TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 23, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Mission Capability Verification Center (MCVC), White Sands, N.M., received a star distinction from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its commitment to workplace safety.

"This prestigious certification exemplifies Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' (IDS) unwavering commitment to the safety of our workplace environment," said David Hawkins, mission center executive at MCVC. "Through leadership engagement and employee participation we have established ourselves as a leader in safety performance."

The recognition was given as part of OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) that encourages companies to voluntarily meet strict workplace safety and health management standards. Star is the highest level of VPP certification possible.

The center is a part of IDS where Patriot and other missile systems undergo live-fire testing. This coveted distinction is the result of a three-day, on-site evaluation by a team of OSHA health and safety experts.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

http://www.raytheon.com

    Contact:
    Kelly Ascolesi
    858.522.2822

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

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