United Defense announced the presentation of an environmental stewardship award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Southwest Marine (SWM), its San Diego, Calif., shipyard. EPA Chief of Staff Thomas J. Gibson presented the award to SWM for the company's “outstanding voluntary contributions to environmental protection.” Southwest Marine played a key role, partnering with the EPA, in the development of an Environmental Management Systems Guide. This guide provides a plan for the shipbuilding and ship repair industry to help eliminate or greatly reduce potential sources of environmental pollution during the production process.