BAE Systems marks milestone

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – BAE Systems employees gathered at Lake Terrace Convention Center Friday to celebrate the 500th M777 howitzer made in Hattiesburg. The plant is the only supplier of the M777 howitzer, producing 14 of the lightweight howitzers each month. The company is under contract for 737 howitzers by January 2011. The Hattiesburg facility opened in 2003. (Source: Hattiesburg American, 05/09/09) Gulf Coast note: BAE Systems also has operations in Gautier, Miss., and Fort Walton Beach, Fla.