NEW ORLEANS, LA., 07-FEB-00 -- Michoud Operations, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company named Randall A. Tassin vice president, Program Management & Technical Operations. In his new role, Tassin will supervise Engineering & Technical Laboratories, Management Information Systems, Program Development, Composite Development and Program Management for programs other than the External Tank program.

Previously, Tassin served as vice president, Reusable Launch Systems. He has been with the company 26 years.

Michoud Operations also named Ronald W. Wetmore as vice president, External Tank Project. Wetmore will be responsible for all activities relating to the design, assembly and test for the Space Shuttle External Tank.

Wetmore previously served as Kennedy Space Center director of operations for Lockheed Martin. He has been with the company 19 years.

Other management positions named by Michoud Operations include:

Brad P. Cartwright, director, Contracts & Estimating. Cartwright, who has 23 years of experience with Lockheed Martin, will oversee all phases of contract management, estimating and related fields.

Wanda A. Sigur, director, Engineering & Technical Laboratories. A mechanical and materials engineer, Sigur has served in a series of increasingly responsible engineering positions since joining Lockheed Martin in 1979.

M. Robert Simms, director, Program Management. Simms will have oversight for programs other than the External Tank, including the X-33, X-34, Crew Return Vehicle and Kistler Reusable Launch Vehicle. His experience includes 38 years with British Aerospace and Lockheed Martin.

Michoud Operations, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, designs and assembles large aluminum and composite structures for aerospace and other applications, including the Space Shuttle External Tank and the X-33/VentureStar™ technology demonstration vehicle.

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 Corporation employs 140,000 people with core businesses in systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services. Lockheed Martin had 1998 sales surpassing $26 billion.