American Shipbuilding Association

DATE:  January 15, 2007                                             CONTACT: Cynthia L. Brown

                                (202) 544-8170

MIKE PETTERS, NEW CHAIRMAN OF AMERICAN SHIPBUILDING ASSOCIATION

            (Washington, D.C.) – The American Shipbuilding Association (ASA) announces that Mr. Mike Petters, President of Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, VA, has been elected Chairman of the Board of ASA for calendar years 2007 and 2008.  Mr. John F. “Dugan” Shipway, President of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, ME, has been elected as the Association’s Vice Chairman.

Mike Petters graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in physics, and he completed the MBA program at the College of William and Mary in 1993. In 1987, Mr. Petters joined Newport News Shipbuilding in the Los Angeles-class submarine construction division. He has held a number of increasingly responsible positions throughout the organization including Production Supervisor for Submarines; Marketing Manager for Submarines and Carriers; Vice President for Aircraft Carrier Programs; and Vice President for Contracts and Pricing. In 2001, Mr. Petters served as Vice President of Human Resources, Administration and Trades, and in 2004 was named President of Newport News Shipbuilding.

            “His extensive shipbuilding experience, including the management of all facets of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and submarine construction and manufacture, contracting and business development makes him extremely qualified to lead the American Shipbuilding Association at a time when the Nation needs to commit itself to rebuilding the naval fleet. His more than two decades of shipbuilding experience will be a tremendous asset to the industry association,” said Cynthia L. Brown, President of ASA.

            The ASA Vice Chairman, Dugan Shipway, joined Electric Boat in July of 2000 as a Special Assistant to the President and was appointed President of Bath Iron Works on April 28, 2003. Prior to joining Electric Boat, Shipway was a career Navy officer, retiring as a Rear Admiral after 35 years of service.  Throughout his career he specialized in submarines and technical and program management.

            The American Shipbuilding Association is the national trade association of the shipbuilding industry. ASA members include the nation’s six largest shipyards and more than 70 companies engaged in the manufacture of ship systems and components.