Litton Integrates Marine Ops In New Company

The consolidation of marine industry assets in the United States has taken a rather unique twist, as Litton Industrys – with a strategy of becoming the marine industry's full-service leader – announced the formation of a new company, the Litton Ship Systems Full Service Center (LSS FSC). Litton, which for years has been amassing an impressive arsenal of marine equipment builders and suppliers from around the globe, formed LSS FSC to operate as a stand-alone business within the existing Litton Ship Systems (LSS) organization, with headquarters in Pascagoula, Miss. LSS FSC will provide its customers a full range of research and development, design analysis and life cycle support services. These services will be offered in conjunction with the two LSS shipyards -- Litton Avondale Industries in metro New Orleans, Louisiana, and Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula -- as well as a worldwide network of fleet support offices already in place. "Through our two shipyards, Litton is already one of the nation's leading companies for the design, engineering, construction, and life cycle support of major surface ships for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navies, as well as commercial vessels of all types," said Michael R. Brown, Litton chairman, president and CEO. "In forming this company, Litton is taking the next step in broadening our ability as a significant industry partner in R&D, as a prime contractor for design and production, and as a single point of contact for support services throughout the operational lifetime of a single ship or a fleet of vessels," Brown said. "This new company supplements Litton's well-positioned core businesses, enabling Litton Ship Systems to meet the full-service contractor needs of commercial and international customers, as well as every non-nuclear full-service contractor requirement of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard," said Jerry St. Pe, Litton executive vice president and chief operating officer of Litton Ship Systems. "As a lead shipbuilder for several current classes of U.S. Navy surface combatant and amphibious assault ships, Litton Ingalls and Litton Avondale have a demonstrated expertise as full-service contractors. Additionally, this new company provides an exceptional platform from which to support such critical Navy programs as DD 21, LPD 17 and T-ADC(X). Cavaiola Named President of Litton Ship Systems Full Service Center St. Pe announced that Dr. Lawrence J. Cavaiola, age 52, has been named president of the new Litton Ship Systems Full Service Center. Cavaiola joined Litton Ingalls in 1998 as vice president for government relations and strategic development, and prior to the new assignment was named LSS vice president for strategic and business development. Cavaiola graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., in 1969. He holds a Ph.D. in operations research from The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Prior to joining Litton Ingalls, he served in senior staff positions with the U.S. Congress, in the Department of Defense, and in industry. He served for 26 years on active and reserve service with the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Captain.