Boeing

The Boeing Company announced the appointment of Allen B. Ashby as vice president and general manager of the company's Electronic Systems & Missile Defense unit, based in Anaheim, Calif. Ashby replaces Robert D. Paster, who announced his retirement following 38 years of company service. The appointment was effective May 1.

Ashby is responsible for managing the unit's activities in a variety of products and services including strategic missiles, missile defense systems, precision navigation products, as well as electronic and sensor systems. Electronic Systems & Missile Defense (ES&MD) is a part of the Boeing Space and Communications Group.

Ashby is responsible for managing the unit's activities in a variety of products and services including strategic missiles, missile defense systems, precision navigation products, as well as electronic and sensor systems. Electronic Systems & Missile Defense (ES&MD) is a part of the Boeing Space and Communications Group.

"This is a complex and challenging business and I'm pleased to have Allen at the helm," said Jim Albaugh, president, Boeing Space and Communications Group. "We expect significant growth in this area and Allen's experience in both commercial and governments programs provides him the background and insights to be successful."

ES&MD is involved in several programs and services for government and defense customers. For example, the organization is a major player in missile defense. ES&MD equipment and expertise is being applied to programs such as the Patriot Advanced Capability, Navy Theater-Wide Missile Defense System, Short-Range Air- Defense System/Avenger, Kinetic Energy Anti-Satellite System, Enhanced Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle and Air Force XSS Micro-Satellite series.

ES&MD produces and maintains for the U.S. Navy the world's most accurate inertial navigation systems. Today these navigation systems are operating on the latest ballistic and attack submarines.

Continuing with a strong heritage in guidance platforms, ES&MD is now leading a team of contractors to replace the aging guidance system electronics in the Minuteman III ICBM. ES&MD is also working with TRW on the ICBM Prime Integration program. For more than 40 years, ES&MD has helped to produce all successful generations of Minuteman ICBMs.

Prior to this appointment, Ashby served as vice president and deputy general manager of ES&MD. Ashby joined The Boeing Company in 1967 and he has held increasingly responsible positions throughout his career. Until fall 1999, Ashby was president of Sea Launch, a team of multinational companies working together on the first sea-based satellite launching system.

The Boeing ES&MD organization employs approximately 6,000 people at locations nationwide, including Anaheim, Calif.; El Paso, Texas; Heath, Ohio; Huntsville, Ala.; Ogden, Utah; and Seattle, Wash.