U.S. Navy Program Executive Officer for Anti-Submarine Warfare and Assault and Special Mission Programs Thomas E. Laux (right) responds to a reporter's question during a Pentagon briefing on June 14, 2004. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition John J. Young Jr. (left) announced the contract award to Boeing Co. to develop the U.S. Navy's Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft. This aircraft is designed to improve anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.