Rear Admiral Daniel H. Stone Joins AeroVironment as Vice President of Its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Logistics Operation
MONROVIA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 25, 2007--AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) (NASDAQ:AVAV), a leader in unmanned aircraft systems and efficient electric energy systems, today announced that U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Daniel H. Stone, has joined the company as vice president of its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) logistics operation. AV's logistics operation supports all of the company's globally deployed small UAS, including Raven, Dragon Eye, Wasp and Puma.
Stone brings more than 20 years of supply and logistics experience in the Navy to AeroVironment, most recently serving as the Commander of the Naval Supply Systems Command. Previously he held positions as the initial Director of Logistics for U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and Director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance for the U.S. Pacific Fleet based in Pearl Harbor.
"Dan's experience as the commander of the U.S. Navy's logistics operation will be a significant advantage in ensuring maximum and efficient support to our customers as our cumulative base of deployed small unmanned aircraft systems continues to increase rapidly throughout the world," said Tim Conver, president and chief executive officer, AV. AV has delivered more than 6,000 small UAS to U.S. Armed Forces and allied military forces worldwide and its Raven has logged nearly 25,000 flight hours with the U.S. Army alone.
While Commander of the Naval Supply Systems Command, Stone managed the Navy's largest fulfillment/supply chain organization of 25,000 employees and $8 billion in sales. He also led a global network of customer support operations, aircraft/ship/submarine inventory control points, and the Navy's supply chain and financial software development organization. Stone was responsible for improving supply chain performance for more than 1 million annual orders from U.S. combat operations and 21 foreign navies.
Stone said, "This is an exciting opportunity to apply my experience and knowledge to such a dynamic and innovative company. I look forward to helping expand AV's logistics activities and continue the world class support that it has provided to its customers."
AV provides global logistics support for all of its unmanned aircraft systems in the field. This support includes operational training, system repair and refurbishment. AV's logistics operations are headquartered in Simi Valley, Calif. with forward deployed personnel supporting a depot in Iraq.
About AeroVironment, Inc. (AV)
Building on a history of technological innovation, AV designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and efficient electric energy systems. The company's small UAS are used extensively by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and increasingly by allied military forces to deliver real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition to tactical operating units. AV's PosiCharge® fast charge systems eliminate battery changing for electric industrial vehicles in factories, airports, and distribution centers. For more information about AV, please visit www.avinc.com.
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CONTACT: AeroVironment, Inc.
Steven Gitlin, 626-357-9983
info@avinc.com
or
For AeroVironment, Inc.
Mark Boyer, 310-455-7812
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SOURCE: AeroVironment, Inc.