NEWPORT NEWS, Va., 30 Jan. 2010. Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC) completed a radar upgrade and modernization of the combat system for the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Northrop Grumman's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va., was the prime contractor for the work, which occurred during the ship's post shakedown availability and selected restricted availability (PSA/SRA). A PSA/SRA is a typical availability in the early life of a carrier that allows the Navy and Northrop Grumman team to resolve any items that came up during trials and delivery and make fleet modernization upgrades.

Other work performed included compartment reconfigurations and minor repairs.

Named after America's 41st president, USS George H. W. Bush is the 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. At 1,092 feet in length, USS George H. W. Bush is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. It weighs 97,000 tons, is powered with two nuclear reactors, and operates for more than 20 years without refueling.