LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire
The Southern California Aeronautic Association (SCAA) has selected James F. (Jim) Albaugh, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, as its 2007 Howard Hughes Memorial Award recipient.

The annual award, to be presented at a banquet in Los Angeles on Feb.7, 2008, recognizes aerospace leaders who have made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation and space technology.

"After an extensive review process by the SCAA award committee and past award honorees, we concluded that Jim Albaugh best represents sustained aerospace excellence," said Nissen Davis, chairman of the SCAA's award committee. "He joins an exclusive list of previous award winners, including aviation and space pioneers such as Neil Armstrong, Chuck Yeager and Jack Northrop."

The 29th recipient of the prestigious award, Albaugh leads Boeing's $32.4 billion space and defense business, with major operations in Southern California, Missouri, Texas and Washington, D.C. With 72,000 employees in nearly every state and throughout the world, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems offers the capability-based solutions its customers need to secure their borders, protect their warfighters, provide communications services, respond to natural disasters and explore the far reaches of space.

"From his early days as an engineer in Washington state to his leadership of a multi-billion dollar business unit, Jim Albaugh has demonstrated the vision, enthusiasm and integrity needed to positively impact the aviation and space industries," added Davis. "In the past several years, Jim has played a significant role in integrating legendary Southern California aerospace operations -- Rockwell, McDonnell-Douglas, Hughes Space and Communications -- into The Boeing Company without compromising the technological excellence that has made the region a world leader in aviation and aerospace."

During his 30-year career, Albaugh has managed the research, development, production, modification and support of military aircraft, including fighter, transport, reconnaissance and attack aircraft; helicopters; weapons; space systems; missile defense systems; satellites; and information and battle management systems.

A commemorative sculpture bearing Albaugh's name will remain on permanent display at the Los Angeles International Airport's Flight Path Museum. During the banquet, SCAA also will present Albaugh with a rare, solid silver medallion featuring Howard Hughes' image as well as a depiction of his many accomplishments.

The awards banquet is open to the public. For additional information about SCAA or the 2007 Howard Hughes Memorial Award banquet, call (310) 645-4859 or visit http://www.aeroclubsocal.org.

Founded in 1925 as the Aero Club of Southern California, local chapter of the National Aeronautic Association, SCAA increases public awareness of the new and expanding uses of aviation in the United States and around the world. SCAA is widely credited with saving the famed Hughes HK-1 Flying Boat, now the centerpiece of the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville, Ore.