AMSEC LLC Appoints New RMCS and MTSS Division Managers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Nov. 26, 2007 – AMSEC LLC has made two appointments to the Maintenance, Modernization and Technical Services (MMTS) Operation. AMSEC, a full-service provider of engineering, logistics and technical support services, is a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman’s Newport News sector.

Leo Owens has been selected as the new Regional Maintenance Center (RMCS) Division Manager within the Maintenance, Modernization and Technical Services (MMTS) Operation. “This was a difficult decision as all of you can appreciate, said Brad Mason, the MMTS Operation’s Director. “I am confident that Leo brings the maturity, knowledge, experience, and leadership required by this widespread and complex division. Leo will need all of your support and teamwork in the foreseeable future as we begin a time-table for his transition from his current position, to what I consider the most challenging division manager’s position at AMSEC.”

Leo will be responsible for directing the company's in-service technical efforts including the Carrier Engineering Maintenance Assist Team (CEMAT), Elevator Support Unit, the West Coast Ship's Engineering Maintenance Assistance Team (SEMAT) Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) Support and other in-service support programs.

Prior to his selection, Owens served as division manager of the Maritime Technical Support Services (MTSS) division within MMTS. He joined AMSEC in 2000 and has worked in positions of increasing responsibility.

When asked to comment on his selection to his new position, Leo stated, “When I first retired from the Navy in 2000 I was hired by Dave LaMontagne. I began working with the very talented management support organization that he and Andy Ott had set up in the Maintenance Support Operation (MSO). I was extremely impressed at the time with their emphasis on quality and customer focus. I know from working within AMSEC over the last seven years that these important attributes are resident throughout the company and are especially important to the work we do in the RMCS Division. I am really excited for the opportunity to work once again with these folks.”

Owens resides in Chesapeake, Va. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a master’s of science in mechanical engineering and marine engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Leo will turn over the MTSS division manager responsibilities to Alden (Hap) Chester, a retired naval officer. Hap comes to AMSEC from the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Newport News where he served as the Deputy Project Supervisor for the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) RCOH.

Prior to his civil service position, Hap worked for Owens where he organized and implemented AMSEC’s Material Condition Assessment Program (MCAP) and managed the project team support for the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 67) Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA).

Hap will be responsible for AMSEC’s support of Availability Planning and Support Programs, including the Carrier Planning Activity (CPA) effort. In addition, Hap will be responsible for Commander Naval Air Forces and Naval Surface Force support and staff related programs.

Hap resides in Suffolk, Va. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Purdue University and a master’s of science in mechanical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Ca.

After making the selection, Brad Mason stated, "Hap is an experienced and successful leader in the life-cycle management and ship repair industry. He will be an asset to the MTSS division and I’m delighted to have him working again at AMSEC in the MMTS operation.”

Hap will transition from his current government civil service position and come aboard November 26th when he will report for indoctrination at the Virginia Beach facility.