ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has named Howard Yellen Vice President of Special Operations Support Contractor Logistics Support Services (SOF CLSS). His primary responsibility is executing a 10-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quality contract, potentially worth $5 billion, providing logistics support to U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) around the globe.  The program is based in Lexington, Ky., at the Special Operations Forces Support Activity.

"Howard's background encompasses a military and corporate career spanning nearly 40 years," said Dale Bennett, president of Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics. "He is recognized both within and outside the SOF community as an expert in cross-functional team building and focused leadership, strategic communications, change management, organizational development, and performance improvement."

Before joining Lockheed Martin, Yellen was the executive vice president for Patriarch Partners, a private equity firm. He served 34 years in the U.S. Army; initially as an Infantryman, subsequently transitioning into aviation and culminating his career in special operations, retiring as a brigadier general. His final assignment was Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.  He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Temple University, a masters of science degree from the Navy Postgraduate School and a masters of arts degree from the Naval War College.

SOF CLSS has three primary components: aircraft, vehicle and equipment maintenance; critical infrastructure support; and business process transformation. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will repair and maintain the fleet of special operations aircraft, ground vehicles, weaponry and electronics equipment, to include managing a global supply chain of parts, warehouses and depots. Lockheed Martin will also manage and upgrade the command's critical infrastructure, from secure IT networks to worldwide facilities.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2009 sales of $44.5 billion.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin