Back in April 2005, Northrop Grumman was awarded a Navy contract to inspect the wings of U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft in order to identify and correct structural fatigue problems. Under this contract Northrop inspected six of the Navy's P-3Cs.During the inspection, technicians were responsible for removing sections of the airframe "skin" from leading edges of the wings. They search for cracks emanating from rivet holes and repaired any damage found. A number of aircraft were either grounded or flying under heavy performance restrictions as they await the inspection.

The Lockheed Martin Corporation's P-3 Orion (on their L-188 Electra commercial airliner) has four turboprop engines, it first entered the inventory in 1962, and more than 40 years later it remains the Navy's sole land-based anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The "C" variant is the only one still in active service. The last Navy P-3C rolled off the production line in 1990.

The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinct tail stinger or "MAD Boom", used for the magnetic detection of submarines. Over the years, the aircraft has seen numerous design advancements, most notably to the electronic packages the aircraft carries. The P-3 Orion is still in used by numerous navies and air forces around the world, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

"We are indebted to the employees, our greatest assets, who have superbly supported our customers at this the site for many years. We are doing everything we can to communicate the way forward to them as well as identifying opportunities for them at other Northrop Grumman locations or elsewhere in the Hagerstown area."