alliance, are also worried about the Mistral sale and U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates has raised the issue with his French counterpart Herve Morin.

Lithuania last week said it was assured by Paris that any warships sold would be stripped of military technology but without the technology the ship may not interest the Russians.

IRAN TALKS

On Iran, the Kremlin official said he did not expect the two presidents to "delve into the details" of any sanctions package but would discuss cooperation at the U.N. Security Council.

Russia, which does significant trade with Iran, said last week it would not accept "crippling" sanctions against Tehran but has not said what form it might support.

Warmer relations between Paris and Moscow under Sarkozy have helped business between the two nations. Further agreements on energy cooperation under which Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom will increase its exports to France will be inked during the visit, the Kremlin official added.

Medvedev signalled in an interview with French weekly magazine Paris Match that he would also revisit his plan for a new, binding security treaty for Europe to supplant NATO.

The proposal, which he first aired in Germany in 2008, has generated little interest from European states, some of whom say it is a rehash of Soviet-era attempts to draw Europe from the United States and give Moscow veto power in its security. (Writing by Conor Sweeney; editing by Michael Stott and Philippa Fletcher)


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Steve Hanvey Appointed President of "Ranger TechWorks" for Engineering Services

Defense News ~ GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ranger International Services Group, a private equity consolidator specializing in government services, has appointed Steve Hanvey as President of Ranger TechWorks, a new Engineering Services business unit. Ranger TechWorks will provide comprehensive technical and engineering services and adjunct engineering staffing solutions to branches of the DOD, other Government agencies, OEMs, Prime Contractors, and modification & engineering centers. A full range of engineering disciplines will be made available at customers’ sites, tailored to each customer’s needs and electronically linked with the headquarters in Greenville, SC. Ranger TechWorks, offering quality leadership in engineering services, will operate as a separate wholly-owned business unit of Ranger International. It will be a sister company to Ranger’s other operating subsidiaries, US Logistics and CAV International.

Steve Hanvey is a well known senior executive in both DOD and Commercial aerospace design and sustaining engineering, testing & certification. He has prior fixed wing and rotary wing experiences that created new engineering solutions and substantial scale at Raytheon Aircraft/Beech, McDonnell Douglas, andPiaggio USA. Hanvey, a graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, is an accomplished engineering leader, program manager, entrepreneur, and test pilot. Hanvey said: “Ranger TechWorks will help our customers get engineering projects done faster at a lower overall cost. Working in tandem with US Logisticsand CAV International, I look forward to serving our customers with higher levels of technical capability and engineering capacity.”

Ranger TechWorks will support customers with creatively tailored and cost effective engineering for new projects, carve outs for product development, subassembly design, modification engineering, sustaining engineering support, certifications and STCs (supplemental type certificates), or simple staff augmentation to smooth out manning requirements when rapid growth is being planned or reductions have become necessary. Inquiries for support are already being taken by Hanvey at the Greenville SC engineering office.

Hanvey can be contacted directly at: Office 864-329-9000 ext. 1011, Cellular 864-616-5280, Emailshanvey@rangertechworks.com.

Steve Townes, CEO of Ranger International and founder of Ranger Aerospace, said: “Ranger TechWorks will give our Prime Contractor and DOD customers a cost-advantaged approach toward getting engineering jobs done faster without investing in excess core staff. We are very fortunate to have an engineering leader as accomplished as Steve Hanvey to lead the charge.”

Ranger is a privately held investment and management holding company that partners with larger private equity institutions to acquire and grow companies in aviation services and aerospace/defense support operations. Ranger and its co-investors add value to acquired companies via seasoned veterans experienced in an array of aerospace/defense operations, business services, and private equity. The head office is in Greenville S.C. For more information, please visit www.rangertechworks.com, www.rangerinternational.com,www.cavint.com, www.us-L.com, and www.rangeraerospace.com.

Forward Looking Statements: The Company from time to time may discuss forward-looking information. Except for factual historical information, all forward looking statements are estimates by the Company’s management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company’s control and may cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations.

Contact:

Ranger International Services Group, Inc.
Steve Townes, CEO of Ranger, 864-329-9000, ext. 1002
stownes@rangerinternational.com
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EchoStar to Acquire Mexican Satellite Operator Satmex

Defense News ~ ENGLEWOOD, CO and MEXICO CITY--(Marketwire - 02/26/10) - EchoStar Satellite Services, L.L.C., a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ:SATS - News), and Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. (Satmex) announced today an agreement pursuant to which EchoStar will acquire an ownership interest in Satmex. Satmex is Mexico's leading satellite operator and delivers video, audio and data services to the Americas. MVS Comunicaciones, one of the largest media and telecommunications companies in Mexico and EchoStar's partner in the fast growing Mexican direct-to-home TV service Dish Mexico, will also participate in the ownership of Satmex through a joint venture with EchoStar. Together, EchoStar and MVS Comunicaciones will acquire all of the outstanding stock of Satmex.

Satmex will be acquired for approximately $267 million in cash, plus up to $107 million in cash on Satmex's balance sheet at closing, resulting in total cash of up to $374 million available for distribution to Satmex's stakeholders. The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter 2010.

Established in the mid 1980s as part of a government operation before becoming a commercial organization, Satmex owns and operates three satellites and two satellite uplink facilities, and has approximately 200 employees, which are all included as part of the transaction.

"We are pleased to make this announcement with EchoStar, a major provider of satellite services in the United States with a significant and growing presence in Mexico," said Satmex CEO Patricio Northland. "Our companies have common goals in delivering satellite communications services across the Americas, and EchoStar has the dedication and expertise for continued growth."

"The Satmex acquisition provides us with a footprint over Mexico and South America and presents us the opportunity to serve a growing global demand for satellite services," said Dean Olmstead, president of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. "We look forward to leveraging our satellite operations and uplink expertise in North America to expand our fixed satellite services throughout the Americas, including the delivery of satellite Internet to rural communities."

In connection with the sale, Satmex intends to offer to purchase all of its outstanding Senior Secured Notes for cash upon the closing of the sale of the Satmex shares. The offer to purchase the Senior Secured Notes and the sale of the shares are subject to the receipt of certain consents from the holders of the Senior Secured Notes, including consents to modify or eliminate most of the covenants in the indentures under which the Senior Secured Notes have been issued, and various corporate approvals. The consummation of the sale of the Satmex shares is conditioned upon successful completion of the offer to purchase the Senior Secured Notes.

The transaction is also contingent upon other closing conditions, including actions with respect to the construction of a replacement satellite for Satmex 5, verification of the operational capabilities of Satmex's in-orbit satellites, approvals under applicable U.S. export laws, and completion of regulatory review and receipt of regulatory approvals.

There can be no assurance that the transaction will receive the requisite corporate approvals or approvals from the Satmex bondholders, some of which have indicated that they are opposed to the transaction. EchoStar may terminate the agreement under certain circumstances, including the failure to obtain the requisite approval by the Satmex bondholders.

EchoStar's financial advisors are Deutsche Bank Securities and Peter J. Solomon Company. The financial advisor for Satmex is Perella Weinberg Partners LP.

Additional Information

The tender offers described in this press release have not yet commenced, and this press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, any securities. Satmex has not yet commenced any tender offer. Any tender offer will be made only pursuant to an offer to purchase and related materials distributed by Satmex to holders of securities. Security holders are strongly encouraged to read carefully the offers to purchase, the letters of transmittal and any other related materials because they will contain important information.

About Satmex
Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. de C.V. is the leading satellite service provider in Latin America. The Satmex fleet offers hemispheric and regional coverage throughout the Americas. Satmex owns and operates three satellites for full-time and occasional services in both C- and Ku-Bands: Solidaridad 2, Satmex 5 and Satmex 6. Thousands of users on the American continent, regardless of region or culture, benefit from Satmex services in applications such as broadband, voice and data transmission, and video broadcasting, among others. With over 30 years of experience and landing rights in 46 countries and territories, Satmex offers creative business technology solutions to improve the profitability of its customers. Satmex's priority is empowering its customers' businesses by providing a service of excellence for every need, all the time, anywhere in the Americas. Visit www.satmex.com.

About MVS Comunicaciones
After 30 years of experience, MVS Comunicaciones, based in Mexico City, is a significant player in radio, television, broadband and publishing, and is recognized for providing innovative services. MVS Multivision service was launched in 1989 as the first television system with MMDS technology (microwave transmission) that became one of the fastest growing systems in the world, offering exclusive programming and the latest technologies. Since 2002, MVS Multivision has offered MASTV, a television system accessible in Mexico, with 15 channels offered at competitive prices. Visit www.mvs.com.

About EchoStar Satellite Services
EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ:SATS -News) and provides a reliable network for aggregation and distribution of video, audio and data domestically and internationally, including a joint venture to deliver Dish Mexico direct-to-home satellite TV services. EchoStar also offers IPTV solutions through its ViP-TV platform. EchoStar represents a significant source of Ku-band and Ka-band satellite capacity and spacecraft operation services with nine satellites, ground-based teleport facilities, and an expansive terrestrial backhaul network along with 24-hour Satellite Access Centers. Visit www.echostar.com.

Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "will," "plan," "anticipate," and "intend," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed acquisition of Satmex, including EchoStar's plans for Satmex and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of EchoStar's and Satmex's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

The proposed transaction may not be able to be consummated on the terms on which the parties have agreed, or at all, due to a number of factors, including, the inability to repurchase or redeem the Notes and obtain consent to amend the indentures, the failure to obtain the requisite government approvals or the failure to satisfy any of the other conditions to consummation of the transaction. Other risks are identified in EchoStar's Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements included in its recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Satmex's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008, and subsequent Periodic Reports on Form 6-K. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and both EchoStar and Satmex expressly disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact:


 
Press Contacts:
EchoStar: 
Marc Lumpkin
303-706-5236
Email Contact
Satmex: 
Email Contact
MVS: 
Felipe Chao
011 (5255) 5283-4324
Email Contact 
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Radiant Energy Corporation Announces 2009 Year End Results

Defense News ~ TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - 02/26/10) - Radiant Energy Corporation (TSX-V:RDT - News) ("Radiant" or the "Company") (amounts in U.S. dollars), the developer and marketer of radiant aircraft de-icing systems, announced its results for the year ended October 31, 2009, which are also available on SEDAR.

The Company reported a loss of $2,048,453, or $0.01 per share for the year ended October 31, 2009 compared with a loss of $3,831,130, or $0.02 per share for the year ended October 31, 2008. The loss reported for 2009 from the Company's continuing operations was $1,838,622 compared with a loss for the 2008 year of $3,534,365. Revenues of $431,948 for the year ended October 31, 2009 were sixty percent higher than in 2008. Operating expenses decreased substantially during 2009 as a result of a reduction of accruals related to the dismantling of a de-icing facility expensed in the prior year, lower amounts recorded on the granting of stock options, lower professional fees and other cost reductions. The results of the Company's Norwegian operation are reported as a discontinued operation in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Losses from the discontinued operation of $209,831 resulted from foreign exchange translation.

For the three months ended October 31, 2009, the Company reported a loss of $431,876 compared with income $759,169 for the three-month period ended October 31, 2008. The loss from continuing operations of $344,726 for the three-month period in 2009 was $513,533 lower than the loss of $858,259 in 2008, as a result of lower operating costs, the positive impact of a foreign exchange translation gain and a decrease in losses from debt settlements. A loss of $87,150 for the discontinued operation for the three month period ended October 31, 2009 resulted from foreign exchange translation. This compared with a large gain in the prior year period of $1,617,428 resulting from debt settlement gains, gains related to the disposal of the de-icing facility and foreign exchange translation gains.

About Radiant Energy Corporation

Radiant is the developer and marketer of Radiant Deicing Systems. The Company's product is the only non-glycol based alternative approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration for the pre-flight ground deicing of aircraft. Aircraft deicing with Radiant's technology offers savings to airports and airlines over the use of conventional glycol-based deicing systems, reducing aircraft treatment costs and significantly reducing the negative impact of glycol on the environment.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements", including statements regarding the business and anticipated financial performance of Radiant Energy Corporation, which involve risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements, regarding financial and business prospects and financial outlook) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, changes in general economic and market conditions, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Contact:


 
Contacts:
Radiant Energy Corporation
David Williams
President and Chairman
416.922.8778
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Cox Communications Makes Surprise Donation of $5,000 to Support Local Veterans

Defense News ~ SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last night, during a special screening of HBO’s newThe Pacific aboard the USS Midway, Cox Communications made a surprise donation of $5,000 to the Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of elderly disabled veterans. Sam Attisha, Vice President of External Affairs for Cox Communications, presented the $5,000 donation to the foundation.

The foundation is currently seeking funding to build a rehabilitation garden at its Chula Vista, Calif. facility, where residents include World War II veterans who fought in the Pacific.

“I hope that by stepping up and being the first company to make a donation to the Veterans Home, Cox Communications will inspire others to step forward and make their own contributions,” said Attisha. “It’s important that we as a community help care for those who risked their lives for us.”

The screening of The Pacific, which premieres on HBO on March 14, was attended by hundreds of retired and active duty military, including Pearl Harbor survivors.

For more information on making a donation to the Chula Vista Veterans Home Foundation, please contact them at 619-482-1397 or via mail at 700 East Naples Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91911. For details on the March 14th premiere of The Pacific on HBO, visit www.hbo.com.

About Cox Communications San Diego: Award-winning Cox Communications is a full-service telecommunications provider of voice, video and data services. Operating in San Diego County since 1961, Cox offers the latest in digital and high definition cable television, high speed Internet, local and long distance telephone service, digital video recorder service and On Demand programming. Commercial voice and data services are offered via Cox Business; advertising and promotional opportunities are available through Cox Media; and Cox Communications San Diego owns and operates Channel 4 San Diego, television home of the San Diego Padres and award-winning local programming. For more information, visit www.cox.com andwww.4sd.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6196224〈=en

MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6196224

Contact:

Cox Communications
Ceanne Guerra, 619-266-5542
ceanne.guerra@cox.com
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General Dynamics wins over $900 mln in Navy deals

Defense News ~WASHINGTON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - General Dynamics Corp (GD.N) has won a $824.6 million contract modification for continued work on two T-AKE dry cargo ships, and a separate contract for $114 million for long-lead time procurement for another DDG-51 destroyer, the U.S. Defense Department said on Friday.

The Navy awarded National Steel and Shipbuilding Co (NASSCO), a General Dynamics unit, a contract for work on T-AKE 13 to be completed by December 2013, and T-AKE 14, to be completed by November 2014.

The Navy also awarded General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works shipyard $114 million to buy materials needed for construction of DDG 115 under the DDG-51 destroyer program. That work is due to be completed by December 2012, the Pentagon said in its daily digest of major weapons contracts. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa)
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General Dynamics NASSCO Launches USNS Charles Drew

Defense News ~SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News), today launched the U.S. Navy's newest supply ship, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), during a christening ceremony at the shipyard. The ship is named in honor of Dr.Charles R. Drew, the African American surgeon and hematologist who pioneered the procedures for the safe storage and transfusion of blood.

Vice Adm. Regina Benjamin, the Surgeon General of the United States, was the ceremony's principal speaker. Mrs. Bebe Drew Price, the eldest daughter of Dr. Drew and the ship's sponsor, christened the ship by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow before the 689-foot-long ship slid into San Diego Bay. More than 1,300 people attended the ceremony.

In 1938, while on a fellowship at Columbia University's medical school in New York, Dr. Drew (1904-1950) worked on a blood chemistry and transfusion research team that sought methods to preserve blood over long periods of time. Red cells, one of the four elements of blood, begin to break down after 24 hours and cause stored blood to be unsafe for use after one week. Dr. Drew achieved success using the plasma element of blood which, since it does not contain red cells, could be safely stored for months and given to anyone regardless of their blood type. In 1941, Dr. Drew set up the first blood bank for the American Red Cross inNew York City. The program became a model for blood banks nationwide, which became increasingly necessary after the United States entered World War II several months later.

USNS Charles Drew is the tenth ship of the Lewis and Clark (T-AKE) class of dry cargo-ammunition ships for the Navy, and the first U.S. Navy ship to be named after Dr. Drew. NASSCO began constructing the ship inOctober 2008 and is scheduled to deliver it to the Navy's Military Sealift Command in the third quarter of 2010. When the Charles Drew joins the fleet, its primary mission will be to deliver nearly 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships on the move at sea.

General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,300 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. NASSCO has delivered nine T-AKE ships to the Navy and is under contract to build five additional T-AKE ships, including the Charles Drew, for a total class of 14 vessels. The shipyard is also building commercial product carriers for American Petroleum Tankers, a shipbuilding joint venture led by the Blackstone Financial Group. Additional information on NASSCO can be found atwww.nassco.com .

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,700 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com .

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