Lockheed Martin Delivers First C-5M Super Galaxy

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) today delivered the first fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy to the U.S. Air Force at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins AFB, Ga.

The aircraft is the first of three developmental test C-5M aircraft to be delivered, with the other two to be delivered to Dover AFB, Del., in February 2009. All three aircraft successfully completed developmental testing in August 2008. Current Air Force plans call for Lockheed Martin to deliver 52 modernized C-5Ms.

"The C-5 fleet is now beginning to realize its full operational potential as we begin fielding both Avionics Modernization Program and Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program enhanced C-5s for the Air Force," said Lorraine Martin, vice president of the C-5 Program at Lockheed Martin. "The combined U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin team can take great pride in its success, which is keeping this national strategic airlift asset viable for decades to come."

The C-5M Super Galaxy is the product of a two-phase modernization effort. The Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) provides a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and a digital backbone to support the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) modifications. Forty-six C-5 aircraft have completed the AMP modifications. The aircraft already returned to the fleet have logged more than 45,000 hours with the new systems, including many hours flown in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

RERP is the second phase of the modernization effort, which adds new GE CF6-80C2 commercial engines (military designation F108-GE-100) and 70 other enhancements or replacements of major components and subsystems. The additional 10,000 lbs of thrust per propulsion system creates 40,000 lbs of additional thrust across the platform, significantly improving operational performance. This comprehensive modernization program improves the fleet mission-capable rate (aircraft availability) and the overall reliability and maintainability of the aircraft while reducing total ownership costs. C-5 modernization is expected to pay for itself with operational savings.

The C-5 has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation simultaneously. The C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems. With more than 70 percent of its structural service life remaining, Lockheed Martin is committed to sustaining the C-5 fleet throughout its lifecycle. The C-5M Super Galaxy will continue to be a force enabler through 2040.

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Big Lots Announces Award Recipients in Lots2Give Contest

GFP Note: Congratulations to Feagin Mill Middle School, of Warner Robins, GA.

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Just in time for back to school, Big Lots (NYSE:BIG) announced today that 26 schools will share $80,000 in cash prizes to help get their school year off to a great start. One $10,000 grand prize winner, three $5,000 first place winners, and 22 second place finalists are being awarded $2,500 prizes for their creativity in the first-ever Big Lots Lots2Give Contest. America voted for their favorite videos and the results are in with McCarthy Teszler School of Spartanburg, SC selected as the grand prize winner thanks to a school staff member's nomination.

Big Lots, the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, launched the Lots2Give contest by creating an online campaign at www.lots2give.com for parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to log on and nominate the school of their choice. From May 5 - June 21, Lots2Give entrants were asked to create a short video (90 seconds or less) and write a brief paragraph explaining why their school deserved the $10,000 grand prize. The public was then invited to vote for the winners between June 30 and July 22 and cast an amazing 365,614 votes for their favorites.

And the winners are...

Big Lots Chairman and CEO Steve Fishman and Senior Vice President of Marketing Rob Claxton will be on hand to present the McCarthy Teszler School with the $10,000 prize money on August 1 at the Spartanburg, SC Big Lots store. The following three schools were selected as first place prize winners and also will be awarded $5,000 in separate ceremonies: Pleasant Grove Elementary School, of Inverness, FL; Feagin Mill Middle School, of Warner Robins, GA; and Rowlesburg School, of Rowlesburg, WV. Additionally, 22 schools will receive $2,500 thanks to the nominations of the contest's second place prize winners. A complete list of entrants and their videos are accessible online at www.lots2give.com or available upon request.

Throughout the year, Big Lots supports community-based efforts that enhance student learning and the contest was created to reward schools throughout the country that are in need of materials, books, and equipment. "We know that students who have the proper learning materials are more likely to do better in school, and in life," said Steve Fishman, Chairman and CEO, Big Lots. "We recognize the importance a solid education plays in preparing young people for a successful future and are grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve by providing funding to help inspire learning."

Back to School Savings as Easy as 1-2-3

In tandem with the theme of the Lots2Give contest, Big Lots stores across the country will be recognizing educators with special discounts on brand name school supplies. Aiming to make it easier for educators to have the tools they need to do their job, Big Lots will host a Teacher Appreciation Day at store locations across the country on Saturday, August 2nd. Those with valid school identification will receive an extra 10% off their entire back to school shopping purchase.

"We know that educators and parents alike shop Big Lots to find the very best deals on their back to school supplies. Teacher Appreciation Day is our way of letting educators know how much they are valued and appreciated. We hope these types of programs and events help lighten the burden of keeping their classrooms stocked," said Rob Claxton, Big Lots Senior Vice President of Marketing.