MANASSAS, VA, July 15th, 2002 -- Francis M. DeBritz, President of Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems-Undersea Systems, will retire after more than 40 years of work in sonar and combat systems engineering and management. Until his retirement becomes effective early next year, DeBritz will assist Robert B. Coutts, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, with development of a comprehensive homeland security operations concept integrating the various Systems Integration business area plans and strategies related to homeland security. John W. O'Neill, who currently serves as DeBritz's deputy and Vice President of Warfare Systems, has been named to succeed DeBritz. O'Neill will assume his new responsibilities as President of Undersea Systems on August 5.

"Frank DeBritz is an outstanding systems engineer whose contributions to undersea systems engineering have been vital to both our nation and our Navy," said Joe Antinucci, President of Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics and Surveillance Systems. "He has been instrumental in positioning Lockheed Martin's Undersea Systems line of business on firm footing for the future since becoming president in 2000. The entire organization has greatly benefited from Frank's sound business sense and talent for getting things done."

Bob Coutts added: "Frank DeBritz is recognized internationally for his leadership in Undersea Systems engineering, and I can think of no one better to further our Homeland Security plans in defense of America."

DeBritz has served the company in a wide range of program and functional positions, assuming leadership roles early in his career such as Sonar Systems Manager; Manager of Engineering, Undersea Systems; Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Program Manager; Advanced Programs; and Manager of Anti-Submarine Warfare Integration Programs. His early work in sonar and signal processing directly contributed to the concepts and implementation of undersea surveillance systems. DeBritz's vision and commitment as a manager kept his team focused on the key elements of undersea warfare. Under his leadership, there were continuous advances and successes in sensor and system developments. Over time, he built an engineering team that grew to become one of the Navy's major ASW sensor and system suppliers. For example, his team lead developments in transducers; passive and active sonar technology as applied to large-scale systems requirements; and analysis techniques in ocean acoustics. These systems are at sea today in the hull and towed array systems on every Navy submarine and anti-submarine warfare capable ship.

In 1988, having earlier served as Program General Manager for Surveillance and Submarine Programs, DeBritz was named General Manager of the Oceans Systems Division's Submarine Combat Systems Department following a then-General Electric win of the AN/BSY-2 combat system for the Navy's Seawolf-class fast attack submarine. As General Manager, DeBritz led engineering and systems integration efforts for undersea warfare combat systems, such as the AN/BSY-2 Submarine Combat System aboard Seawolf-class submarines, and the AN/SQQ-89 Undersea Warfare System aboard Spruance and Arleigh Burke class destroyers and Ticonderoga class cruisers. Under his guidance, remarkable improvements were made in automation and architecture on the AN/BSY-2, providing significant advancements in combat systems performance. The Navy's vision for COTS implementation was made a reality, and today's undersea warfare systems leverage cross-platform synergies and commercial technologies, optimizing the Navy's return on investment and acquisition dollars, due in large part to DeBritz' efforts. As president of the Undersea Systems line of business, his organization has delivered the combat system for the Virginia-class submarine, as well as a variety of new systems from SQQ-89 V(15) Undersea Warfare system, surveillance sensors, and unmanned undersea vehicles.

DeBritz has been recognized by the Navy with awards such as the Navy Certificate of Commendation, Navy Meritorious Civil Service Citation, and Navy's Meritorious Public Service Award. Most recently, he received a special recognition award from the Surface Navy Association for his pioneering efforts on the SQQ-89 undersea warfare system. Last year he received the Marine Technology Society Award for Ocean Science and Engineering for his career work in the sonar field.

O'Neill has over 20 years of strong business and technical credentials. Prior to assuming his current positions, he served as the program manager for submarine combat systems programs, including Virginia class C3I and Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion (ARCI). He began his career with IBM Federal Systems in Manassas which eventually became a Lockheed Martin company. He holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware.

Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Undersea Systems serves the U.S. Navy with leading mine countermeasure systems, surface vessel and submarine electronic warfare systems, undersea warfare systems and sensors. NE&SS-Undersea Systems is headquartered in Manassas, Va., and is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation. 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.