10:16 GMT, November 18, 2009 RESTON, Va. | AgustaWestland North America (AWNA) is pleased to announce that it was recently awarded a $17.35 million U.S. Navy contract to provide depot level maintenance on three Egyptian Mk-2 variant H-3 helicopters. The contract provides full funding for this effort, which began in November 2008, and calls for complete refurbishment of the aircraft structure and all aircraft components. AWNA will also complete all safety checks to ensure the aircraft are flight ready.

Work will be carried out at the company's 88,000 square foot maintenance repair and overhaul facility in Hagerstown, Maryland. Up to 20 new employees are expected to be added to the existing staff of 26 at Hagerstown Airport. All work on the H-3 helicopters is estimated to be completed in December of 2010.

"AgustaWestland North America is honored to receive this contract from the U.S. Navy," said AgustaWestland North America Chief Executive Officer, R. Scott Rettig. "I am proud of our team and our close working relationship with the U.S. Navy. I look forward to future growth and successes of our Hagerstown operations, as we continue to expand our U.S. footprint and meet the specific needs of the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense."