U.S. Naval Academy Foundation receives plus US$1-million In voyage management software from Northrop Grumman's Maritime Systems Business Unit.
Northrop Grumman is donating the newest version of its VMS, which incorporates the Electronic Chart Display Information System-Navy (ECDIS-N) technology that has been selected by the Navigator of the Navy and is now the fleet standard. This version is currently installed, or under contract and scheduled for installation, on more than 200 U.S. Navy ships and submarines.
Jeff Holloway, site director of Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems in Charlottesville, as well as a retired career naval officer, former Naval Academy instructor and graduate of the class of 1977, spearheaded the gift-in-kind donation. The donated VMS software will allow midshipmen to use digital charts and Global Positioning System (GPS) in an integrated, automatic plotting system. By using this software in the computer lab, midshipmen are able to acquire relevant training that they will use in the fleet, allowing them to begin their first assignments on ships or submarines already familiar with the system and proficient in its use. This integrated system also enhances an officer's bridge situational awareness while standing watch and improves safety at sea.
"This donation is presented to allow the Naval Academy Professional Development Division to provide state-of-the-art navigation and electronic charting training," said Bill Hannon, vice president of Northrop Grumman Maritime Systems. "We are proud to continue our support to the mission of the United States Naval Academy, and I sincerely hope that this donation enhances the professional development of our Navy's future leaders."
"We are honored by Northrop Grumman's generosity," said Byron Marchant, president and CEO of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, and graduate of the class of 1978.